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It's good to have an opinion. I am out of Thailand roughly four months a year. During the roughly eight months a year I'm here in Thailand I'm not here on short-term visa exemptions or similar. I have (rent) a condo. I'm subject to the same 90-Day and TM30 crap. I learn the language. Make friends with locals and travel around. Have fun. It's seems to me like I'm living here. I think if anyone is ever looking for a theme in my posts, it's that I issue with the comments like: Thailand is stupid. People in Thailand are stupid. People in Thailand are lazy. "Thai culture" is a problem (ahem, Martinsen). etc. I do not that because I am a paid promoter - although if TOT is reading this, I am available - but because I think those sorts of statements are incorrect. I also think that if we make the effort to understand different cultures, how things got to where they are, conflicting political or economic concerns, etc., it's just better and life becomes easier. I personally do not feel that the Thai government is constantly attacking me, even though I am subject the same rules as everybody else. I personally don't think dual pricing at Thai government hospitals is an attack. If I go to the UK I am not entitled to get the same free health care as Brits. I don't think that's an attack. Same same for Canada, etc. In a way this is a perfect example of the whole brouhaha. Someone says it's an "attack" on foreigners. But it's not. How many countries offer government subsidized health care to people who are not citizens or permanent residents? My guess is it's not a lot. So I read the news about the change in pricing at government hospitals, but, before crying foul, I thought, and thought some more, and did a little research, and came to the conclusion, ok, it's reasonable, I understand it. Sabai Sabai. There's really nothing I - or anyone else (with one possible exception) - can do if someone is stuck in a place he doesn't want to be because of his boyfriend's job. But, I can certainly point out that maybe there is a contrary view to the negativity when that is posted here. (The one exception of course is that very person.) I don't think endlessly dwelling on the negative is going to make anything better. And in fact I think the people who study happiness for a living might say it only makes it worse. So maybe we try to make the best of it. Take the energy devoted to fixating on the negative and make the effort to find things to like, make friends, study, do, etc. I'm still friends with people I met at school here when I was studying Thai. Staying in touch with them makes it fun here. I've taken cooking classes in the Klong Toey slums. Interesting and so much fun. And then there are the guys and massages.... It makes filing the 90-Day reports worthwhile. I know for a fact that it is possible to make the best of a horrible, arguably disgusting, situation, because there are guys here who will have sex with me and they seem to be ok with it. If they can put up with that, I can put up with anything. Shalom. I wish everyone happiness. DM

I finally booked my flight to Brazil. I searched for my tickets using Google, Skyscanner, momondo, hopper, kayak, BT-travel store and Fare Boom which owns BT-Travel Store. But the best flight I could get was with United Airlines with one stop in Texas. It also allowed for 2 checked bags. Many of the other cheaper airlines didn't allow for checked bags and dependability is an issue. I am also sure UA will communicate in a language I can understand. The tickets ran $1,175.00 RT from Philadelphia. Once I get off work (Early) I will run to the airport to catch my 5pm flight. Today I think I have narrowed down my Airb&b stay in Rio. The local hustlers all suggested I stay in Ipanema near the beach. They told me the Copacabana area is nice but I would have more fun in Ipanema. The place I selected is close to the metro, the beach and not to far from Copacabana area. Once I get the place booked I will share it's information. It looks modern and comfortable for $50 USD a night. This weekend I spend to much time talking to guys on Grinder, Jacked, Planet Romeo and Hornet. I often had to use my translator to understand them but a few spoke english. I found that using my android phone to chat is best. The translator app works in all the chat apps and I am getting the hang of quickly replying in both english along with Portuguese translation. I got caught up in looking at the guys and found myself deep in the rabbit hole going from one hot and sexy guy to the next. Many of the hustlers are truly trying to seal the deal once the conversation starts. Oh, yes we are talking about hustlers. I have talked to the non-hustlers too but they seem to want to cling to me when I want to paint the town red and use up my box of condoms. The place seems to have an endless supply of hot and handsome hustlers. Garotos de Programa Sao Paulo SP: Acompanhantes Masculinos Sao Paulo SP - Vivalocal https://www.enow.com/search?s_pt=aolsem&s_it=aolsem&s_chn=407&s_dto=p&s_gl=US&q=garoto%20de%20programa%20sao&guccounter=2 ONYCE escorts masculinos (@OnyceAds) / Twitter Negaos cavalos 23cm de pica - Rio de Janeiro - Skokka Piroca 24cm escort call center boy - Male, gay and transvestite escorts. Call girls SP, Advertisement | ONLY MEN Call boys: Rio de Janeiro - (RJ) - GAROTOS.com.br Garotos de Programa Salvador - BA | Tops Boys Brasil - Acompanhantes Masculinos OLIMPOSBR, Paraiso of the call boys in Brazil. Main page Call Girls Brasilia - Male Escorts DF BSB [18+] Garoto Com Local ⋆ Garotos de Programa RJ ⋆ Rio de Janeiro This last one was a guy that popped up. I knew he looked familliar and then I realized he is a sex-cam guy. [18+] Garoto Com Local ⋆ Garotos de Programa RJ ⋆ Rio de Janeiro Yes... I spent my weekend looking at profiles. Talking to some of the guys and getting phone numbers to use in WhatsApp. Many of the guys seem to ask for R$150. A few guys asked for just R$50 HR At the time of this writing, R$100 = USD$24.52. In the beginning I had some difficulty striking up a conversation with the guys and I was told that I look like a local and that I should let them know I was from the USA visiting Brazil. That advice opened up the door for me to fill my address book with names and numbers. I asked about the kinky sex scene and I was told that it goes on a lot in Brazil and that they even have a sauna dedicated to it. Below is the link. General - Select Unit - Seven Cruising Bar Last but not least... I found a inexpensive tour service. They quote prices in local currency. Another service quotes their tour packages in USD and are 4 to 5 times more expensive this the one I found. Link below. Tours | Rio Tours Brazil Expedition | Brazil Expedition That is all I have for now. As I get more information worth sharing, I'll post it here.

Very wise words, Divine Madman. I couldn’t agree more. One of the toughest life lessons is learning to see shades of grey. After you start seeing shades of grey, you realize that just about everything in life is shades of grey. I agree with you, DM. There is no conspiracy to make farang life in Thailand miserable. In fact, it just might possibly be true that, just maybe, it’s not actually about us. Strange idea, isn’t it, that other people exist, see things through the lens of their culture and experience, may not think the same as we do, may have other priorities besides our precious little selves. Oh, the humanity!

Update. I’ve been in Bangkok for two full days now and I can honestly say I’m getting the hang of traveling around. I figured out how to use the MRT and the BTS line also finally utilized the grab application. I used the grab app to get a bike and headed over to Arena around 4pm. I did as much research as I could and I’m glad I did. Lots of people here and on various websites recommended this place and since this is my first time in Bangkok, I put it very high on my list of things to experience. And man was it an experience. I’ve heard that the exterior of this place looked a bit run down and I completely agree. There are restaurants and shops within the complex but aesthetically the building looks dated. I knew it was on the third floor towards the right hand side so I followed the escalators up. One thing to note is that the escalators don’t start moving until you step on them, that was interesting. Also tons of signage everywhere saying not to touch the handrail for some reason. I spotted the sign and made my over. A few guys were chilling outside and since I was the only one walking towards the front door they all gestured me in. I read that upon entering you’ll see men working out and once you’re in they’ll line up for you. And that’s exactly what happened. I stepped into the lobby area and about 15 extremely gorgeous and incredibly sexy men looked up and all smiled at me. An employee, perhaps the manager, guided me to a chair with a menu of the services. I picked a two hour aroma therapy massage with one of the hottest men I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Before picking him, the manager told me to “take my time picking a boy” and I’m glad he said that because I was literally in awe. All of them were smiling, waving, flexing at me, trying to get my attention. Flattering but honestly a bit intimidating. It was a very very hard decision but all it took for this man who was standing in the back was a simple head nod and seductive smirk. I’m sold! The manager kindly offered me a drink, and then the masseur guided me up a couple of flights of stairs into our room. All of this is very very new to me and as excited as I was, I truly didn’t know what to do but thankfully he took notice and guided me through everything. The room itself it quite alright. A rather large bed in the middle, a little window towards the right and what it looks to be looking into the next room and a shower near the door. He told me shower and left the room. After I showered, he came back and took his shower. He gestured me to lay down onto the bed and the he worked his magic and gave me the best two hours ever. Focusing on the massage itself, he did amazing. The pressure was great and he took his time working the main muscle groups and then isolated into each leg followed by my arms. For the “extra service”, he was more than I ever expected. He definitely left me speechless. The whole time I kept thinking this is crazy, this is insane, this man is so fu*king sexy, oh sh*t, fu*k! After everything was done, we showered together and I handed him his tip and asked when he works. Apparently he’s there most days. He asks how long I’ll be staying in Bangkok and I told him a month. He smiles and I told him I’ll be back. He kindly guided me down the stairs and wished me a great day. I’m still smiling from that wonderful out-of this-world experience. I’ve read tons about other people’s experiences but to experience it myself is just sensational.

Any experiences with Mr. Mark, Mr. York, or Mr. Tae? PM me if you want discretion. I wouldn't mind being a bit fiscally irresponsible on my next trip, but I want to at least do some market research first

I suppose in a quantum physics sense observing movement is "controlling" it, but not really. People can travel within Thailand. TM30 has been going on for decades without anyone crying "police state" - it was just being done by the hotels. As I understand it, TM30 (or Section 38) is a Cold War era rule. It may have lost its original justification, but nowadays global terrorism seems to get people to the same mindset. (BTW - I'm NOT advocating the rules, and Im not saying that Thailand isn't a police state - I just try to find ways to understand how we get to where we are instead of just saying everything and everyone is irrational or a mustache-twirling corrupt villain.) Worth noting that the sequence of events is that last year there are a LOT of domestic press reports about people (some of them non-Thai) running illegals hotels through AirBnB. The hotels complained, the other condo residents complained, and then there were a lot of news reports. After that Immigration BKK announced it would "work to rule" and get strict. So maybe the AirBnB phenomenon is what pushed the powers that be into crazy defcon 5 mode. Yes, staying in one's home country avoids immigration hassles. Even more power to you if you live a home country that allows people from anywhere to stay in your country for as long as they want without any immigration restrictions, procedures, red tape, corrupt or incompetent people, nationalist batshit crazy anti-immigrant haters, etc. Would love to know that country. Sounds ideal. Canada? There absolutely are reports of corrupt immigration officers. However, my guess is that most people by far are able to process their papers without any particular problems. Some people go through "brokers" - some are mere facilitators and some are hired to get around the rules, such as the brokers who helped people get around the rules. But I think it is simply false to suggest that every expat has to pay a bribe to someone in the process.

First of all, for me there is a giant disconnect between the new immigration rules that affect long-term stayers and the broad [over]statement that somehow "Living in Thailand is Less Fun." I am having as much or more as I've ever had in Thailand. There's nothing new about 90-Day reports. Not sure why that's being dredged up. The new rules regarding seasoning funds before/after retirement extensions of stay for the 400K/800K people were put in place to stop the unscrupulous types using brokers (lenders) to stuff a bank account for the short instant when they applied for the extension of stay. To me that actually seems like a reasonable thing to do in response to an issue. Hardly some evil conspiracy to make Thailand less fun. For people on the income verification method, life became more difficult because the 4 embassies decided that they would stop giving the income certificate. So the thing that changed there was those 4 foreign embassies. Again, not the big bad Thai government. TM-30 admittedly is a shitshow. It had been ignored for us regular folk in Bangkok and many provinces, but actually was being enforced in some provinces (and life somehow went on for the people living there). Personally, I think we're stuck with it for a while. It's rule and someone big said it was time to enforce it. That big person might be a bit tone deaf on the PR consequences. All we can do is wait and "watch". [Get it - there's a pun of sorts - maybe it was his committee???.]. Why it's really happening, who the hell knows? There's stuff going at the highest levels that I think is beyond foreigners trying to understand. There's a different faction in the military in the ascendant right now. Does all this have anything to do with the old faction (Prawit/Prayut)? Not a clue. There is, I believe, also some legit security anxiety when more than 30 million tourists are crossing the borders. Does that play a part? Not a clue. I think it's very hard for bureaucrats and their bureau-bosses to turn off a rule once they've revived it. Or maybe it's all just punishment for whatever the real story was behind Big Joke's departure. Remember when people thought he was the problem? Oh, to have him back..... And yes, this means the good guys get caught up in the rules that are aimed at the bad guys, but that happens all the time. That's why we have to take off our shoes at the airport. I read a report of a business roundtable meeting with Immigration about TM-30. One speaker, a European woman, said that in some countries in Europe there are complicated rules when a foreigner lives in your home - she cited France - and others where the rules were more relaxed - she mentioned Germany and the Netherlands, I think. The point being that different countries have different regimes. In many, many, many ways, Thailand is easier for foreign long-term visitors than other countries. I do think that it is important for us all to realize that, "They should be grateful we're here" does not play well to Thai bureaucrats and the upper middle class that is running the show. Just sayin'. But, at the end of the day, if the difficulties outweigh the benefits of staying in a particular place, then DON'T GO THERE. There is vast easily accessible trove of information of happiness studies and enjoying life. Endlessly whining and complaining is not the path happiness. If TM-30 makes Thailand sufficiently not fun, don't go and find a better place. DON'T STAY IN THAILAND AND BE UNHAPPY. Or, stay in Thailand and make the best of it all. MAXIMIZE YOUR HAPPINESS.

Pretty good. The Declaration of Independence Was More Radical Than Any of the Men Who Signed It https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/07/declaration-of-independence-more-radical-than-its-signers/

The older I get, the more sense that man makes.

Siamroads.com will announce new guide in Bangkok soon:

Powerful...Thank you for posting. "It's not the days in your life, it's the life in your days"

Brilliant...

Which one was that again?

Better we stop kicking that corpse. I , for one have many cherished memories from there.

Arm and Boom are still at Jupiter although the veteran boy Spii moved to Moonlight recently.

Aging, or growing old, definitely beats the only other alternative.

Don't count on being disappointed

Why pollute our heads with worries of who owner is , even less with what he or she does

I enjoy many of Divine Madman's posts but on this topic he is full of crap. He should apply for a government job as PROMOTER OF THAILAND GOVERNMENT BULLSHIT. Visiting here and living here are very different. When you are in a place for a very short time it is easy to overlook the problems that exist in that place but living here is different. You must face those problems daily for an extended time. Trying to over look the recent attacks on us by the Thai government is impossible. It is obvious that they are doing many things to make it more uncomfortable for us to stay here for long periods of time. The most recent has to do with health care: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1121702-dual-pricing-retirees-and-expats-may-be-charged-more-at-thai-govt-hospitals/?utm_source=newsletter-20190905-0607&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news Add up all of their recent moves relating to expats and it is not possible to avoid the fact that they do not want us here.

Did you see who came in number 11 spot? A 90 years old man who looks better than the one who won the contest: One of his competitors was 90-year-old Evilazio Barroso Torres

Sorry to have missed your visit. I left the morning of the 2nd and was lucky to have had time with some Forum members. Keep reporting. Your take is graceful and detailed.

Tomorrow my partner and I have to go up to Bangkok for 3 nights. We are monogamous but I have always promised myself a visit to Moonlight to ogle these wonderful specimens of manhood. I think this weekend will be the time

I must say that there are few outstanding ''regular '' guys there , off fee for them is 500 only but at end if day before commenting about fees for models one should see them on the stage first. Definitely I enjoyed company of my last night regular guy from there. More details in due course.

You better do it's outrageous rate .

We just need to get them to come out of the closet or at least be more tolerant. Best regards, RA1

12 views so far! Here's a more detailed look at Trump's increasingly anti-gay agenda: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/03/trump-attack-lgbt-rights-supreme-court

25 Photos of the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle, Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Home https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/25-photos-royal-family-balmoral-130000088.html

In Furama take their Delux renovated rooms not the dated suppirier ones .For its price it's a good option. Regarding TripAdvisor reviews there will be always grumpy cats which are never statisfied and complain about everything.

My advice was to travellers only. But it wouldn't hurt if people contemplating move to another country permanently considered it as well and thought 'what will happen if my currency goes down by half and at the same time prices in my new country will go up twice". I understand your point about expats but those you describe are victims of lack of foresight , poor planning and bad luck. In most cases they have nobody to blame , even themselves, it's just circumstances did not work to their original specifications. Changing countries and environment always carries both risks and rewards and one who decides to move must expect first but at the same time hope for the second. Burning boats is good for a movies but very rarely works in real life. We tend to forget that with age our health is expected to deteriorate and day may come when we need somebody to make us tea and buy us bread, then that boat may come handy. So many now are paying price for having those boys in their bed for trifling cost as you said. Nobody was complaining before that having guy long time costs less than train ticket to the airport at home. Most of us are coming to Thailand for illusions, it turns out that some of those illusions are not what we hoped for.

Badboy81 could you please leave my post alone? I'd like this post or any other posts to be information seeking/sharing and fun for poster and commenter. I don't appreciate your naming calling but have tried to ignore you with my own classy way. I am begging you to show your classy way and leave me and anyone who posted to help me with information alone? Thank you very much.

Actually, the poster seem to be asking if someone knew them and or hired them. If that were the case, and someone did, then they most likely would know if they were versatile or not. So, no, not a dumb question. And, Badboy, calling someone an idiot for asking a question tells me that you are an asshole. Like asking dumb questions, being a dick can be controlled unless your intent is to be a dick. just saying.

Was not there when our crowd was visiting on Monday