Losing it slowly , one day at the time . Summer trip to Thailand and Cambodia in July 2026

[vinapu]

 

Day 15

 In the room announcement – my guy can stay only till 3 as he has visa run to do . Of well, I made sure we utilized whatever time we had and replaced LT tip with ST one. He did not blink an eye.

I’m pretty sure he did not made it up because in the evening he actually sent me a message ‘ I’m back already ‘ fully knowing I’m in Bangkok and won’t be back in Pattaya this trip.

At least I could catch few hours of good sleep. , Waked up at 8 but somehow after sprucing myself up I was not in rush to go for breakfast lazing  in the room instead. I’m very sure it was Guardian Angel who hold me back from going down. When eventually went there  , room was pretty full but I spotted empty table in the corner so marched there.

 

At the table beside there was sitting farang  / Thai couple and when passed by them bespectacled Thai smiled at be broadly. I smile at people so get smiles back often but few minutes later he came to my table and asked “do you remember me?”, pulled his phone and on it picture of both of us together on stairs inside long gone BBB Inn on Rama 4 .

  O my Almighty God!!! Of course I recalled him immediately, T .!. What a memory . It must be at least 7 or 8 years thought I when we saw each other. ( Upon return home I checked and last time we saw each other was in Dec 2016, 9 ½ years ago.) .He was my regular in 2014-2016 and actually first time we met was in long gone Banana massage in Sukhumvit soi 5. I still remember his electrifying look when we met first time.

 Now happily married to his companion , Dane and living there. Glad to see both of them happy , not to mention good looking both . His husband took  our picture together  as eternal souvenir of such pleasant and totally unexpected meeting. Late breakfast in hotel I spent only 2 nights ! What probability of meetup like that is? . I asked for permission to hug T, husband said ‘ of course “  so for old times sake we hugged till next time, who knows where and when.

Even now, two weeks later I smile at recollection, one of those unexpected pleasures in life ! It needs to be said that he did not change at all , other than wearing glasses ,  in all those years.

 I returned to the room, packed  what I had and at 11.40  went to Jomtien bus station  to catch my noon but to Swampy. I utilized my time to catch up with forum as well as folks on Line and WhatsApp .

On my way  a thought actually crossed my mind  , if that would be my trip to the airport in order to fly  home already , I could live with that.

 At 1.50 pm. we were at the airport , train and BTS to NORN café beside Silom soi 10.

I made separate thread about that addition to Silom sleeping scene  and of course as soon as I settled there I made resolve to test  their rule about no overnight guests allowed. 

 New hotel on the block-NORN CAFE AND STAY - Gay Bangkok - Gay Guides Forum

 

After settling in I went to Foodland  to eat something and when I was leaving I met guy I have my designs on for quite a while. As he initiated hug , I have right to suspect , he may not be entirely against seeing me as well. I should ask him about tonight but somehow  I did not but at least I told him  ‘ see you in your bar later on’ earning broad and knowing smile. Let call him MIFF (  Met In Front of Foodland )

At 8 I went to Midnight bar , P was there but seemed bit unhappy so I bought him a drink and let  him  to demolish me in some board game  I had no idea of what rules of are.

 Then returned to hotel as I realized I don’t have much cash on me. At 10 went to pick up MIFF who suggested we go to Jupiter to see the show.  Who I’m to say no ?

 It was not too full, during walkabout more boys than spectators  but closer  to the show start bar filled up solidly . I start looking familiar there as few boys smiled at me, what’s more important , those were boys I’d like to get smile from . Yahooo !. One of them , JW from day 5 even stopped by to say hallo  which opportunity I used to ask him about tomorrow night . Reserved for me he said. 

No I was not acting assholishly – MIFF at the moment went to the washroom upstairs so I was sitting alone.

 In the room some steam release, then quiet night and quite  an action in the morning . So my 2^nd last night finished in style. I walked him down . there was somebody already behind the counter  but no, did not blink an eye seeing I’m not exactly alone.

 

[vinapu]

50 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

You probably didn't like the guys at Dreamboys and ABomb because they were fully-dressed.

quite possible or perhaps it was one of my lesbian moments 

[vinapu]

57 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

We all know the type of guys you like. If you had offed a guy from Sunee Bar, something must be wrong with you!

when I look back at this trip, it must be some wrong with me as quite a chunk of my selection were boys of not exactly my type, at least body wise . It's why on my last day I made sure I met two meaty and hunky guys to ensure I stay the course, lol

[vinapu]

51 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

You should have taken the cable car ride down to the beach!

I should and I regret  I did not but when buying a ticket I was not sure whether it works at all . Next time I will be smarter and more adventurous

[vinapu]

38 minutes ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Yes Vinapu!!

During your next visit let us descend together from the Pattaya Park Tower in a fun way 🪂🪂🪂

 

 

deal and you have  that in writing here

[jason1975]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

when I look back at this trip, it must be some wrong with me as quite a chunk of my selection were boys of not exactly my type, at least body wise . It's why on my last day I made sure I met two meaty and hunky guys to ensure I stay the course, lol

Yes. Always good to end trip with proven quality

[jason1975]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

 In the room announcement – my guy can stay only till 3 as he has visa run to do . Of well, I made sure we utilized whatever time we had and replaced LT tip with ST one. He did not blink an eye.

I’m pretty sure he did not made it up because in the evening he actually sent me a message ‘ I’m back already ‘ fully knowing I’m in Bangkok and won’t be back in Pattaya this trip.

Another last minute backing out of long time!

Is it even possible to do a visa run from 3am to 8pm?

[jason1975]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

At the table beside there was sitting farang  / Thai couple and when passed by them bespectacled Thai smiled at be broadly. I smile at people so get smiles back often but few minutes later he came to my table and asked “do you remember me?”, pulled his phone and on it picture of both of us together on stairs inside long gone BBB Inn on Rama 4 .

  O my Almighty God!!! Of course I recalled him immediately, T .!. What a memory . It must be at least 7 or 8 years thought I when we saw each other. ( Upon return home I checked and last time we saw each other was in Dec 2016, 9 ½ years ago.) .He was my regular in 2014-2016 and actually first time we met was in long gone Banana massage in Sukhumvit soi 5. I still remember his electrifying look when we met first time.

 Now happily married to his companion , Dane and living there. Glad to see both of them happy , not to mention good looking both . His husband took  our picture together  as eternal souvenir of such pleasant and totally unexpected meeting. Late breakfast in hotel I spent only 2 nights ! What probability of meetup like that is? . I asked for permission to hug T, husband said ‘ of course “  so for old times sake we hugged till next time, who knows where and when.

Even now, two weeks later I smile at recollection, one of those unexpected pleasures in life ! It needs to be said that he did not change at all , other than wearing glasses ,  in all those years.

Happy that you met T. And his husband was so nice to talk to you and even take a photo together. You must have treated T well when you met him all those years ago hence he remembered you.

[jason1975]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

After settling in I went to Foodland  to eat something and when I was leaving I met guy I have my designs on for quite a while. As he initiated hug , I have right to suspect , he may not be entirely against seeing me as well. I should ask him about tonight but somehow  I did not but at least I told him  ‘ see you in your bar later on’ earning broad and knowing smile. Let call him MIFF (  Met In Front of Foodland )

At 8 I went to Midnight bar , P was there but seemed bit unhappy so I bought him a drink and let  him  to demolish me in some board game  I had no idea of what rules of are.

 Then returned to hotel as I realized I don’t have much cash on me. At 10 went to pick up MIFF who suggested we go to Jupiter to see the show.  Who I’m to say no ?

 It was not too full, during walkabout more boys than spectators  but closer  to the show start bar filled up solidly . I start looking familiar there as few boys smiled at me, what’s more important , those were boys I’d like to get smile from . Yahooo !. One of them , JW from day 5 even stopped by to say hallo  which opportunity I used to ask him about tomorrow night . Reserved for me he said. 

No I was not acting assholishly – MIFF at the moment went to the washroom upstairs so I was sitting alone.

 In the room some steam release, then quiet night and quite  an action in the morning . So my 2^nd last night finished in style. I walked him down . there was somebody already behind the counter  but no, did not blink an eye seeing I’m not exactly alone.

Who is MIFF? How did you get to know him and get his Line contact to arrange a meet-up in the first place?

JW was entreprising enough to approach you knowing that you like him.

The game that P plays is checkers. Easy to learn. Easy to play. But against checkers champion P, difficult to beat him!

[floridarob]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

It needs to be said that he did not change at all , other than wearing glasses ,  in all those years.

And you haven't either since he recognized you first..... must be all that marching, even at breakfast. (thought I'd miss it?)

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Another last minute backing out of long time!

Is it even possible to do a visa run from 3am to 8pm?

if you know where and how, answer is yes

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Happy that you met T. And his husband was so nice to talk to you and even take a photo together. You must have treated T well when you met him all those years ago hence he remembered you.

truth to be told it was T who recognized me and did it on instant. I probably wouldn't  because he is wearing glasses now. 

Yes,  we enjoyed each other company in it's time  on multiple occasions. His massage skills were one of the best in the industry - he learned the skill at Wat Po.

When BBB Inn closed we lost contact because I did not have smartphone and the  time  

Luck was that it was only one table empty and it was right beside them. It was one of those thing which were bound to happen I guess. 

Husband is super nice and I wish them well  , they seem to be about the same age. 

[vinapu]

13 hours ago, jason1975 said:

Who is MIFF? How did you get to know him and get his Line contact to arrange a meet-up in the first place?

JW was entreprising enough to approach you knowing that you like him.

The game that P plays is checkers. Easy to learn. Easy to play. But against checkers champion P, difficult to beat him!

I spotted MIFF in his bar few times previously. We exchanged WhatsApp , not Line , for a while I had issues with Line  as I could receive messages and couldn't send them out. 

I liked casual  way JW approached me in the bar, exactly as it should be , friendly hallo and no pressing for tip / dunk / off .

It was like he felt tomorrow is his as I already made my mind , he just did not know about it , lol.

I gladly let P beat me up in checkers. Too bad he was not in the mood that evening. 

9 hours ago, floridarob said:

And you haven't either since he recognized you first..... must be all that marching, even at breakfast. (thought I'd miss it?)

I did, it was visible on the picture he showed me. But obviously I did not change as much so I look that different. 

As for marching I inserted it for purpose in the narrative and it was even tempted to say ' Rob did you notice ? "  but decided it would be too low class to imply you wouldn't , so I said nothing.  

[vinapu]

 Day 16,

MIFF went home skipping on breakfast but I ordered their breakfast plate , whole thing was prepared right in front of me . 200 baht, tea or coffee extra. Tasty and well presented. Test run of Norn   Café and Stay went very well and definitely is on my list  of places to return to in the future.

Room spacious and bed comfortable, Silom traffic did not bother or affect me at all. Today I’m trying another new place – Arni Hexa in soi Wat Hualampong.. after checking out at 12 I just walked out there.  

I also started separate thread about that place.

New hotel on the block ARNI HEXA - Gay Bangkok - Gay Guides Forum

 

I walked there but unfortunately room was not ready so I decided  to drop my luggage at reception and do some touristy stuff . First short walk to Wat Hualampong itself. It’s so close to Silom area but I suspect most of us rarely visit there .  From there I went to check Hualampong station itself , ever railways lover I decided to see Bangkok from track level and took 3 baht, 30 minutes ride to Hua Mak train station. Tracks are right under familiar ARL line but  city looks very  different  from train perspective.

Plan was to return by ARL  but I noticed there’s return train to Hualampong if literally few minutes so invested another 3 baht and boarded train in other direction. Cheap and interesting fun trip. By time I returned to hotel I had room ready for me. Not  very spacious but smelling all new , bed comfortable. In meantime  I felt I need to hug some body mass today so contacted Baul on Grindr and he had time for massage session at 4.30.

On the dot he arrived and we had great time again although today he seemed to be busier than last week and stuck to his scheduled time. Business is business.

At 8 pm  to Midnight for a drink with Alex and Lao waiter, P seems to have day off today. Next step was Banana club, I had a beer with one of their barker outside while people watching , then went inside to   see a bit of their non-stop show. At 10.30 to Jupiter, JW spotted me instantly but told me he will join me after the show which was fully expected. Distributed few tips to smiling guys during walkabout , watched  show and admired their guys as always. This trip I visited Jupiter more times that on   last few trips together. I’m warming up to their offer quite fast.

After show JW and me went to  Sunrise Tacos in the corner to eat something and them walked  through Patpong 1 to hotel. Another  hunky hunk today, my last this trip. I liked our session although not as much as previous one last week. Lack of novelty  value or what?  .

 JW asked to leave at 6.30 claiming having  some morning chores to  do and I did not protest much.

I guess I’m already in ‘ return home ‘ mood

 

[vinapu]

Wat Hualampong , so close but often overlooked 

 

[vinapu]

Bangkok as seen from humble train tracks level

train entering Hua Mak train station

[vinapu]

Day 17   Going home

After JW collected his bounty and left I spruced myself and went for last time this trip to Foodland to have my final breakfast. In the supermarket I bought some coffee I liked to take home then went to the room to pack   and go. BTS  / ARL combination to the airport, formalities were breeze , and only thing left was to wait for my plane to take off at scheduled 12.40 p.m. .

When on the train  I realized that even if that trip was bordering on fabulous I’m quite content it’s over and I’m going home already.

 Only dark clouds were outside as substantial mid-day storm started with heavy rain and multiple lightnings. Direct result of that was announcement that  flight to Taipei will depart later then scheduled and passengers connecting there to few selected destinations, including mine  are asked to form the line at designated place.

 As result of mechanical problem our aircraft returned bit late from previous destination and couldn’t land  because of that mid-day storm – regulations sensibly prohibit people working outside in case of active lightening’s we were explained. So about 3 dozen of us  were informed that airline is looking at alternative solution of getting us home . Our aircraft departed but without us since we did not have a chance to catch our connecting flight.

 After about 1.5 hour of suspension we were escorted to Thai’s Royal Orchid Lounge , my first even visit in such a place. Resigned to my fate  I even liked it, comfortable  chairs, unlimited food , both hot and cold dishes, showers, truly classy waiting room . It was only one thing I did not like and it was getting more annoying by the hour – temperature was set waaay too low to my liking, I had light jacket and sweater  but truly I don’t travel to Thailand in August  to get frozen – I have plenty of it at home for quite a few months year after year.

 Surely fact that I helped myself with no less then three servings of Haagen Dazs ice cream did not help. Anyways somehow I survived. In the evening we were given boarding passes for 22.30 flight to Seoul and from there  for flight home next morning.

Of course I couldn’t dream about picking a seat and was given  dreaded middle seat for that 7 hrs.  flight but surprisingly it worked for me well . I fell asleep before even plane took off and was woken up when they started serving morning snack. Arrived quite rested.

 Incheon is fabulous  airport and when I spotted showers  I decided to indulge for  some 5$ ( 7000 won for transit passengers) and actually took one, after all it was already 24 hrs. since I had previous shower in the hotel.

 Second leg was kind of daytime flight so spent partially reading , partially sleeping and I arrived home in one big piece , only 12 hours later than originally scheduled closing books on my 44^th trip to Thailand.  

 

 

[ichigo]

Thanks for sharing your report! Sad that I missed your arrival by about 1 week but I am sure we will run into each other at some point in the near or far future!

[bkkmfj2648]

Thanks for your usual great trip report and it was great to see you again in your 44th visit to Thailand.

I was hoping that you would divulge what you were feeling/thinking when you assigned the title to this trip report =

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

When on the train  I realized that even if that trip was bordering on fabulous I’m quite content it’s over and I’m going home already.

I fear that it might be sad or bad news - based on what you wrote above.

Do the words, "losing it slowly..." imply that you are becoming tired with Thailand?

 

[floridarob]

42 minutes ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

I was hoping that you would divulge what you were feeling/thinking when you assigned the title to this trip report

I thought he answered this somewhere, I'm not very good with the search function, where is Detective Peter when you need him for those deep dives into the archives 🤷‍♂️

Was it related to a song or something ?

[spoon]

10 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Thanks for your usual great trip report and it was great to see you again in your 44th visit to Thailand.

I was hoping that you would divulge what you were feeling/thinking when you assigned the title to this trip report =

I fear that it might be sad or bad news - based on what you wrote above.

Do the words, "losing it slowly..." imply that you are becoming tired with Thailand?

 

I believe its money, losing money slowly hehe. So its a good thing, coz with money, u want to lose slowly not rapidly

[spoon]

11 hours ago, vinapu said:

closing books on my 44^th trip to Thailand.  

Thanks for another great trip report. Grateful that I somehow responsible for this trip happening earlier, and being part of it more than half of your trip. Low season has it perks and i can hardly find any fault. Hopefully we can meet again in the near future

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, spoon said:

 Grateful that I somehow responsible for this trip happening earlier, and being part of it more than half of your trip. Low season has it perks and i can hardly find any fault. Hopefully we can meet again in the near future

not somehow but entirely you are responsible for me going there earlier than planned. It worked . It was great to have such fun while boy hunting and sightseeing together. Surprisingly perhaps I'm most impressed with how weather co-operated.

Now I'm extending my trip pleasure with nightly brew of BOH tea, for which I'm grateful  to YT eternally. 

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, floridarob said:

I thought he answered this somewhere, I'm not very good with the search function, where is Detective Peter when you need him for those deep dives into the archives 🤷‍♂️

Was it related to a song or something ?

No

2 hours ago, spoon said:

I believe its money, losing money slowly hehe. So its a good thing, coz with money, u want to lose slowly not rapidly

No

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

I fear that it might be sad or bad news - based on what you wrote above.

Do the words, "losing it slowly..." imply that you are becoming tired with Thailand?

 

Yes.

Not as much with Thailand. How one can even be tired with  Thailand is beyond my imagination , at least for now.

But whole boy hunting concept lost it's luster for me. For years I was  buying illusion , was happy to pay for it and guys were more or less, usually more, often much more ,  happy to deliver it as expected. 

Now It's more like " happy to see you again tomorrow but now can you eat bit faster because  we want to clean the table and go home or move to next table "   .

Perhaps I changed, not them. I'm not negative and don't blame anything and anybody. Trip was great, boys were great.

Being back home is even greater