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Berlin police department had then unit called „Thieves and Male escorts“. And indeed, prostitution was drivven by economic reasons, same as Patpong.

Can the mods move this thread into the Pattaya section?

Of course we must as good citizens in this world community show empathy if not sympathy to the old , well let me tell you sweetheart times are a changing and no one cares to give you empathy anymore , Go to the gym , even I can run up several flights of stairs and I'm 89 , push your yourself past the borders of meridian, past the threshold of age,and past the New World order World order is kicking in and you will be laying on the ground in all your pity whilst a nurse stands over you with her arms folded shaking her head at your weakness !! And trying to give you an injection 💉 Oh you poor old man ...oh 😭 Gym !! Do squats ! Survival

Not true. This is a topic you're clearly well-versed in and I've enjoyed reading your thoughtful explanations the few times you've bothered to make them. 😊

Why couldn't you book directly with the smaller, Thai-owned hotels @daydreamer?

I had to google "Baedeker" as I had never heard of it. Have a few Lonely Planets though and the last Lonely Planet Thailand written by Joe Cummings and therefore worth reading. I've read Christopher Isherwood's novels and seen the movie starring Colin Firth, A Single Man, who was brilliant in it. I remember thinking if only they had gay Patpong back then. 😅

Thanks DD for the link. I don't know if you know that district but the hospital is huge, no HUGE. Very modern and if you go into the outpatient's department it is so clean (polished marble etc.) but HUNDREDS of people milling there. Everybody coming to assist. I'm very good with my helpless farang act (not so much of an act these days). Sorry, I'm drifting off topic again The site stretches from Silom up to Siam incorporating the university. I was curious and asked Google how many staff work there. Their reply was that there were no figures separating university and medical staff but the total was 37,000!

Thank you. Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with @pong2,at least under that name. Other details?

Paraphimosis

Glad you enjoyed karaoke @vinapu I feel guilty. You wrote your trip report which happened one month ago but I have been so lazy to write mine!

In the morning breakfast in Foodland , Jason was already there. Updated us about karaoke preparations. Lunch at Sarica, again 5 members congregated – Kram, Ichigo, Jason 1975, Enchanted Elixir and what is his name? oh, I know, vinapu. We agreed to meet at 8 in Banana outside and go for karaoke from there. I, tormented by jet lag went to hotel, fixed alarm for 7.30 and collapsed on the bed, Jason organized everything. It needs to be said it was my first karaoke ever. He offed 3 boys, including one of my Midnight bar favorite hosts P and our congregation met at Banana then we marched to soi 6 to Club where room was ready for us. . We ordered some drinks and Burmese food and singing started. I was surprised to discover that all three boys have quite nice voices and their singing went very well. D showed up after a while as well. I liked whole experience and I’m eternally grateful to Jason for putting it all together. P kept me company all that time for which he was decently tipped, glad to notice D was not jealous. Rightly so because at end of day it was him who got invited to check my stamp collection again. I sensed P was bit disappointed. After 3 hours part was over , we went to Foodland for a late supper. At 4 am D announced he needs to go as he needs to pick up his cousin from the airport. I was not happy to hear that and for a moment thought “ is our party over for good with such antics “ but resigned to my fate. Haste to say that , while poorly handled , it was likely legitimate excuse as our subsequent meetings after I returned to Bangkok went without glitch . Breakfast at Foodland, Jason was there already. He is going back home today but we will be meeting in Singapore tomorrow evening we agreed . If you recall from day one, I met L at Prince but we couldn’t communicate since because I did not have my phone with me. Luckily today I spotted him on Grindr , messaged him and invited to my room at 5 pm. Greet two hours together. It turned out he lives close to my hotel. After he left I packed my stuff for tomorrow’s flight to Singapore and decided to leave most of my stuff in suitcase in the hotel. I love to travel light. At 9pm meeting with ichigo and another member at Banana. It was time to say good byes to both, Ichigo went home as he felt bit under water and another member and me trekked to Good Boys. Instantly we become object of attention but today it was offing time for me as I had other ideas. But bought a drink for Burmese boy I offed few times in the past . I keep him in high regard because when he was in Jupiter he has distinction of being first ever Jupiter boy who smiled at me. After we left I send message to L asking if he is able to return to my room for another round. Answer was immediate and positive and since he lives nearby we both arrived at the lobby at the same time. I needed some consolator before flying to Singapore for the first time in my life in the morning .

I wonder if you found the location of Isherwood and Auden's favourite gay bar, The Cosy Corner. It was where working men - and boys - were prostitutes. As one website mentions, it was a "truly decadent place". Undoubtedly no blue plaque!

I visited the park on one of my first ever visits to Japan decades ago. It is perfectly lovely. Smaller than many other parks but so typically Japanese and beautiful. I was there in the summer. I am sure in the sakura and late autumn fall colour seasons it will be wonderful, but I expect you would be joining a hoard of other visitors.

Thanks for the Queretaro report. I've been there a handful of times in past decades. It has a sizeable foreign-born population because of the large number of international corporations. Primarily, I view it as an industrial city once you get away from the historic center. It's well-located to visit other cities in the Central Highlands as well as a relatively short jaunt to Mexico City. I've traveled extensively in Mexico for many years and though each of us has different criteria QRO wouldn't be on my list of places to relocate. It's good to check out the possibilities before moving; it's the smart thing to do. I returned, yesterday, from a two-week trip in Mexico: Mexico City (CDMX), Toluca, Atlixco and Puebla (in Puebla State), and Tlaxcala.

After such eventful first day I felt energized even if I already forgot what decent sleep means. Nasty morning news – railway accident near Ubon with crane collapsing on the passing train, reportedly 40 victims. Cleaning lady chased me away from room so I went to XOne to change more money, I like to have pockets full. Lunch with Christian PFC in new Foodland . We talked about Singapore where I’m going in few days. He gave me some leftover money from there. In the afternoon I expect guest in the room. Another Grindr massage guy recommended to me by one of our members. In turn I recommended him to another member who was not that much impressed so I was curious who was right. First impression when he showed up – his profile pic on Grindr must be 5 years old if not more . Still looking not bad. I needed that massage and he turned out to be great , well above average . Right coverage and pressure and not inclined to drown me in oil. That part was 5 star. Afters, not so. Very mechanical and clearly there was no spark . We exchanged Line but I think we both knew it’s in vain. But yes , if I need massage and massage only I’d call him again. In the evening dinner with Ichigo in Foodland , then to Banana Club in soi 4 for drink outside . Soon one more member joined us and we went inside to see the show – very enjoyable. We distributed few tips. Past midnight I went to hotel, this time alone hoping to get some decent sleep . I even set my lar clock for 11 am in case I sleep that long as I’m changing hotels. It was not necessary – I woke up at 7 am . Moved from Raya to Baan Silom , it’s where my 3rd floor room stretch started. For lunch finally I tried highly recommended chicken with cashew nuts at Sarica. All those accoladed were correct – that’s the best version in Bangkok so far. Double of Foodland price but so it serving size, probably enough for two if each orders bowls of rice. Next sudden bout of sleepiness – jet lag ! In hotel I collapsed on the bed but managed to set alarm in the phone. When it rung I did not know where I’m . For moment I thought I’m at home . It took me a while to regain my consciousness , scary stuff. In the evening dinner with 3 members at G’s , soon after we started 4th one more joined , Jason 1975 straight from the airport. Next we checked Circus – my first visit there ever. One of models looked familiar – it turned I observe him on X (Twitter), one of hosts looked familiar too – I offed him few times when he was in Hot Male. At 10 pm , we went to Jupiter where soon Enchanted Elixir joined us, also fresh from the airport. Friday night but bar was not packed. Show was great but boys parade – as usual, no smiles , disinterested looks, boy timed during walkabout did not even bothered to look at me during next one. But esthetics are there – all boys were good looking , at least they keep their standards there. After the show whole gang , by that time 6 of us , went to Foodland where we spotted one former member, Jason invited 2 boys for a meal and I asked D to join us In short we threw mini party there. After festivities everybody went his way , D and me walked to hotel for another night of world peace discussion. Before we parted ways at Foodland Jason suggested we threw out karaoke party in the evening. All applauded

I thought they had all left but Amen (extreme right) is back. His younger brother is at Jupiter too.

Many are not aware that Booking.com is not just one search engine. It is the parent of quite a few. Booking.com, Agoda, Priceline, Kayak, Getaroom, Momondo and HotelsCombined (which I used to use a lot for vacation travel) and others are all subsidiaries of Booking.com which is listed on the Nasdaq 100. Phishing is not Booking.com's only problem. Six months ago a law suit was taken out by the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes in Europe (Hotrec) with more than 10,000 hotels in Europe joining the suit alleging that booking.com - used its muscle to distort the market to their detriment over a 20-year period . . . It alleges that the “best price” pledge on Booking.com was extracted from hotels under huge pressure not to offer rooms at lower prices on other platforms, including their own websites. The hotel industry says that the Netherlands-based platform also used the clauses to prevent customers making what it called “free-rider” bookings, which it defined as using its services to find a hotel but then booking directly with the management, cutting out Booking.com. A study by Hotrec and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland found that Booking Holding, the website’s parent company, controlled 71% of the European market in 2024, compared with 68.4% in 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/07/thousands-of-hotels-in-europe-to-sue-booking-com-over-abusive-practices In 2024 the European Court of Justice ruled that clauses that prevented hotels from offering lower prices on their own or other websites are anti-competitive. Booking.com charges hotels commissions of between 10% and 25% with the global average being around 15%. With so many sites under booking.com's control, it's little wonder the company makes mega-profits. Little wonder, too, that booking directly with a hotel will usually - but not always - provide a more competitive rate (but always depending on season and other variables).

What a stupid tittle for trip report – if somebody says that , I won’t blame him . I’d do the same. Still I stick to it. Reason is simple – during my month -long trip which took me to 4 countries of SE Asia I stay in 11 hotels and in 9 of those I was given room on , you guessed it correctly, third floor. Arrived at Swampy past midnight. Quite crowded , I was 11th in priority line. By time I cleared immigration and bought SIM card, my luggage popped out so I could go straight to taxi. Driver suggested 500 to Silom, I agreed but said ‘you pay the tolls”, he nodded approvingly. Considering that meter would be 300 plus 50 airport fee plus 75 tolls, that 500 was not that extortionate . In passing I noticed that exchange booths are giving less then 30 baht for a dollar , never seen dollar that low. In taxi I contacted D. He is boy I was watching on Grindr and in June spotted him in Dreamboys. Offed him , we hit it one so in Aug he was my companion for most nights. As enthusiastic on 10th meeting as he was on 1st to a degree that I considered D monodiet on Thai part of this trip but as we learn soon life intervened providing some variety. Few minutes after I entered my Raya room, one of two this trip NOT on 3rd floor, phone buzzed – D arrived for reunion, smiling and clingy as always. He once said ‘ my body is yours to enjoy” and that says a lot about his attitude. In the morning we had breakfast in hotel and then parted ways. My watch stopped at 1.30. , battery dead I thought so went to soi 5 market to see if I can get it fixed. Battery was good, It was mechanism which died after 25 years of service. But it turned new oner can be had for 400 and watch will be ready in 4 hrs. Then to XOne to exchange money. In the afternoon jet lag started to rise its ugly head but I couldn’t sleep. Guardian Angel passed by and suggested I walk to Prince in Soi Suan Plu 6 so I did. On main street I noticed barbers are charging 150 for haircut , shop after shop so went in first without customers and got spruced up. In front of Prince , like last time , James whom I saw first time in Arena back in 2013 welcomed me but somehow Guardian Angel told me to check inside who is available. And there he was – L ,another guy I was watching on Grindr. Not just standing there but smiling at me so my choice was easy. Mamasan talked me to take VIP room , I gladly did , after all it’s my 1st day on month long trip. 1.5 hr. session , I thought I’m in paradise or something. Massage great and guy even better, knowing well his job and sensing why I’m there. Stupidly I left my phone in the room so we couldn’t exchange Line or WhatsApp. My only hope was I will find him on Grindr and contact him there or if comes to worst , will return to Prince in day or two. What I secured from L was that he is very willing to do Long Time. It looked that between D and L I will have Bangkok part of tip secured. In the evening meetup in Foodland with two forum members, talk over dinner and when time came , we all three went to Tawan. Bar was full, not that it’s hard task to fill it up, but full it was. It was quite refreshing to be in bar knowing that I ‘m not looking for an off. Of course K planted himself right beside me so I treated him with drink but told him right away, no offs tonight because I like girls now. After show we parted ways , I went to Dreamboys to see what was going on the scene and of course picked up D for another round of stamp collecting. Great start for the trip , that day one.

I fully accept you are the expert here. However, if Britain and other colonial powers had not introduced anti-sodomy laws and not only had them on these countries' statute books for around a century but also rigorously enforced them, might today's anti-gay sentiments be less? Might not those African countries which had been colonised just continue what they had been practising before the colonial powers arrived (and I frankly do not know if homosexuality was encouraged/tolerated/banned in any of these countries before then)? Just curious as to your thoughts.

Not again! Such a typical @Keithambrose comment - merely a word or two instead of a reasoned discussion (and this from a lawyer!) and no substance.

TAKE IT OFF.....or better yet, Never put it On !

Before the AI police jumps on me...... I dont care.... Those are 2 asses i'd LOVE to EAT !

Sunday's Smile....... (How to counter a BULLY)......

Greetings from the Land of Smiles! I am now in Bangkok after spending five days in San Francisco visiting old friends and colleagues. I do not plan to report as detailed as I did back in October/November, but will share some tidbits along the way. Since I will be here for seven weeks, a detailed ‘blow by blow’ (pardon the pun) feels like it will be boring and tiresome to read. Although it was cold and wet in SF, I did enjoy getting to spend time with my friends, eating at some of my favorite restaurants, and even managed to take in a play. I was shocked by the overall condition of San Francisco these days. So many businesses have closed. Entire blocks filled with empty store fronts. Even the entire Westfield mall in downtown was completely shuttered. Market Street was more like a ghost town than a bustling hub of excitement and energy. To be honest, it was quite depressing to see. Flight on Singapore Airlines was great, although we did experience a fair amount of turbulence the first couple of hours due to that severe weather system hitting California. The cabin was very comfortable and service exceptional. I believe I said this on my previous trip as well, but the customer service of Asian carriers is superior to anything you find on US carriers…even in first class. The long 17+ hour flight went far quicker than I thought, and we actually arrived in Singapore about 30 minutes early. My connecting gate for Bangkok was in the same terminal and an easy 7 or 8 minute walk. Could have easily made the short connection, but after being confined for 17 hours it was good to move around and explore the airport. So much to see and experience. Flight to Bangkok was a short 90 minutes, although what seems to be more the norm at Suvarnabhumi these days, air traffic control had us circling for a good 15 minutes before the actual landing. Immigration was packed and seemed to be short on staff. I opted for the seniors priority lane which only took around 20 minutes. No problems, and got my stamp for 60 days. Had to wait less than ten minutes for my luggage to appear, then off to the limo service, S & P, recommended by a forum member. I used them in October and it was a great experience, so opted to use them again. Aside from the usual Bangkok traffic, I arrived at the condo and was ready to get settled in. For the short stay in SF I was living out of my luggage, which I hate. In the condo I was actually able to unpack, put things away, and get myself organized. Since my flight arrived at 11am, I was determined to stay awake all day so I would sleep well that first night and my body clock would adjust quicker. I discovered that trick back in October and it worked well. You all might remember that I made quite the connection with a therapist from Paradise in October. We have stayed in touch since then on a somewhat regular basis. He will usually text once a week. Most of the time he has initiated the ongoing conversation. Not once has he asked for anything. So, it will come as no surprise to any of you that my first visit on Friday was to Paradise. He knew my itinerary and was expecting me. I didn’t really go to the shop for a massage. The plan was to meet him there, then we went to dinner, followed by a visit to the condo for some male bonding and reconnecting time. lol. Was a glorious evening for sure. Just as good as I remembered…if not better. He wanted to meet again on Saturday, but my friends who have the condo I am using made plans for us to do some fun stuff around Bangkok for the day. I didn’t get back to the condo until late and was too tired to venture back out for any entertainment. I will meet up with him sometime later today or this evening. May see what other mischief I can cook up this afternoon before meeting him. Thinking about checking out the new Prestige Sukhumvit location.