Leaderboard

Ok so I rarely (if ever) write trip reports and this will be more of a synopsis of my travels in Thailand & Vietnam from Late Aug to Early Sept. Day 1 (BKK) Arrived at Swampy in the afternoon EVA (night-flight flight from London / LHR), lucky enough to get an Exit seat so was fairly comfy all the way and well sedated with a few G&T’s. EVA are fairly understated and still use the 777 but they’re solid and reliable and have never let me down (yet!!). Pretty obvious its low season from the short length of the ‘snake’ at immigration, think I was off the plane and in a taxi in under 40 mins speeding towards the State Tower where I had a condo booked for the first 3 nights. Condo turned out to be a LOT nicer than I expected and kind of annoyed at myself for not booking it for my last 4 nights in BKK too (hey ho), few pics for those interested…was on the 49th floor so lovely view at night. Quick nap then off to check out the bright lights like a giddy teenager, headed for Lucky boys first. Managed to swerve Lucy and got my (and Paul SF’s) fav Viet mama, unfortunately my timing was poor & arrived just as the show was starting plus I got a seat up in the ‘Gods’ at the back. Downed a Vodka sprite in 10 mins (well you need to re-hydrate after a long flight) and fled the show to the clutches of my beloved Screw boys as no show on there at that time. Screw boys was steady (nice greeting from Mama Phim) and a seat opposite the bar, fair few new faces, appeared to be less Viets and more Laos now, definitely a wider mix but some new talent which is always good. Phim was just scribbling me a note of which numbers can do the magic ‘everything’…when one of my regulars over the last 2 years a Viet ‘Handsome W’ came ambling over and gave me a lovely hug and asked if he could sit down. Some of you may recall I used to have 2 sets of 2 Viet brothers in this bar that I used to play with regularly, basically they just pimped me out to their relatives (who am I to complain). 2 of the 4 boys have since returned home to VN (1 out of choice and 1 due to Thai Royal Police), but the other 2 (inc my ex) are still in BKK. Whilst my roving eye was still taking in the new talent ‘Handsome W’ did look delightful and was very bubbly to see me. He’d toned up slightly since Songkran but said had been sick for 1 week recently & lost a little weight. Decision made…offed ‘W’ and asked him if he minded us going for a drink to another bar before we headed back. We settled on Fresh boys 2 so I could ogle the new talent and he could catch up with his Viet pals upstairs. Its easy with ‘W’ as been together so many times we don’t need to talk about what we will / will not do…we both know what the other likes and he’s relaxed with either ST or LT (over-night). Fresh boys 2 show had just finished so we grabbed a couple of drinks, nice line-up…again less Viets than my last trip and wider mix of nationalities with some very hot guys. Benefit of having ‘W’ with me is I get no hassle from the mama’s in there as he’s kind of like my partner for the night and guard as senses I’m jet lagged & flagging. Spotted a few other Viets from my not quite inner circle and a few came over to say hello plus the Viet waiters in that bar as fun as ever. Judging from a message that popped up in LINE from my ex…my arrival had been swiftly reported to the Viet Boys Intelligence network. We both bailed out for food and then headed to The State Tower, great seeing ‘W’ explore (read prowl) the condo and got his stamp of approval, particularly the view from the balcony on the 49th floor at night…pretty damn special and nice as the air felt bit cooler up that high and less traffic noise. Turned over the smart TV controls to him and got treated to some Viet pop and just dozed off with me head on his lap…woke up a bit later and we shared the shower (few things in life are as nice as soaping up 55kg of hot VN guy in the shower) then to bed and of course getting more intimately reacquainted. Anyone who thinks Viets are not passionate has been missing out imho, we both slept like logs afterwards …’W’ can sleep 8-10 hours no problem, noticed he was a little clammy so probably still shaking off the last vestiges of his illness the week before so I dialled down the AC a bit and opened the bedroom French windows ajar on the balcony to let some fresher air in, woke up a couple of times to find his Viet paws circling me but we both slept soundly…nice to be back in BKK! Day 2 (BKK) ‘Handsome W’ awoke around early afternoon (I’ve learnt its best to let him wake his own way rather than rouse him early), showered again and a bit more morning playing around…then off to locate some food in a local Thai place. He headed to his room to get changed for the gym (tipped his usual LT / overnight rate plus a bit more as he’s one of my favourites). Feeling a bit less jet lagged and hornier I started searching Hornet and found a cute Khmer Bottom who seemed up for a spot of Gymnastics, usual bit of on-line negotiating…what do you like? What do you want? etc. etc. Arranged to meet up early evening so I could have another nap first. Met him just outside the State Tower & pleasantly surprised as looked exactly like his pics and if anything a bit cuter, perhaps a touch fem but ok for me (I’m not usually a fem boy type). Very little Engrish though but deduced he was hungry so took him to another Thai food place opposite…not much open on Sunday evenings nearby but we found a small local restaurant. Re-fuelled we headed back and had a pleasant but not particularly inspiring session 6/10. I later found out he worked Fresh boys 2 sometimes and I think was just one of those guys who’s a bit lazy at what he puts out…never less I had my wicked way with him and so he was duly sent on his was with the agreed ST tip (albeit with not much on top of that). Funny thing is he’s one of those guys who just didn’t ‘get it’ as kept messaging me all thru the rest of the trip for a follow-up meet and making eye’s when I saw him on stage in FB2 again. I headed out bit later than planned and ended up in Hotmale after Kai spotted me wandering along the upper level near the beer bar, I suffered the last 10 mins of the show (he did promise me it was nearly finishing) and at some point I spotted a cute gogo in the seats waiting to get back on stage just as the fuck show was coming to an end. My interest piqued I patiently waited and show ended & boys returned to stage (nice selection tbh), love their pants by the way, great patterns and look much smarter than the usual plan white…spotted said cute boy (footballers, swimmers type body) entering the stage and enquired with Kai about him who pronounced him to be a ‘very good boy’…and surprise surprise a Viet (the old Viet radar still working….lol). The boy ‘B’ was a Top but Kai said ‘very good’ take care and as I’d just had a Bottom earlier in the evening this all seemed fine. Called him over for a drink and immediately ‘B’ was very engaging, both our hands were wandering nicely and lots of squeezes / cuddles etc…all quite delightful. Asked him what his preferred was, ST or LT and he actually requested LT (over-night) so Tip levels agreed up front (as he was a new one to me) we adjourned to a beer bar to relax followed by Kai’s approving eye as we headed for the door. Few drinks and a late night dinner than back to State Tower, again the condo proved a success as ‘B’ loved the balcony also, taking pics sending them to his pals on Messenger and so on. Warmed up on the sofa and then bit more action in the shower followed by some gymnastics on the bed exploring each other’s bodies, ‘B’ is quite an affectionate boy too once warmed up and we made some suitable puddles of Vitamin D…he was quite the gusher tbh before we retired to the showers and bed. Dozed off holding each other and I think woke up late morning to him chilling on the balcony having a smoke & taking in the view again. LT Tips dispensed along with some sincere hugs from him and the request to see me again he ambled off to the lifts and about his day...nice boy. Day 3 (BKK) Finally got my arse into gear around mid-day and headed for MBK to get my old S8+ un-locked and a new Thai SIM for the duration of my trip, after a bit of comparing prices on the 4th or 5th flr between shops settled on one and left the phone with them for 1 hour whilst they went to work on it. Picked it up later after some more aimless wandering around (I’m not really a shopping person) and then headed to the movies and caught ‘Angel has Fallen’…it’s probably not going to win any academy awards but was worth a watch, Nick Nolte puts in a great performance as the grizzled dad. Off for a haircut in that place with the red chairs that does a lot of the barboys (a friend showed me it a while ago)…think its Silom Soi 3? Opposite some massage place…bit tired and half dozed off in the chair and came around to find I had a Grade 1 pretty much all over (rather than a 2 on Top and 1 at sides)…hey ho lucky I like the ‘low maintenance’ look. Back to the condo for a powernap & then headed out and hit Lucky boys early tonight…maybe was around 21:30 so Viet mama gave me a choice of seats and I ended up in the ‘snugs’ pretty much centre of the stage and with a perfect eye view of the candy….oh my 40+ guys on stage & more wandering around in their hot Black briefs (plenty of hotties). Viet mama sensing my horned up status was gently nudging me to call a guy over but with I sipped my Vodka Sprite and waited patiently for the stage to go thru rotation, it’s kind of like lines or ranks of boys moving from rear to front in Luckyboys. Then a familiar Viet face popped out at me as he got nearer the front, another of my regulars ‘B2’ who is like a pint sized muscle twink with a great six pack. He spotted me when I walked in but I missed him at first as he was wearing a baseball cap. Eye’s locked and that was it…Viet mama moved in for the kill and her laser pen was out pointing at him to which he ambled quickly off stage and to me. Up close he looked even better tbh, still a very defined boy…had just got back to BKK after a spell at home in VN with the family. Bit of catching up and then we quickly settled on an LT off but he doesn’t usually do overnight so we started early. Asked B2 where he wanted to go and he chose Dream boys for the show, my first visit to the new club and quite impressed albeit I was pretty much the only farang face in there and it was busy. Got a good couple of seats at the front after a former mama from Lucky recognized me, nice modern club and good layout, decent sightlines but that sound system is like DJ Station level and was really pumping loud which is fine with me but might not be to everyone’s tastes. B2 enjoyed the show / coyotes so all good and tbh I didn’t mind it as the part we saw was free of the dreaded lip synch Lady boys. After Dream boys we headed to the Khao San road for something different, somewhere I like to hang out a couple of times when I’m in BKK, always a great atmosphere and reminds me of my misspent youth traveling Thailand in my 20’s. The guys seem to get a kick out of it too…but then you have clubs, music, drinks galore and food everywhere not to mention a lot of stalls so what young man would not. We had a few beers in a club about halfway down the Khao San and it was definitely jumping, B2 is funny as he can’t drink more than 2 small beers before he turns red but he’s happy and relaxed so that’s the main thing. Went for dinner at some Thai street food type place he chose but all good and in truth I’ve had some great meals in and around the Khao San over the last 20+ years. About 01:00 headed back to Silom as I wanted to try catch ‘Handsome W’ in Screw boys as I was leaving BKK the next morning and would not be back for 1 week. ‘B2’ and ‘W’ are friends so he was good with that but unfortunately when we got to Screw boys found out ‘W ‘ had a night off so we just had drinks and then headed back to State Tower. Bit of lounging around the condo and then B2 pulled me into the shower as a ‘let’s get busy’ sign and game on from there, nice couple of leisurely sexy hours of pleasuring each other followed, another passionate guy who knows what we both enjoy...was really nice to re-make the connection again after 3-4 months away. Think we called it a night around 05:00am, B2 does not usually sleep over as has funny sleep patterns in BKK which I fully understand…plus I had a taxi coming at 12:00 to take me to sin city the next day so all good. Full LT Tip dispensed and he well deserved it tbh, great guy whom I fully intend to see again (watch his space!) To be continued…. Next up 4 nights in Pattaya (that’s assuming the above hasn’t sent you all to sleep yet)

Day 4 In the morning it’s usually the boys who are trying to storm out but today it was actually me feeling pretty hungry. Being part –time gentleman I actually asked my guy if he wants to sleep or go with me to eat something and his choice was aligned with mine. So we went to Foodland Pattaya of all places. After filling up we parted our ways and I went to survey Pattaya newest gem, Terminal 21 mall. I’m neither shopper not mall person but I liked layout , stores , aircondotioning , views of Pattaya Bay from upper floors and of course Eiffel Tower and Pisa Tower inside and real aircrafts outside so time well spent. Using quite nice weather I returned to Classrooms walking all the way back with stops at Pattaya Night Market, opened even before noon and internet café in soi post office because I hate typing on my tablet. In the room well deserved shower and off to next goal – newly opened Paradise massage in the same soi. I did not even notice that before 5 p.m. price of 1 hr massage is 220 only but since I like 1.5 hrs treatments I passed that option anyway. Rooms and lobby new and shiny, proper massage table with face well and most important few good looking massage guys on duty . Picked up one with most handsome face , Wit. In the room fully dressed but in course of the course some movements suggested that more than just a , by the way, very good massage will be available. And after 1 hr. he was not exactly dressed, now you know why I like 1.5 hr sessions. It was plainly obvious that we hit it together so I shyly asked about LT option , approved immediately and we agreed that I will be waiting for him at the hotel after his shift ends at 1 am. Then with muscles stretched I went for a walk here and there, bought few bricks of soap for 5 baht each, wandered around Tuk-com and in one of eateries I spied ChristianPFC finishing his meal immediately requested explanation since we were to meet for the dinner at 7 pm at my hotel. I was shocked that he simply was just hungry , who would think ? Then wanted to go to Sunee but took wrong turn and landed somewhere else but found my way back to Boyztown . At 7 as agreed Christian showed up, we had nice chat in the room and then went to Alt Heidelberg for a dinner, That’s the place I can eat daily as their schnitzel with fried potatoes brings me memories of childhood Sunday dinners at home, they do it almost the same way my Mom used to cook . I’m sure when She looks from above she overlooks my sinful behavior due to attachment to her cooking. Then we went back to Boyztown , peeked in to ToyBoys to find that there’s not a single boy on the stage. It was early , 9 pm but still… So we went to Nice Boys in Sunee, drink 160, boys drink 200. As always several guys on the podium in different stages of undressing and stiffness or at least working on it. I invited one with broadest smile to sit beside and over drink did some exploration and it was enough to explore let’s say. After while we were back in Boyztown , peeked to Toy Boys to find final few guys on the stage but we weren’t impressed , the same at Cupidol , in BBB I pointed at my Handsome Cambodian , even Christian approved his looks and we decided next destination was Dreamboys. We entered at end of show when guys were parading among audience extracting tips. One of them was guy I remember from ABomb so called him over and scandalized Christian by tipping him whole 100 baht just for a short feel of what was rigid cock but likely of silicone variety because seemed colder than rest of skin. Buy this tip was not for a cock but for old times sake, I like, when guys are recognizing me , specially as in this case , guys who weren’t even offed by me. Waiting for a next show I called over nice Cambodian only to find that he works also 5-9 at Royal House as masseur and his name/ nick is Soviet. In meantime Christian left us but I was waiting for second show having nice Soviet time. 500 tip, 200 for time , 300 for name. Then short walk to Castro as I had some time to kill before 1 am, I had a beer watching end of show, somehow I always like it. As time was near I went back to hotel waiting for my guy chatting a bit with resident girls and then with somebody who looked as first time tourist so I chatted him up also not only to confirm my suspicions but also to find out that he is Romanian so I greeted him properly in his language shocking him visibly and in pleasant way at that. Last thing he expected was that somebody will greet him in his native tongue that far from home. Instructed him that this is in big part man liking man area and to illustrate point my guy showed up so we embraced before I shook hands with my pleasant interlocutor. It was very pleasant night , we had few drinks and then embraced to retire in not quite quiet way. Second night and second long time , long live Patttaya thought I remembering that only 11 months ago in the next soi I was swearing not to come here ever ! Day 4 was finished as it should , with Paradise guy right there.

I went to Bangkok Massage tonight. They did a really nice job. Most of the rooms offer something different. Some very small single rooms. Some large double mattress sized. Some in between size. Rooms not all in a row. A couple of hallways going in different directions. Some rooms have showers. If this is important ask first. Otherwise showers at far end of hallway. For those who remember Twilight and all the stairs, Now no stairs. Now that all the rooms vary a bit, I would ask to see one to make sure it’s what you want. Also more privacy. Rooms are tiled. Couple things on the negative side. As Reader mentioned, it is below Lucky Boy so some steady music during show times. Didn’t bother me. If your having a good time you’ll forget about it. Other thing I noticed it needs some dimmer switches for the lights. Probably a little bright. Again having a good time you won’t notice. Also the place has all new tile, so you need to be aware that it could be a bit slippery if not careful. i didn’t look at menus or pay attention to pricing, but I think 1 hour oil was 600. So it appears pricing along the same lines as Twilight. For me one of the best points, is it’s right in the middle of all the Patpong action. Much as they were in Twilight. Some new guys and some came over from a Twilight. They all sit outside for your viewing pleasure and you can go inside and talk in the lobby. Quite comfortable. And there were a few guys there this weekend that were well worth taking inside.

Alex thanks for the report. As I have the advantage of getting the daily reports of your trip, it’s fun to read the book version.

Day 4 (Pattaya) After another nap and a tidy up of the condo my taxi came to whisk me down to Sin City, I didn’t book it with my usual company so got slightly stung on the price @ 1600 but was a brand new Isuzu 4 cab type thing and the driver was good company. I have at best mixed feeling about Patts these days, spent too much time there years ago then stopped completely for 2 years, went back for 3 days near Songkran and had a decent time so decided to brave 4 nights there this time again. Arrived at the condo I was renting around 3pm and after a bit of fuss with the management company cause I flatly rejected the first one they offered I got something I was a bit happier with. It’s near Tukcom so basically slap bang in the middle of where a lot of the boys live. About 5 mins after firing up my Hornet it lit up like a Christmas tree and one of the first was from ‘K ‘ the Khmer who used to work massage @ Royal House amongst other fine Pattaya establishments. He’s actually a decent masseur plus damn sexy as has a swimmers type bod with nice mildly built pecs. ‘K’ arrived around 4pm and after setting up a couple of towels on the bed he went to work on me, been together a few times so he was buck naked from the outset, oil massage though (meant to ask him to bring cream) and was working his way nicely up & down me, has a couple of neat tricks like using the mild stubble on his chin to work your back, sounds weird but actually very erotic not to mention the slight brush of his balls as he glides over my butt…heaven. Probably about 30-45 mins of ‘real’ massage and then the lube came out and was my turn to give him an internal massage of sorts, think after about 45 mins there was oil and lube slathered all over the bed towels and us but we both sat back sated and happy. ‘K’ was heading off to BKK the next day funnily enough so chatted a bit post showers and tentatively agreed to try meet up 1 more time before I head home, ‘K’ departed a happy Khmer with a full ST tip and said he was clocking off for the day. I took a powernap then woke to a LINE call from ‘K2 the Thai boy’ a 20 year old Uni student on hols in Patts, can’t remember how we got chatting originally but think was on one of the Apps but quickly migrated to LINE and I guess he spotted me online somewhere so wanted to come over @ 7pm. Never one to say no to a cute guy I showered and got myself together (Berocca is your friend in these circumstances) and got ready for Round 2. I’d never met ‘K2’ before that day and when I did he was as cute but a smidge lighter build than I realized. I have a 50-55Kg rule as I’m pretty tall which basically means if the guys less than that I usually give it a miss, just past experience etc. This ‘should’ have ruled out ‘K2’ and at some point when we were sitting on the sofa’s I decided this and gently tried to send him on his way with nothing happening and 500 bhat for taxi’s & food. His reaction was unusual as basically he said ‘No’ very clearly and then came across the couch to me and started un-buttoning my shirt and trying to pull my shorts & boxer briefs down. I was trying to wriggle out of his way but had this amorous and VERY determined Thai boy hell bent on having his wicked way with me. By then he’d whipped off his shorts too showing off his crown jewels (not bad either), so eventually I gave in and we both went for a shower then got down to it…actually good fun and totally disproved my 50kg rule. Chatted a bit afterwards he’s a maths student studying @ Uni, intelligent boy but quite intense, I gently passed him another 1K to up his Tip to 1.5K asking him to accept it as help for his studies, smiles / kisses all round and after a while he disappeared into the night….followed by a slew of Emoji’s on my LINE. Think I felt a combination of happiness with a bit of relief (I’m pretty damn sure I would not have made it out of my condo alive if I’d not done as instructed)…lol. Been getting a steady stream of LINE messages from him daily. After that I decided to call it an early night as well and truly exhausted. Day 5 (Pattaya) Woke to messages on LINE and Hornet from ‘Cute B’ another Thai boy I’ve known for a couple years, he knew I was coming to sin city and so was expecting his regular exchange of bodily fluids plus discussion about currency exchange rates, to which after breakfast at the Pattaya Beer Garden I cheerfully obliged. ‘Cute B’ works in Winner Boys and has one of the finest bubble butts you’ll find in that town. He came over about 12pm, usual grumbles about lack of customers in general and said he was working as & when he felt like it really, but we had a fun couple of hours and left happy with the usual ST tip burning a hole in his pocket. So that was nearly all my regulars happy (not quite….but nearly all). So yet another nap (yes that’s my secret Michael I basically sleep all day like a Thai boy between sessions), woke up early evening and headed to Boyztown around 9pm, had a quick look around and very quiet, sad seeing the old Panorama closed up…such a big hole at the bottom of the Soi. Headed into Toyboys to have a drink with Mena, not many guys working but I guess was early, a couple caught my eye but nothing to the same level as Patpong and certainly no way near the same volume. Noticed on the other side of the bar a couple of Chinese (rich bitch) types calling guys over for drinks so bearing in the mind the bar was low on boy numbers they basically emptied the stage and had all the boys sat with them which didn’t look great as customers were peeking around the door. The bitches (excuse my English slang) seemed to be multiplying in number too as more of their shopping bag wielding pals joined them…not really what I come to a Gay bar to see if I was honest! So after 10ins of staring at an empty stage I declined Mena’s kind offer of a 2nd drinks and bailed out heading for Cupidol. Cupidol had about 10 guys on stage or around the bar and a few nice ones at that, I clocked a short nicely built Khmer lad that I’d chatted to on Hornet before but never met so after 30mins of drinks & chatting to Mama who was trying to convince me to invest in some madcap plan for a beer bar (in failing Pattaya…no thank you dear!) I escaped her clutches tipping the Khmer plus 1 other boy on my way out the door. I foolishly headed back to Toyboys hoping the Rich Bitches would have moved on…but horror of horrors there was actually more of them and they’d taken over the whole of one side of the bar! I grimly had another drink whilst eyeing up #75 (cute but clearly man) & #41…both Laos boys but the whole ambiance was just not working for me so I downed my drink and doubled back to Cupidol. Called over ‘P the Khmer’ I’d tipped earlier, lovely muscle twink type bod with a nice Y Frame pretty decent Engrish so once we’d agreed the usual parameters I offed him and we headed out of BT, turned out he had a Visa run @ 3am (genuine as he showed me his passport stamps) so both hungry we went to get Thai food in a small restaurant and just chatted a bit, nice boy with the usual story of trying to help his mom get a new house built at home. Noticing the time we headed back to the condo and just lounged on the sofa’s for a bit, quite nice have that tight muscle frame buried against my chest…then he hopped in the shower and was game on from there. ‘P’ did do all that was promised and seemed to enjoy himself and relax, he did try to flip the encounter to him topping but unfortunately he didn’t quite have the equipment for me to let that happen. Post shower hugs and ST tip dispensed and I sent a happy Khmer into the night to catch his bus home, turned out he decided to stay Cambodia with his family for a few days so that was the last I saw of him that trip. Although he’s another who sends thru messages fairly regularly on LINE. Day 6 (Pattaya) Late start to the day, lounged around having a bit of grump at the general state of the bars last night, went for breakfast and then came back to the condo looping around the back of Tukcom to conveniently bring me past the massage shops as I passed the one that is around the back (short end) of Tukcom in the small Soi that links the other 2 main Soi’s a tall Thai boy called out to me, I recognized him from a couple of years ago and waved back but carried onto the condo for a shower. Post shower I though…’bollocks what am I doing moping around in-doors’ so reduced my pocket contents to a minimum, enough for Tips & phone & walked back to the massage shop, sat down outside next to ‘B’ the very tall Thai boy, he’s like 185 tall and has a nice slender build. ‘B’ angling to get an LT visit to the condo but I had other plans later so I said in the shop ok today to which he smiled and led me in. Consulted the slightly confusing menu and then settled on 1.5hours of cream massage. Led up 2 flights of narrow stairs to the massage beds, in true Patts style just separated by a curtain but we were the only ones up there then. ‘B’ asked me if I wanted a shower, I explained had already just 10 mins ago so he went off to get setup whilst I de-robed and relaxed. Nice massage for about 1 hour but not quite as good as ‘K’s 2 days before although his work on my head, hands and feet had me squirming with pleasure. Then at some point he started to strip (without me prompting) and we were off to the races. The room was just a single bed so bit tricky for too much action but we had our fun and left dispensed our Vitamin D deposits, he did in buckets which is always nice (seemed horny). Cleaned up and had a quick (quiet) chat upstairs as someone else had just entered another booth. Tipped ‘B’ 1K and paid out the shop 600 I ‘think’ plus 100 for mama and left feeling calmer & relaxed. I was supposed to meet up with a former Cupidol worker who’d since ‘retired’ and was doing some food stall type gig, but he went AWOL on me so I thought no matter, got dressed & headed out around 10pm, peeked around the door of ABomb but nothing that tempted me. Onto Toyboys again where the Laos mafia were very much on the floor, Lord some of these boys have been around for a while. Toyboys numbers were again dwindling so I finished my drink and went to Cupidol, couple of cuties caught my eye but not enough stirrings in my boxers to off so just called one over for a drink / chat as was quiet and dispensed a few Tips to be sociable. Boredom kicking in (never takes me long) I wandered around to the Soi with Dreamboys & X-Boys, mama Yoko from X-Boys spotted me and pulled me in with the usual assurances of ‘many many nice boys’…as could have been predicted was not quite my definition of nice but had a good chat with Yoko and as the show was coming to an end she pointed to a guy in the shadows at the back (near the bar) and said I should have a chat with him. I didn’t take much notice of this until said boy came on stage and then wow…what a cutie, handsome with a nice swimmers bod and swimmers type pecs….not a 6 pack but still defined. Swiftly called him over & we got to know each other, seemed like a nice Thai boy (later found out he’s 50/50 Thai/Viet which explains a lot!), Top and claims to be Man but I though gotta be worth a try so we talked thru the usual ‘what do you do, what do you like’. He had the dreaded room key for his pal though so could only stay till 4am but more than good enough for me. ‘K the Issan Thai/Viet’ came back dressed in about 2 mins flat and off we went to dinner at the same Thai restaurant I’d been to the night before. Paid Boyz Boyz Boyz a visit in their afterhours bar across the road which was a bit odd as seemed to be lots of Asian HISO types with their girlfriends watching proceedings. I think ‘K’ had a pal who worked there so felt like one of those ‘look what I’ve snagged’ type visits, but was ok for a late drink. Back to the condo and a very nice session ensued of us exploring each other’s bodies, nice / quietly passionate boy (not a fire cracker) but just nice Thai boy next door type, ‘K’ eventually came first and made a nice puddle which I happily added to so all good. As was getting near 4am I tipped him my full LT rate for Patts plus a bit of Taxi money and after some chatting and hugs he left to let his pal into the loom and I went to bed a happy camper.

That title goes to divinemadman. See his blog on gay massage. I do 5 - 10 massages per year in Bangkok and Pattaya. In Thailand, it's not my main gay business, and for me overall rarely worth the time and money. But in Myanmar the situation is different, on my last 8d7n trip I had three massages (three different places and boys), and all worth a repeat!

Day 3 At 9 am I went downstairs to find my guy waiting already so we went for breakfast as planned. He caused a bit of sensation wearing singlet showing all his impressive biceps heavily tattooed . I noticed few condemning stares but also few jealous , after all me, guy past his prime with such a hunk is nothing to be ashamed thought I. But this being Bangkok everybody knows what is going on and says nothing. Personnel just checked if I had room for two and did not create any fuss. From there march to the tower, elevator up and it turned up it will not be as much fun as we both expected. He turned out to be afraid of heights and it was plainly visible with quite a sweating. So I did not even try to drag him to the glass and went there alone. At least wit did not leave him , when I commented that such big guy should be more brave , answer was “ I big outside but small inside”, very shrewd. Back to the ground, he went to work and I to hotel to pack my meager possessions and check out at 12 on the dot. Nobody accuses me I did not utilize my paid time at Amara. It was pleasure to stay there , not only because it was sole hotel that trip with breakfast included. My next destination was Pattaya and my hotel Classrooms , one above ABomb with their check in at 3 pm policy and it was additional reason I did not rush to leave Amara. My mean to get there recently is an airport bus to Jomtien so back to BTS and airport train. Perfect timing there, next bus in 10 minutes and there are still seats available, barely time to go to the loo and I was on my way. In Jomtien I caught songtaew to Central Pattaya and in few minutes I was already on reception. I got room on 2nd floor , just above the bar but it turned noise free. I like Classrooms because rooms are very spacious and well appointed with microwave and cutlery, there’s sitting area and the best – entry is by the side door and card so it’s quite discreet. Jet lag wise it was my worst day so I took afternoon easy but being hungry I went to Alt Heidelberg on Beach Rd for my customary schnitzel there and took it easy until about 8 p.m. when life came back to me. Shaved and showered I went to Boyztown around the corner to find it depressingly empty. Parked at Castro over bottle of Chang l felt sorry for massage boys from all three places, more than dozen of them on duty and to customer in sight. After 9 it become bit busier , williewillie showed up so we caught with the news, than I noticed Vessey passing by so I rushed to greet him even if we never met but I had his picture. At 10 p.m I entered BBB to see that stage was crowded with boys , all fully dressed with exception of few showing torsos , jeans galore and no numbers , no name tags even. But my guys from the past Art and Keow were there with Art recognizing me immediately and even more important - one of guys without shirt was extremely handsome Cambodian I noticed when I was there in Jun 2018 and commented on in my report here. Goal for Pattaya part of this trip was hastily established – that guy must be in my room at one point. Drink 350, second drink 160, off fee 500. Show is rather new formula with 4 athletic types performing in the first number, hunks all. BBoys were there and one of them , sizable fatty was hero of the performance, it’s amazing how guy of his size can still fly in the air. After show I motioned Art for a drink and soon after off we went to my room . He is hot guy but tonight somehow sparks were lacking so after perhaps 1-1.5 hr together he left. Having a rest in the afternoon I did not feel sleepy so wanted to go to Walking Street but somehow I took wrong turn and landed at XBoys Pattaya right after show finished. Few guys on the stage , all in smiles trying to bring my attention to their attributes but I spied # 50 , pretty tall and well built , bit hairy on the legs , baseball hat capped and most important all in broad smiles . It was late so motion to join me , drink ordered ( mine 280, his 300), off fee 500, LT available , deal sealed and soon after we were marching to my room. Very active and pleasant to be with so day 3 was crowned with great find.

The current location of Lagoa is, for those going there by Metro, a five block walk along some downward sloped streets. Sometimes walking to Lagoa from the Santa Cruz metro station involves dodging cars that want the right-of-way even against those walking in the cross-walk en route to Lagoa. However, the new location of the sauna is only one block from the Metro station and there is no downward sloped street to use. That is good news! For those not driving or going by Uber or by cab, you take the metro "yellow line" (Line number 4) and exit the Metro train and station at Higienopólis-Mackenzie - Higienopolis is a decent neighborhood. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_São_Paulo_Metro_stations Construction work is still being done on the new sauna. The estimated completion date keeps changing from "Sometime in October" until November 1. Rest assured, Rodolfo will not want to lose a single centavo caused by clients and garotos not being aware of the move and of its new location, thus not showing up at the new location. Be assured that Rodolfo will have ads printed and the website of Lagoa updated to reflect the current information when the date is finalized. In the meantime, the old location will not close until the new location is ready for use.

i certainly agree with all the recommendations that @Tomcal has made so far. if waxing your whole body is something you usually do then just go ahead and do it, if not, i am pretty sure the boys will not care. There are several places in both Rio and Sao Paulo that can do that for you if you choose to do it there. I am a city brat, a lover of the concrete jungle so I definitely prefer Sao Paulo to Rio Janeiro. I also think Sao Paulo has a more vibrant club scene than Rio if you are into that. just an opinion. Most of the sages and experienced guys here advice first timers to use hotels. On my first and subsequent trips to any of these cities I did not use hotels, i have always used airbnb because I wanted to be free to bring anyone to my apartment if i wanted to without have to worry about whether i will be allowed visitors or not (caution: Some airbnbs also have that rule so make sure you read before you make the final booking). In addition to the neighbourhoods mentioned by Tomcal, You can also try Itaim bibi if you are feeling too posh. don't hesitate to shoot a message if you have more questions.

The good news (for me, at least) is that the Higienópolis-Mackenzie Metro is only one stop from Republica, a convenient but dicier area where I like to stay and sometimes hang out. Republica, named for its park which is a mix of eclecticism, seediness and cruise, is big city living and it isn’t for the squeamish! The oft-mentioned Bar Fama is in the Republica area, plus if interested (I’m not), the Chili Pepper hotel / sauna . Also in the Republica area are the Danger Dance Club, the Seven Cruising Bar, The Aurora Lan House, the often seedy cruise street / park Largo do Arouche, and other joints, bars and adult establishments (straight, gay, and mixed). Of course, the obligatory warning: all of this is completely AYOR and only a fool would venture out alone around these places after dark.

Thank you, I think there's a lot of good guys in the Viet community if you take the time to get to know them...I have had a few 'so so' experiences with other guys in the past also (usually younger / less experienced ones who are new to BKK) as you'll see later...but generally I consider myself lucky to know them and enjoy hanging out with them.

Lovely report . Your adventures approved that the bad reputation of the Viet boys in this forum is not correct .

Stickman once quoted a bargirl saying something like: I wish Foreigners came only here as tourists and then go home after two weeks and not stay all year. It's not bad intend, just stupidity and following old laws that are appropriate any more. Good points by both Martinsen and DivineMadman. Thailand is not the ideal place to live for me. But after spending about 5 years in Thailand and traveling all over SEAsia except Philippines, considering what's important to me (ease of getting tourist visa, cost of living, food, boys) it comes out on top.

Maybe you are too concerned about hotels? When I'm alone, I don't need much. So for first night I book some cheap place near bus or railway station or city center. And following days, for inviting boys to my room, something more luxury. In case of recent trip in Myanmar that would be a guesthouse with only cold water in shower for first night for 15 USD, and the following nights a hotel with breakfast included for 30 USD per night. In Thailand, I rarely book hotels, mostly walk-in. Even when I went to Indonesia in 2015, and Vietnam in 2016, I didn't have a hotel for my first night, just walk around tourist area and choose one. But nowadays immigration might ask for address or want to see hotel booking, so I book one for first night.

most of the your choices boil down to personal preferences! if it is your first time(or even 10th time)i would stay in Copacabana or Ipanema. the rest is really individual! i only stay in Airbnb’s, usually the same ones i have been using for years! but i have good friends that only stay in hotels because they like the amenities they provide over Airbnb! either way you will have a great time!

Have you been to Hat Yai? I really enjoyed my visit there. They have really good food with mix of Thai and Chinese. There is also one of the best floating markets I've visited and a fantastic stainless steel temple that you can climb into. Hotels there are very reasonable in price and there are many more things to see than I have mentioned. http://www.thailand-guide.com/hat-yai/

Thanks tomcal. I will stay at an Airbnb in Copa or Ipanema but what about SP? What are of town should I get an Airbnb there? Also, should I spread the three weeks over those two places or add a third stop?

Not to go off topic.....at least Rob sends message asking if it is ok to call. Short call at least an hour. Gives me chance to get a drink and get comfortable.

wow, thank you BOY69 !

Thanks guys for your comments and below is my trip early this week. 1. There's no gay scene in Chanthaburi. The nearest guy on my Grindr was about...27km away from my hostel. Tried to chat to him but then gave up as his slow response. Anyway, the town's nice and i enjoyed good food there. 2. Minibus info mentioned in this page is still active ( https://www.travelfish.org/transport/thailand/eastern_thailand/chanthaburi/chanthaburi/all). Coz i want to go border as soon possible so i took minivan behind Robinson at 9:00AM. Note that, there is no sign boards saying minivan services (a little bit weird to other places i experienced in Thailand) so just simply ask around and people will point you the place. It took 1,5 hour to Ban Parkard border. Customs work in Thailand side was nice and smooth. The nightmare began in Cambodia side. Cambodian officers passed my passport around, said something in their language and finally they told me to pay 200 bath for "entry fee" :D:D:D:D:D:D:d. I politely replied to them I had entered Cambodia several times and i never heard of that fee.They yelled at me that this was "new regulation" and i had to pay for entry (i guessed they yelled to suppress me). Again, I kept cold mind politely explaining i never heard of it. After few minutes of verbal exchange, i decided to ask them if i could get receipt for that fee and amazingly, it worked. They discussed to each other few words and stamped on my passport and let me go, with zero response. Right after i got out of customs booth, several motobike touts approached to offer their services to Pailin town. They offered 10 USD to Pailin by motobike and 15 USD shared taxi to Battambang. I ignored offer to Battambang as i didn't know when taxi got full load. After some negotiation, the tout ok with 6 usd to Pailin town. I reached Pailin around 12:00 AM and took last bus of the day to Battambang (Rith Mony). As i was confirmed by Rith Mony, currently, they run only one bus a day from Battambang to Pailin at 01:00 PM. I could not ask for more info as poor exchange in English. In conclusion, this route is slow and not smooth in minibus/bus connection. The only good point of it is zero waiting for customs work. If you want to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Koh Kong now seems good route (in terms of waiting time , fairly smooth bus connecion...)

it's why I went to Pattaya despite bit disappointing experience last trip year ago. Bangkok is more expensive but has more options , specially in the well built department and keeping busy during day. Pattaya is cheaper so better value for money. At end of day it's guy who counts , not a place and gem can be found everywhere. Even at Tawan now there's diminutive , bit muscled twink in the offer. Some massage boys in mixed places are exemplary hunks too.

Furama Silom is a good hotel IMHO but worth paying a smidge more for the Exec rooms as just nicely turned out (love the glass walled bathrooms & shower) plus you get a few nice freebie extras like access to a small / private dining snack area that serves free drinks late in the afternoon (I got a bit too attached to their Gin supply). They've never even looked up at reception when I've come home with a guy so think you'll be happy. Raya also gets my vote, as the Grand Deluxe rooms with showers are lovely and super convenient for Patpong, glass walled bathrooms again make things interesting at playtime. Bandara Suites also have some very nice Suites at reasonable rates that are about 55sqm with separate Sleeping & Living areas, very handy when your LT over-night is still snoozing, in truth the Suites are more like a Serviced Apartment as have small kitchenette and full sized fridge / freezer, upper floors have good views of BKK too, I'd suggest asking for a room with an 'L shaped' sofa though as more sociable at playtime.

I Residence is in a great location .I booked the Furama not far from this hotel mainly because it's joiners friendly , has a rooftop pool , spacious rooms on reasonable price and generous breakfast bufet. Hope it will be fine .

Q has moved to Dreamboy.

you are not going that far to rest, specially when trip is short make sure you are busy in the LOB, then rest at home upon return

it would be nice as I'm eyeing that hotel for a while so let us know how you liked it

Thank you so much to all of you for your great ideas and suggestions. Two heads are better than one, and a forum of so many great heads is definitely the best. I have spent quite a few hours online .. emailed to some hotels including a couple US chain brands, talked to one over the phone, used my phone calculator to compare prices of different possible options by using various permutations and combinations. After sacrificing some of my black hair, I have come up with one final decision. I wish I had this kind of patience and creativity on other aspects of my life too. I am not sure for other aspects, but when it comes to the LOS (or LOB - land of boys to be more accurate), the need has made me creative. Initially I had made a reservation at Raya for a suite room for 10/2 through 10/7. Then with the help of hotels dot com, I was able to have that reservation cancelled with a full refund. Then I started looking into other possible options including booking a cheaper hotel for a day ahead. but then I realized that I would still need to check out from that cheaper hotel by noon and I would still have two hours gap on 10/2 (which is going to be my first day in BKK after a super long haul). I would not have minded a 2 hour gap if it's on my second day, but my whole purpose of finding a place in this situation is to utilize every hour for a rest. I have also thought about using a short stay hotel, but I was not able to find how to book this kind of hotel online. and I didn't want to end up having to walk around with a bag looking for one after my arrival. After many hotels in different price ranges (from 20-30$ to 140-150$ per night) couldn't guarantee an early check in, I thought my best option would be to book a hotel for 10/1 - 10/3, with a request for a late arrival, then to check in on 10/2 once I arrive, stay over until 10/3, then move to my regular chosen one. Luckily I found an availability of grand deluxe room at Raya with a cheaper price than my previous suite room for 10/1 - 10/3 on agoda. Without hesitation, I submitted a reservation. Then at the same time, I booked a grand deluxe room at Raya for 10/3 - 10/6 with a similar price through hotels dot com. I hope Raya will let me stay in the same room since both bookings are for a grand deluxe room. if not, I wont mind having a gap since it will be on my second day. Then I will move to Wall St inn on my last day since I will need to use it only until midnight to catch my early morning departing flight on 10/7. Thank you again everyone.

From South China Morning Post See ever changing country from the Reunification Express on its 31-hour trip north to Hanoi A train passes through lush North Vietnam. Photo: Alamy Effortlessly grasp the size, varied landscapes and cultural diversity of Vietnam by taking the train – you can stop off at the places you’d like to explore Nha Trang has a fabulous beach and diving, Hue has history, and Dong Hoi the world’s largest cave Vietnam is long – extending 1,650km north to south – but only 50km across at its narrowest point. It includes stunning natural and architectural beauty that is best appreciated from the windows of the Reunification Express train – from the mountains of the north, to the endless miles of golden beaches in the middle, to the flat lushness of the Mekong Delta in the south. While “express” is something of a misnomer – a non-stop journey between the two cities takes 31 hours – the train journey is a great way to understand Vietnam’s size, ever changing landscape and cultural diversity; thankfully, the trip can be split into shorter, more manageable shorter segments. This it not only an economical way to travel, but is also a more environmentally sustainable travel experience, and a more interesting one as well, and many of Vietnam’s top attractions are within easy reach of stations along the route. Ho Chi Minh City is the ideal place to start the journey. Its French-colonial architecture, museums about the conflicts of the last century, and spacious parks contrast with the glass-and-steel skyscrapers and construction work that is rapidly reshaping its skyline. Trains leave from bustling Ga Saigon – the Vietnamese have made the French word for station, gare, their own. The metre-high portrait of Ho Chi Minh overlooking the waiting area is dwarfed by giant billboards for air conditioners amid the organised chaos of the waiting area – hundreds buying last-minute provisions, repacking voluminous luggage, and saying goodbye to loved ones. Long-distance trains offer a variety of carriage options – from wooden seats to sleeping compartments with four or six beds, to a small number of two-bed VIP ones – and provide a more intimate and interesting travel experience than flying. It is the noisier option, though, as the combination of carriages rattling on old rails, food sellers hawking their boiled corn, snacks and drinks, and children playing mean that headphones or ear plugs are worth bringing to help with sleep. Once the train leaves behind the sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s rural beauty is soon visible from the windows on both sides of the train – conical straw hats bobbing on the heads of workers tending rice fields alongside water buffalo and ancestral family shrines. Continues with photos and maps https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3018820/vietnam-train-see-ever-changing-country-reunification

I second idea that going northbound from Saigon to Hanoi is better than other way ( southbound ) which I did way back in 2002. That way one has best part at the end of trip IMNSHO

What an interesting and informative thread. This thread supports a general consensus that making off-line friends with people you "meet" on-line can turn into something vicious or at a minimum, regrettable. Obviously, all meetings with on-line friends do not go off track as exampled in this thread but many do. It appears that a website forum is as good as any place to air old or perceived wounds and/or grievances. This, of course, assumes the grievances are not taken off line for revenge.

Yes, I understand. I was merely jerking your chain a bit. Milton can be read on more than one level but none of them super hard or so I think. What do I know? Best regards, RA1

thank you you say your prayers , I will say mine and hopefully we can meet there.

Thanks Christian ... good to hear from the master! I really appreciate your blog and came in handy last December in Bangkok! From what I have been reading on here and from what I gather from the apps things are very slow so I think the prices are coming down especially in Chiang Mai. Looking forward to returning to Northern Thailand as it is cooler and more laid back, but totally enjoyed BKK thanks to your blog :-).

I do most of my hotel stays as walk-in (but I found that in Thailand, Taiwan, Myanmar prices online are about 20% cheaper than walk-in, so I might book online in the future), and in low- or mid-class hotels (300 to 600 THB per night) in the provinces in Thailand never had a problem with early check-in, around 9 am. More than 9 out of 10 hotels I go to have a free room, I can even increase that to only one out of 20 hotels I went to was booked out (from vague memory, as it's so rare). I wouldn't worry a second about staff being busy cleaning the room after the last or for the next customer, as I assume the hotel was not fully occupied yesterday and will not be fully occupied tomorrow. I once came from Pattaya in the afternoon and had a night train to Chiang Mai at night, and no hotel in Bangkok. I did some sightseeing and had a massage with shower before and after and change of clothes instead of booking a hotel room. My problem is the opposite: I sometimes need late check-out, like 1 or 2 pm. Last year I had to pay 100 THB for one hour late check-out, but that was because a boy came around 11 and I checked out 13 and well worth the money. Last week I got late check-out 2 pm for free in Myanmar. But late check-out is always a discussion (whereas early check-in was never a problem), so if I know in advance, I would not book online, but ask at reception and if there is a problem, go elsewhere. Based on over 5 early check-ins or late check-outs, mostly in Thailand. So my advice is: for early check-in (I think everything after sunrise should be okay) do NOT book online, but walk-in and if a room is free (from the day before, not from a guest that checked out even earlier) they should give it to you without problem. (Unless of course ALL hotels are cheaper online than walk-in, and I have been paying too much for hundreds of nights in hotels.)

A freelance masseur has no costs for shop; I wouldn't pay any more than he quotes. 800 THB for 2 hour body-to-body appears a bit low (comparing to Bangkok and Pattaya; I haven't spent much time in CM in the last years). I have a simple structure: I only go to places without minimum tip. On average it costs 400 THB for one hour oil massage. During massage I see if I get horny. If not, I leave it at massage and tip 300. If yes, I do some indecent touching and if the masseur is amenable, we will have a wank and I tip total 800. I find that reasonable and fair. I had one in Bangkok who originally asked for 2000, but in the end agreed. I have several in Pattaya who want to have business with me again under these conditions.

I don't know of a night bus to Koh Kong. Whenever I flew to Cambodia by Airasia from Don Mueang, the bus trip from terminal to airplane almost took as long as doing the full trip by bus. The railway recently was extended from Aranyaprathet to the border crossing. On Cambodian site, railway line and station are complete. I can only be a matter of decades until everything is sorted out and there will be a train connection between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/2019/05/thai-cambodia-railway-connection.html Poipet is an awful place (judging from staying one night in 2014 before crossing into Thailand, and spending some hours going by car earlier this year).

From Bangkok Post Thailand's healthcare ranked sixth best in the world Thailand is gaining worldwide recognition for the quality of its healthcare services, according to the Public Health Ministry. (Bangkok Post photo) Thailand is gaining worldwide recognition for the quality of its healthcare services, after the US magazine CEOWORLD placed Thailand sixth in its' 2019 list of countries with the best healthcare systems, the Public Health Ministry said. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hailed the ranking as an indication of the country's success in developing its healthcare sector. However, Mr Anutin also said on Monday that the government must not rest on its laurels, as mere rankings do not matter as much as how well the ministry performs its duty of maintaining public health. According to CEOWORLD, which published the list early last month, Thailand was among the few Asian countries which managed to enter the top 10 in 2019, along with South Korea in second place and Japan in third place. European countries dominate the list, with Austria leading at fourth place, followed by Denmark (5th), Spain (7th), France (8th) and Belgium (9th). Of the 89 countries surveyed, Taiwan’s health care topped the the list, scoring 78.72 out of 100 on the Health Care Index. At the opposite end of the spectrum, with a score of 33.42, Venezuela was named the country with the worst health care system in 2019. The Health Care Index is a statistical analysis of the overall quality of a country's healthcare system, including infrastructure; health care professionals' (doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers) competence, cost, availability of quality medicine, and government readiness, according to the CEOWORLD website. It also takes into consideration other factors including, environmental sustainability, access to clean water, sanitation, government readiness on imposing penalties on high-risk behaviour, such as tobacco use, and excess sugar intake. Thailand received an overall score of 67.99 out of 100. Breaking down the figure into categories, the country was given a score of 92.58 for its healthcare infrastructure, 17.37 for professionals' competence, 96.22 for cost, 67.51 for medicine availability and 89.91 for government readiness. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1746289/thailands-healthcare-ranked-sixth-best-in-the-world

Day 2 continued Thank you to Drim for pointing out that my trip was very recent , not in 2018 as in tittle so hopefully administration will be able to correct my mistake. After 2 hours on the top of Bangkok I hit the ground again with first steps to see boarded up, ready to be demolished soi Twilight. Sad picture indeed , specially the banner announcing ‘ this soi will go on for another 6 years ‘ is still hanging above the former entrance . Bo no amount of tears will return soi to it’s former glory so winding my way through Patpongs and Silom I returned to the hotel to get some jet lag curing rest. At 4 p.m. second shot at M at Senso but bad luck again, he is not there. But I’m so decided to engage Tim, recommended by few posters. On the website he looks more massive than in reality, he is rather n twinky side but still great find ! I had some pain in my right calf lingering for couple weeks and pointed it out to him . He spent there perhaps 20 minutes and it looks removed whatever caused it for good. Now , almost 3 weeks later still all perfect. Not that he is good only in massage . He certainly knows how to boil blood while massaging so all in all great and satisfying session , we even find time for 15 minutes of just quiet embraces. That’s advantage of 1.5 hr sessions. 1490 for the house, 2000 tip for the guy, well deserved . When ready to leave quite heavy rain started so I outwaited it over 200 baht bottle of beer, while heavy it did not last long. From there stroll to Silom, in mouth of soi 4 I noticed that my regular from Nakarat is on duty so for old times sake decided to have another 1 hr massage session. He remembered me and my antics and result of session was long time engagement for tonight. I promised to pick him up after his shift. From there you guessed rightly I went straight to Maha Nakhon again , this time to check how Bangkok looks from above in the dark. Let me tell you , looks great with all those lights and screens on the buildings but for first times I think daytime option would be more rewarding. And of course crowds, it was easily 3-4 times more people than in the morning on all levels. Glass was closed so it looks it’s only open during daylight . Another, third point for daytime visit. After 45 minutes of enjoyment up in the sky I marched to meet ChristianPFC for our traditional pizza meals at Madrid Tavern in Patpong 1. Always pleasure and pizza is great, each of us ordered different one and we shared half each. Brief visit at only remaining Patpong 1 boy bar Sweet Banana or something but we weren’t that impressed by what we saw to continued to Lucky Boys. Big bar, quite empty as it was early but closer to the show it become more packed for Monday. Twinks there are not my specialty but #37 got my customary 100 baht tip for the best guy. Famous mamasan Lucy tried to entertain us and extract some tips but my message ‘ I like girls “ was received as it should and she departed our table soon enough. I was told that Yoyo from Screwboys moved to this bar but did not see that great guy on the stage which was perhaps blessing as I had already guy arranged. We left just before show, at mouth of soi 4 my guy was waiting for me so Christian went his way and buy and me headed for Foodland for last supper before fun. No fuss at Amara lobby , elevator up and as they say we hit the sheets but while massages by him were always great and fun, tonight both of us lacked spark. My jet lag perhaps , he could be new to idea of long time or even going with customer so it was nice and soothing experience but lacking heat a bit with guy spending a lot of time in the toiled just playing on his phone. ( I woke up to empty bed and went here to see him and his glowing phone in the dark. ) Bit weird but not as bad as it sounds, partially as reward for tonight’s company , partially for excellent memories from the past encounters I let it go, asked him to come for breakfast and promised to take him , you guessed it right , to Maha Nakhon. At 6 am he left promising to return at 9 and I got 3 more hours of sleep and this is how day 2 finished.

You whet my appetite for big cocks and men of color to start thinking of a return to the DR. I just can't find a regular BBC in San Francisco to throat.

DAY ONE...continuing I headed out to Hot Male Bar using the passageway from Patpong 1 to Patpong 2, I notice a new club/bar/venue is opening/about to open - it faces Patpong 1 and abuts Dreamboys. It's decorated with a Pride flag...but there are three women inside and two guys outside smoking. I've no idea of the ultimate plan or even the momentary one. A few more steps and I see one of the Hot Male Bar boys waving to me. As, I emerge from the passageway, the Dreamboy touts/grabbers are on telling me about Dreamboys. I continue and am grabbed by a familiar face at Hot Male. In May he was the dancer wearing number 1 in the club, now he is has been promoted (?). He takes me up the stairs, I tell him "it's the bar tonight not the club". The two Laotian bar boys join us and take me a bench seat where they can sit with me and I can watch the comings and goings at Dreamboys and in the passageway between Dreamboys and Paradiso. The tout who once was an on stage Hot Male-r was also my counselor when I was in the club in May advising on the pros and cons of his fellow co-workers. He helped set up a night with Hak, one of the coyotes, which turned out well. Of the two Laotian boys, one I've offd in the past when he was at the no longer existing Hot Male 2. The other, I met in May when I was at the bar with Anddy who was the center of attention for this boy. I order a drink and buy drinks for the three guys, a few minutes later, the mamasan from inside is now outside and greeting me. So, i begin to catch up on what is happening in the new Twilight. Spoon arrives, not sure what he made of the scene, but he joined in. I introduced him to the mamasan as Spoon mentioned in a message that he had been to HM and liked one of the guys. Spoon and I discussed what we wanted to do, club(s) were agreed on with the idea of starting at Lucky Boys. I recommended that we get there before the show started so we might get time to see the boys on stage before the show - which, at least in May, was mostly lady boy divas. Agreed, I pay up and we depart. At Lucky Boys we are on our way into the show room when we are spotted by Lucy - the mamsan swoops us up and parks us at a table in the front. I suggested we sit higher up and Lucy points out there are no empty seats for two guys and the guys they may want to sit with. I know not to argue with Lucy as I will be coming back in the future if not on this visit. Drinks ordered there is time to check out the stage and the guys. I offed two guys from here in May and was looking for one, Hab, who had been sending me Line messages on a regular basis. There were more than 40 guys on stage, other than not having Tawan types, there was a definite range of twinks and those just past twinkdom. They I see Yoyo. He is looking at me, our eyes lock, and that's it, I nod and he leaves the stage and joins us. I introduce him to Spoon, who I will later learn, didn't need an introduction. Yoyo until very recently was at Screwboys. That's where I first met him more than 3 years ago. He's Vietnamese and gay and handsome and accommodating. We both understand immediately that I will off him and my night will end early (note, I'm wrong on the ending time). I try to watch the boys on stage. But I'm distracted as Yoyo's adept at putting my hands where I'd like them to be and so forth and so on. We watch the boys change positions and exit and enter the on stage line up. One of the boys is Hab who sees me, smiles, sees Yoyo and smile refocuses. I send him a red note via a waiter. Now, writing this report, I realize that Yoyo and Hab would have been willing for a threesome. My brain didn't go there at the time...must remember for November. I try to talk with Spoon but am distracted...Spoon understands and wishes us a good night. So to know how his night went, we will have to wait on his report. Yoyo goes to get dressed, Lucy and I talk a bit about business, always it could be better I'm told...note - the place is packed with customers and boys and more are entering and the show hasn't started. Yoyo returns and is, as usual, very well dressed and accessorized. Spoon and I make a tentative plan for tomorrow when I will be with another Viet, Van who wants to see me. (see almost all of my earlier reports for the past four years if you want,, but I will summarize in tomorrow's report). As we leave, I ask Yoyo if he wants to eat, he declines. I ask if he'd like to catch one of the other shows and he is interested. We go to enter Dreamboys, but back off with the touts gathering up the Chinese - it's a bit crazy and confusing.. We go instead to Moonlight. The Surawong tout, who used to be one of theTwilight touts for the old Hot Male (the bandana man) is now working for Moonlight, scoops us up and drops us off at the entrance. Inside, we are directed to seats in the area behind the walk way. No thanks, Yoyo takes over and with the blessing of a mamasan who remembers me, we are seated in the center of the first row with the stage right in front of us. This gives me a chance to check out the boys in the rotation. I'm looking for one who I offed twice in May. I don't see him. The show is in transition, some numbers from last May, many new numbers, new costumes, new choreography. From the first row the views are interesting as are the waiters lined up with the Baht wreathes. The regulars among the stars know the audience in general and in particular those who come to see them. Remarkably, tonight there is only one table of women. Very few farangs from the west. Tables upstairs are in use and look packed. When the show starts customers are standing to see the show. We stay until almost the last moment, choosing to dance for a moment in the gangway with Babe as we move to and out the door. Yoyo takes over and leads the way to the Tarntawan. He has his ID at the ready for security. Upstairs we have a drink as we undress one another. he appreciates that I hang up his clothes (he is somewhat vain about his clothes, which are trendy). Undressed, we shower together, he is lithe and gently muscular, more swimmer than gymnast, more than decently endowed, ready to use his skills. I say this as I had had some depleting action during my massage a few hours earlier). Yoyo doesn't accept that as an excuse for me not to come and leads us though what he remembers I like,. I lead the action a bit, and he makes entry easy. He makes sure I come to orgasm but takes time as he isn't in a rush. When I'm now truly depleted he pulls me into keeping him aroused, after lots of sucking, kissing, biting(small bites), finger play, etc...he comes all over me in two large gushes. He laughs, tells me he hasn't come all week...could be true there is a lot to cleanup once we unstick from one another...but that is also exactly what he told me back in February (!)...Forum members can compare notes on this. He stays to cuddle for another hour, then we shower one more time, he dresses and is off. We were together close to six hours. I tipped him 2500...sort of between a short and long time stay. Since, I returned home, I've had a message and/or picture most days. It's now almost 4am and I need some sleep.... TO BE CONTINUED>

I've been home for a week and a few days, not a great lot of things to report on, but a promise to report is a promise to report and Vinapu is watching and waiting. Originally (i.e back in March), I'd planned a week in Hong Kong visiting old friends who live in a city that I love very much. All was well, until the HK Executive introduced an extradition to China bill. As the date for my departure approached, I received a warning from the US State Department and more importantly my K friends suggested that I think about visiting at another time. Much of the demo-action was taking place on HK Island, so I thought I'd book on the other side of the harbor, then the demonstrations moved there. I surrendered to the warnings but rather than abandon the air ticket which was non-refundable, I decided to fly into HK and then travel on to Bangkok. Thai airways had a decent fare - which was even more decent when I booked it with miles. (Note- the miles earned on the trip are more useful for maintaining my Platinum status with Star Alliance than in miles for future use as the cost of the roundtrip ticket to HK was $550. When I checked the day before my departure from San Francisco, I had two empty seats next to me. Between then and when I boarded, United cancelled another HK flight from the midwest and combined that passengers. So, no empty seats!!! 14 hours after takeoff, I was in HK. Once in the immigration area, I was #3 in line. Total waiting time maybe 4 minutes! Note: I would say that on the full 777-300, there were maybe less than a dozen round-eyed Caucasian types. I overnighted at the airport Marriott - I appreciated that the room supplied a voltage convertor, otherwise, a Marriott room is a Marriott room. Next morning, breakfast in the Marriott Club, plus points for a toaster that toasted on the first try. Shuttle bus to the airport, long rope line to security screening. Only ticketed passengers permitted in the terminal. Checked in again at Thai Airways issued new boarding pass. Total time to pass through immigration and security was maybe five minutes! I was two hours early for my flight so used the Thai lounge. It's near to the United lounge but has a better food selection and wasn't as crowded. Easy flight. Landed and all the passengers transferred to a shuttle bus! Once at the terminal, I took advantage of my age and used the "Monk" line for quick trip through immigration, having only carry-on, once through customs, I went to the train level, changed my money, and caught the train. Transferred to the BTS, change at Siam and off at Sala Daeng, used the escalator in the Thanyia building to get to Silom street level. Headed sown Silom as I wanted to check out the Nakarat masseurs, hoping one of my favorites wold be there...he wasn't. Continued on to Patpong 2 and took that to Surawong, passing by the newly opened Bangkok Massage and Dreamboys. On Surawong I headed toward the Tarntawan subconsciously scoping out the massage boys on the way. Two caught my eye, one at one of the Art Massage places, the other at Amolir. I'd never seen male masseurs at Amolir which is located between Patpong 1 and the Siam Heritage hotel. It's where the tailor's dummy with the $199 suit is positioned. Anyway on the the hotel. Welcome back greetings from the desk and security guard. I was given a room at the far end of the hallway from the elevator. Quick shower, then headed out to Nakarat but when I was passing Amolir, one of the guys stopped me (which given his body type and handsomeness wasn't difficult). I went with Toey (his name - he had a business card) to look at the facility, very clean, massage tables with a face hole, the walls of cubicles not up to ceiling, clean shower area. Agreed on a 90 minutes aroma oil massage. The first hour consisted of a first rate massage. Toey was conversant in English and worked on my shoulders when I listed thea rea that needed attention. The final 30 minutes were addressed to other areas that enjoyed attention. He was naked for this last portion and shared the table with me. We then showered together. He brought me some tea as I changed and we talked a bit. He's been in Bangkok for about three months. He is from Issan. He works from noon to 1am. Definitely a pleasant way to start this brief visit. Tip was 1500 thb. I head back to the hotel grabbing some street food on the way after checking Starbucks in case Michael's dark prince was gracing the premises. Alas, no. Forum member Spoon and I had plans to meet up and using Line were able to coordinate a meeting at Hot Male's outside bar. Used the available time to unpack and catch up on email and Line messages. DivineMadman is just now back in town so we plan on a meet up, and Vinapu will be back from Pattaya on Sunday so coordinate a meetup with him and with Spoon. I'll pause here and detail the evening's events in my next post. Overall, this will be a relatively short (for me) report as I was only in town for 3 nights.

REPORT: In the past year i have been to Sao Paulo quite a lot but have done a terrible job at reporting here. but i will try and do a better job henceforth. I suck at writing so bear with me RIO: I arrived in Rio on Wednesday 9/4 around 1030 got to my airbnb in Ipanema 1200, took a shower and went for my spa appointment which i had previously set up with https://www.solaryunspamasculino.com.br I opted for total hair removal, exfoliation and four hands tantric massage. The tantric massage was done by Joao and Douglas, it was a good massage with a happy ending but contrary to experience in Sao Paulo there was no sex so i was slightly disappointing but I have to maintain that the massage was really good. Instead of going out to the sauna after that I hauled my lazy arse home and slept like a baby. Woke up and to do some work before flying to Sao Paulo for my meeting at USP. Sao Paulo: Got to Sao Paulo late afternoon on Thursday 9/5 had a good dinner at hotel unique. I had initially planned to meet a guy i met on instagram for some fun but I sent him a message and he never responded so i just prepared for my meeting the following day and slept instead of going out because i wanted to be in tip top shape for my meeting in the morning. Friday morning I woke up hornier (if that is a word) than usual so i contacted a former GP who is now a gogo dancer, he stated his price, i told him to come over, when he arrived i realized i had left my condoms and lube at the airbnb in Rio so i asked him if he brought any accoutrements to which he responded in the negative. I will take the blame for this fiasco i gave him his money and asked him to go. giving him that money was very hard as a matter of principle and how unperturbed he seemed about taking money he had not earned. I went for my meeting at USP and that was very successful so that brightened my day a little bit. I had set up another spa day at https://xtudiolotus.com.br for deep facial cleansing, full body exfoliation and clay therapy, manicure, modeling massage and a four had tantric massage. This was a way better experience than at Solaryun. The tantric massage was with Jonathan and Giovani. the massage was great and needless to say it was more than a happy ending . i went home rested a little bit more and then went to Lagoa. There were some few boys that I was interested in but i have never learned to muster enough courage to go up to them so i just sat down with two clients i had met there a few trips ago. One of the guys that i liked grabbed my arse and asked if it was real to which I responded in the affirmative and I asked him his rate, we talked a little bit more and we went up to a room it was a really good session. I wanted to take him home but the bigger head won the argument https://garotocomlocal.com.br/acompanhante-masculino/lorenzo-dias/ I found his ad later. Had to wake up early Saturday morning to catch a flight back to Rio. Back to Rio: I got to Rio around 0830 and contacted https://twitter.com/EyeoftheXxx for my scheduled tour. we did a tour of Vidigal favela (which is not a really slum). We took motor taxis through the favela to get to the beginning of the trail up Morro dois irmaos. But I was slight daft and put my phone in my side pocket so it flew out of my pocket and smashed the screen into very tiny bits rendering it utterly useless. I still went ahead with the tour but so mad that i could not take any pictures of the gorgeous view of Rio on top of the hill. I liked the trek up the hill and the view was worth every step. We met two other guys; a Brazilian who stays in London and a Portuguese who grew in Mozambique, on the trail whom we started talking to. we had lunch with them in the favela after the trek and it was the most delicious meal i have had in Brazil. I went back home and slept because I was really tired. I woke up around 1800 took a shower and went to Pointe 202. It was my first time and I was like lost puppy another customer showed me around the place and told me about a drag and stripper show later that night. there were not a lot of boys that I really liked so i did not do any program with anyone but I met a bunch of clients that i talked to. I really liked pointe 202 but the music was way too loud and the owner had the AC blasting away until someone told him to turn the bloody thing off. The drag show was good. I liked it, i picked on a little bit but i could not understand anything they were saying. I have to say though there several clients at pointe 202 that night that i would have loved to get in my bed. there is something about grey hair and maturity which is such a turn on!!! one of the boys who happens to be an Uber driver offered to take me to my airbnb, he was looking for a programa but i politely refused and payed him for the trip and a little bit extra for being so polite. I woke up on Sunday morning contacted https://garotocomlocal.com.br/acompanhante-masculino/renan-dotado-2/ through imessage on my computer. I went to his place and we had a great time together. he could not speak a word of english so we used google translator. we had brunch together after. I contacted my tour guide again and we did a tour of Rocinha favela and that was really awesome and then went to Copa beach for volleyball. As I was walking back to my airbnb i saw this sexy roughly early 60s man we flirted in passing but i was running late to go to Club 117 so I could not stop to talk to him. Went home took a nice much needed shower and went to Club 117. definitely larger and nicer, more boys and a lot more that i could actually have programas with. One of the boys that could speak english showed me around and sat with me for a bit. He was different, he was not ripped liked the rest of the guys but he was really sweet. He told me he had stayed in Orlando for a bit but had to come home to help with some family issues. We got a suite and got down to business he was muito carinhoso as they say. After the programa he got dressed sat with me for a little bit and left to begin his long journey back home. I sat down to enjoy the drag show, one of the drag queens could speak english so i could laugh at some of the jokes. I need to learn more Portuguese!!! Another boy (more like a man) approached me and asked if i wanted sex, he was exactly my type, slightly older than most of the guys there a nice trimmed beard and slightly balding kkkkkk so i said yes. He was not as good as the first guy but not too bad. i paid him went downstairs and paid my tab (I got a free entrance because i won the bingo). i walked a little bit down the street to get a taxi but I walked through a bunch of streetside restaurants with a lot people so i sat there and ordered a drink. It was fun observing people. I got home woke up the following morning but because I did not have a phone i could not get in touch with many of the GPs that i had planned or had been suggested to me and that was a bummer. So i walked to Rua Farme de Amoedo and did a little shopping to drown my sorrows. But I remembered the Uber driver that took me from the airport had an Iphone and he was handsome with a baby face so when i got back home I sent him an Imessage from my computer and asked him if he could take me to the airport later that day and I also risked it and asked him if he wanted to do a programa. That was stupid but it worked. he came by an hour later and we had a great time!!! After he left took a walk on Avenida Atlantico, had a late lunch and then went back home to pack and wait for the driver. @lopesv2 thanks for all the recommendations as usual. I could have bought another phone but the new Iphone is out this week so i decided not to waste money. Will be back in Brazil SaoPaulo for a meeting 15th to 17th October and Rio 17th to 22nd. but my next stop is Abu Dhabi next week for work, wish me luck. kindly shoot me a message or just respond here if you have any questions.

From Khaosod English Renaissance Masterpieces Electrify Bangkok Exhibition BANGKOK — The creator of “From Monet to Kandinsky” has opened another immersive projection exhibition, this time featuring four Renaissance-era masters: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo. “Italian Renaissance” is open through October 31 at River City Bangkok. The multimedia tribute to the zenith of European art transforms familiar masterpieces such as “Mona Lisa” and “The Birth of Venus” from static displays into a 45-minute loop of enlarged, animated projections that zoom into the smallest details of each work while shedding light on their history. At one point, the room is lit up as a shore where the goddess Venus stands nude in a scallop shell, before morphing into a gallery where portraits by Raphael walk around visitors – rather than the other way around. Suddenly, the projection collapses into a masonry workshop showcasing Michelangelo’s David and other bare-skinned sculptures, with visitors allowed to take selfies next to their penises. Da Vinci’s helicopter, and other inventions, hover over Rome before his paintings come to life. The projection is accompanied by tranquil classical music. The Renaissance period was chosen as the exhibit’s theme because this year marks the 500th anniversary of Da Vinci’s death. “We want audiences to learn more about art and to be inspired,” said Linda Cheng, managing director of River City Bangkok. “The paintings are taken apart, moved around in an animated form to make them appealing and to help audiences have a deeper look into the details and makings of the paintings.” Continues with photos “Italian Renaissance” runs from August 8 to October 31 at River City Bangkok in Soi Charoen Krung 24. The venue is reachable by a 15 minute walk along Charoen Krung Road from BTS Saphan Taksin exit No. 3, or by any boat that stops at Si Phraya Pier. Tickets are available online for 350 baht for adults and 250 baht for students and seniors with valid ID. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/2019/08/09/renaissance-masterpieces-electrify-bangkok-exhibition-photos/

Divine, you continue to suffer from a desire to paint a beautiful picture of Thailand and its government. You have blinded yourself if you believe that they are not trying to make it as difficult as they can for expats to remain here. And, exactly what tax base is paying to the government hospitals here? Certainly not the Thai people who go to these hospitals. I won't pretend to know where the money comes from to finance the Thai government but I do not believe it is from taxes. Also, for your divine information, I use a private hospital here because I don't want to sit for 8 hours waiting to see a doctor as most of the patients who are there have to do. With regard to Thai culture, I firmly believe that it cripples this land. The desire to never disagree with or tell someone they are wrong is ridiculous. You try to make it appear that I am thoughtless and do not understand Thai people. I have lived here 13 years and during that time I have met many Thais and have had many good times with them but their culture also makes them hypocrits and sometime liers. There was an occasion when a group I was with, consisting of 5 people, 3 of which were Thai, were playing cards and talking. One of the Thais was lying about some serious things he said and none of the Thais would challenge him. Yes, this is a small example but I have seen it on many occasions. It is the same thing with directions. Thais will almost never tell you they don't know. Better to give an incorrect answer than to say they don't know and, due to their culture, loose face. I think that you love Thailand because of the sex available to you. That is not bad but don't let it blind you to underlying facts about Thailand and its people.

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

Fountainhall has posted a series of very interesting Asian gay history posts on Gaybutton's site. In addition to his observations, the photography is excellent.

Seems like 11 articles under this part of the Board https://gaybuttonthai.com/viewforum.php?f=4

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.

From Katmandu Post Uses of hyperbole or over-exaggeration are quite common for parents to impress or soothe their kids. While still a child Rahul Moktan took one such statement from his father literally which paved his way to pursue Muay Thai. “Muay Thai fighters are so strong, they can knock down a tree with a single kick,” Moktan recalls his father as saying. Upon hearing his father’s words, a young Moktan wanted to become a Muay Thai fighter himself possessing such massive power. Moktan now has over 10 years of Muay Thai playing experience. “Yes, a Muay Thai fighter can bring down a tree. But it has got to be a lean banana tree. Not the big ones I believed during my childhood,” Moktan says with a big laughter. At the end of 2008, Moktan was in India pursuing his studies where he found himself with the freedom he never had. “I had no one to control me. I was not in a position to distinguish right or the wrong. I could do whatever I wanted to do and go wherever I wanted to go. I actually loved that new-found freedom,” he recalls. But as time passed, Moktan realised he wandered off too much without any purpose or meaning in life. He says he lacked discipline in his life but fortunately, he realised his mistakes. He knew he was not very good at studies. So he turned his attention on martial arts. “I didn’t plan to go pursue Muay Thai but I was good at sports and was fascinated especially by the martial arts,” Moktan said. He looked for a proper training centre to realise his martial arts dream but could not find one. A few months later he came in contact with Edgar Noosdanus, a Dutch national married to an Indian woman. Edgar, a Muay Thai trainer, for the first time, introduced Moktan to the sport. He trained Moktan and also suggested him to go to Thailand—the country of origin of Muay Thai—for proper training. Moktan duly took the suggestion and went to Thailand. There was no turning back ever since. Moktan came back to India after completing his training and upon the suggestion of his gym owner, started to train others too. In 2014, he returned to Nepal and started Gymkhana Muay Thai in 2017. Moktan now trains Muay Thai fighters at Gymkhana. His fitness centre recently organised its first Muay Thai and boxing competition and received rave reviews. Twelve fighters took part in three different weight categories-60, 65, 70 kg-in semi-professional rules in five rounds. Players were invited to take part in the fight and their opponents were chosen based on their past performance. “Any combat sports in dangerous so we thought about getting permission from the governing body. We informed about our intention to the sports governing body—Nepal National Muay Thai Association—and got the green signal,” said Moktan. But Moktan still believes there is a lot that needs to be done in the sport. “What always pinches me is that I am in this sport for over a decade and it took me so long to organise a tournament. “But I feel really proud knowing that we were able to organise such an event in just two years since establishing the Gymkhana,” said Moktan. Moktan said they will try to make up for the lost time and, encouraged by the reviews their first tournament received, plan to organise a fight every three months. He hopes such tournaments will give a proper platform to aspiring Muay Thai fighters. Continue with photos https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2019/08/31/muay-thai-is-gradually-gaining-momentum-in-nepal