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  1. presumably it would be added to the airfare, of course shown and made transparent in the "taxes & fees" section of the airfare breakdown. That has existed forever and also includes the airport departure charge, which in the past was indeed inconveniently payable in cash at a dedicated counter. I see nothing wrong with that. As for the insurance, yes traveler may already have insurance. That maybe most true for western travelers like most members here, but i seriously doubt Asian ones would have it. Same for the infamous backpacker.... 34 Baht sounds like nothing, but the vast majority of the 30+ million tourists we once had and may have again will never have any need for medical services in their short stay. So for the minuscule portion that does those 34 Baht may go a long way to buy enough coverage. As for the remainder of the fee: in principle it's a good thing if it goes to the right uses, such as tourist infrastructure, keeping beaches and national parks clean, etc etc. However, this being Thailand, that's a bit IF.... A non-negligible portion will probably disappear in some pockets.... But it's a start.
    3 points
  2. For me Freind Zone 2 is the best series for 2020 ( and Told Sunset About You is the all time best ever) I agree the final plot remains open and unclear which imply third season is on its way.
    2 points
  3. The B Word: Sao Luis Edition – Something is Better than Nothing Everyone knows that there is more to Brazil than just Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. I do not have anything against these two amazing cities - and if I don’t visit any other Brazilian cities in my life other than these two, I’d be more than content. But all the “bests” I’ve had ever in my short 3-year Brazil touring experience has been out of RJ and SP: best sauna night (TBV in Recife), best road trip (Gramado in Rio Grande do Sul), best AirBNB experience (a party house in Florianopolis), best churrasco (a restaurant in Joinville, Santa Catarina), best Acai dish (an ambulante near the Amazonas Theatre in Manaus) etc etc. That’s not to say that all Brazilian cities are a must to go to. I’ve always wanted to EVENTUALLY visit all the states in Brazil. So far I’ve been to 15 out of 26, which seems remarkable since I’ve only started going in 2018. So when Paulo asked me if I wanted to go with him to Sao Luis, Maranhao, because he had some family matters to attend to, I jumped on the chance to go, since I have never been to Maranhao state. And when he said there was one boy sauna he knew of that was in Sao Luis, and we could check it out, it made the trip more enticing to me. But other than knowing that Maranhao state has the famous Lencois Maranhenses National Park, I didn’t know much about Sao Luis, and upon reading about it online, learned that it is a city of a million people that is staddled between the Northeastern cities of Brazil in the east, and the Amazonian parts of Brazil in the west. Sounds like the middle of nowhere to me, but it did have a beach, and a sauna, and with Paulo by my side, I won’t have any qualms exploring the city. We got to Sao Luis around midnight, after a frantic dash to the airport to make our flight (never have sex before a flight – time flies when you’re having fun). Without dinner or anything, we decided on getting Uber Eats/iFood at the AirBNB. One of the few blessings in this pandemic is that food delivery in Brazil has thrived by leaps and bounds, more than pre-pandemic times, and we would never be hungry. But not in Sao Luis, it seems. We try to put in an order at around 1 AM, and Uber did not have any drivers available. I guess the town shuts down pretty early, in this weekday night. A far cry from SP or RJ, where you can seemingly get anything at any time. So a bit about Sao Luis – in the map, its in the middle of the Northeastern region, where Salvador and Recife are, and is defined by beaches, warm waters, and 24 hour sunlight, and the Northern region, where Manaus and the Amazon is, and is defined by tropical rainforests, mosquitoes, and hot hot temps. And indeed, it seems to inherit some parts of both regions, and it doesn’t do any of it well. It has beaches, but uninspired ones. It has hot weather, but it seems to be Amazon hot (with mosquitoes!) rather than Northeast hot (with a relaxing wind that takes away the sting of the sun). And the infrastructure seems to be crumbling, like what I found in Manaus, than what you see in Recife, for example. I wouldn’t classify this city as a must-go. But we were here because the BF needed to take care of some family business. We spent most of the waking daylight hours (which is usually after 1 PM for us – it takes us forever to get out of bed) in government agencies and banks, including this branch of Bradesco with a particular inviting ad with world-reknowned hottie surfer Gabriel Medina. It does make me want to open an account here. Some other oddities: We had sushi at a restaurant called Taipan in a shopping mall, and there was an oddly high ratio of gay men among the clientele in the restaurant. Paulo felt uneasy, because he was (again) easily head and shoulders the hottest guy there, and everyone was checking him out like in the sauna. For Paulo, it was one thing to get checked out in the sauna, but in public, he does want to be left alone. But we got confirmation that, on this Friday night, this restaurant was a bit of an informal hot spot for the gays. Whatever. It was weird. And it was the first time I’ve ever found these training wheels for chop sticks: The food and beaches were kind of meh for us, but we tried out best to enjoy what was in front of us. The saving grace however, were the bars by the beach at night. Live music, including some of the best Reggae live music we’ve ever heard. This was not an accident. Sao Luis is known as the “Brazilian Jamaica” after all, for some reason. We didn’t know this at the time of the trip, but was surprised that this was actually a thing here in Sao Luis. We had a blast anyway. There was one sauna in Sao Luis, Sauna Go 63. It follows the proud tradition of naming your sauna after the street number your establishment is in. In Rio, you have Clube 117 (Rua Candido Mendes) and Ponte 202 (Rua Siquiera Campos). Also, SP has Fragata 555 (Rua Traipu) and Salvador has Clube 11 (Rua Jose Duarte). It was across the bridge from the Beach of Sao Marcos where we were. It in the “Centro Historico” part of town, and it felt as such, as it was a bumpy ride getting there, with all the potholes and crumbling infrastucture around us. This was a Friday night, and upon entering the premises, we were immediately questioned by a guy sitting behind a table right at the entrance way. Turns out, he was a health advocate, and he was there to promote safe sex practices, which was I guess pretty appropriate, given the venue. After a brief chat, and some nosiness about the BF’s and my relationship, we were free to check in the sauna. He was also giving out free condoms, as well as free at-home HIV tests: Upon check-in, we noticed some boys, one half-naked, another naked and cupping his dick, approach the counter to get some condoms. This certainly was a welcome preview of what is to come. As we head on over to the locker room, Paulo was recognized by a tall and big fellow. He was a boy who who recognized Paulo from one of the saunas in Fortaleza. He had dark skin, nice face, but not as in shape as I would like. I’m sure he was cute to someone. We both change in towels. Paulo asked his friend about the lay of the land here. Paulo then requests that he go into the premises alone at first, to suss out the territory himself. “Are you going to find a client?” I asked. He said he wasn’t sure yet, judging from his conversation with his friend (cheap clients), but willing to see the lay of the land first before deciding on whether to work or not. Knowing what to do, and acting accordingly, is important to Paulo when going to a sauna with me. Paulo says that clients are always jealous of other clients, and if he decided to work tonight, we would have to tamp down on the PDA, and maybe even not talk to each other for a bit, until he was sure he was able to get clients. If he decides not to work, he is free to touch, kiss, and be boyfriends with me. He is big on the PDA, and seems like he wants to do it with me, especially in a sauna since it was a more-or-less private space where he is free to be “gay” and not hetero like out in the world, so he has to make these choices. As Paulo makes his way into the premises to assess the client situation, I make my own way into the sauna slowly, and made sure I was able to assess the boy situation. Yes, I was still forbidden in getting any of these boys, but I was free to look, and sometimes I can get away with inviting a boy with me for a drink. It is still worth it for me to be “single” while I am with Paulo, since the benefits (amazing sex, great conversation, hot hot hot boy, seeing Brazil through his eyes), outweighs the pitfalls (no sex with other guys, penis too large and thick). And it’s not like I am a saint when I am not with him, and I am able to roam the saunas, trawl the sites, and hit Grindr, like before. After one or two rotations around the sauna, I am sad to say that I found a total of ONE guy that I would even think of hiring. That ONE guy was obviously super busy and was getting hired by one client after another, since he was the hottest one there. He was handsome, dark skin, and muscular with abs, so he would be a fit in any other sauna in Brazil land. And any boy of equal or better quality surely should take advantage of this in this sauna. There was not a shortage of clients here for sure. The rest of the boys were boy next door types. Good for hanging out and a laugh or two, but noone I cannot live without. After a while, I see Paulo, emerging from the lockers, grinning like a Cheshire cat. He meets me halfway and plants me a big kiss. “I just got one, and I don’t want anyone anymore,” he says. He takes my hand and gets me to the bar, where he orders us two caiprinhas: “What happened?” I asked him. “They kind of suck here in Sao Luis,” he says in a whisper, and then laughs. I asked why. “Clients were offering me 50 reais, and then 70 reais. It was horrible. You know I don’t do it for less than 100.” But you did one client? “Yeah, remember that guy handing out HIV tests? I guess he liked me enough to offer me 120 reais. But he ended up paying me 150. It was fast too. I only had my penis head in him and he came. Easiest 150 I’ve made. And now I am paying for these drinks,” pointing to the two caiprinhas. I guess he was feeling generous with his earnings, and also since tonight was 2 for 1 caipis: Paulo has a theory that the boys here are happy with 50 reais programas, as long as they can get 4 or 5 clients, that works out to 250 reais a night. They run a volume business. Paulo suspects that the hot guy I saw worked the same way. He said he'd be surprised if that guy couldn't be had for 70. Volume is the key, since there were a lot of clients. The clients simply don't pay like they do in SP or RJ. The sauna itself was actually pretty nice. The drinks were suuuuper cheap, and we got some snacks too that were 15 reais: The premises were nice too, and there was a pool that was outdoors, but still in the courtyard of the sauna, so with the hot weather, it was a nice addition, and Paulo took advantage of it by diving in naked, which caused a commotion with some guests: Overall, this was a chill sauna to spend a Friday night in. The space was pretty spacious: And there was a separate dance room that one could dance with one’s partner to the day’s popular hits. As the sauna was closing, the owner approached us and asked for Paulo’s number. He said he knew some “politicos” that would be interested in getting Paulo’s services, and they pay way more than the average sauna goer. Paulo gladly gave him the number. We got stinking drunk too. And our bill was less than 100 reais. Worth it. In closing, I guess I wouldn’t go out of my way to go back to Sao Luis, except if I was on my way to Lencois Maranhenses. But Paulo certainly has a way of livening any location we are in, so it was better than nothing. Up next, Belo Horizonte, during COVID.
    2 points
  4. TotallyOz

    Queer as Folk

    They just had a reunion. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/queer-as-folk-cast-reunites_us_5b1dd215e4b0bbb7a0de93fa I enjoyed the photos and the interviews I found online. This was one of my favorite shows years ago and I had parties in NYC with gay guys who would sit in my small living room to watch each episode. It was delightful. BTW: Peter Paige is the one that did The Fosters.
    1 point
  5. I saw Pieces of a Woman at the Venice Film Festival last September. I saw it again last night on Netflix with subtitles on. It's a depressing movie, for sure, but there is so much talent at work on this production, I had to give it another shot. Vanessa Kirby is amazing in this performance. I can't imagine what it takes for an actor to reach this level of commitment. The same is true for Shia LaBeouf. I'll never forget the first time I met Shia. He delivered an unforgettable impact. His film Honey Boy is an incredible look into his very painful, personal past. He certainly has issues, but my god, what a talent this guy is. In Pieces of a Woman, Shia exposes his small cock (and pretty ass) to the world. Not many actors in Hollywood would dare to have the guts that Shia has. I love Shia's bravery. I find courage and vulnerability incredibly sexy. Martin Scorcese is executive producer. Ellen Burstyn and Molly Parker are superb, as well. I would post a screenshot of Shia's sexy junk, but it seems those days may be gone for now.
    1 point
  6. Yes you must watch the first season otherwise you won't understand what is going on in the second season both are great I don't see any reason to skip the first season.
    1 point
  7. While waiting for the next episodes of Manner of Death and for the last to episodes of Tonhon Chonlatee, I started watching: I told sunset about you - the documentary Yes it's quite interesting, watched the first 4 ep so far. Those acting workshops seem to be a lot of fun - I would like to attend! The biggest surprise so far was the shooting at Promthep Cape. Promthep Cape is the southern tip of Phuket and seems to offer quite nice views. When I was watching the series I even took a note "if you are in Phuket, make a trip to Promthep Cape"! (I hope it will not be washed away until we are able to go to Thailand again) In the series, there were just the 2 boys there, no other turists. Easy during corona times you might think. But: It was during one of those prolongued weekends to stimulate local Thai turism and in fact the place was totally packed with Thai turists so that they had difficulty to shoot the scenes! My Gear and your Gown I am at ep. 9 so far and it is ok. Average plot and most other series have better looking actors; nevertheless I like it, so something must be good. Not a comedy but the typical stuff like bad grades, parents not caring, having a secret crush, poor guy/rich guy etc. Even HIV gets mentioned in one episode, thats a first in a Thai BL series for me, but they missed the chance to elaborate on that a little bit more seriously. Should I watch Friend Zone 2 next? Do I need to see Friend Zone 1 first?
    1 point
  8. for me that crown belongs to Together With Me with Dark Blue Kiss just millimeters behind
    1 point
  9. Thank you Michael and happy new year.
    1 point
  10. If the bars had similar boys, then you point would have well taken.
    1 point
  11. I lack that faith vinapu. USA founded as a slave nation and racist to the core. Sure different times and at least white Christian property owning men enshrined liberty etc. to other white Christian property owning men. Compared to other nations there are some positives like defeating fascist regimes but a multitude of negatives. There have been great changes but there is still great inequality.
    1 point
  12. Friend Zone 2 - Dangerous Area ( Pit of Snakes for me ) finished today with 16th episode. I liked it even if it was not really fully BL but only with strong BL motive and unnerving with antics of main characters. Last scenes, all in bed after wedding reception, with various couples configurations, all decent, make me thinking that season 3 will be in the making, after all Boyo can't be single her whole life, can she?
    1 point
  13. Tomcal

    Goiania

    I wouldn’t but that is the HO in me talking!! U don’t want to be stuck for 3 das there if after the first hour with him u find out he not everything u are looking for!otr at least go to the saunas te first week and go to Goainia the end of your trip! U are kinda isolated there especially fora first time visitor! just my 2 cents!
    1 point
  14. 1 point
  15. 1 point
  16. So far all the information we have is rather vague, but now that we are at 60% of the series I hope things will become clearer episode by episode. We only know that some high ranking police and politicians are abusing girls and so far have enough power to sweep it under the carpet ... we also can assume that the Tan/Puet familiy clan has some "grey" business activities but I guess this is more to keep it misterious and mislead us ... Unitl now I was more a Tul than a Max fan but in this series I must say that I find Max more attractive.
    1 point
  17. 1 point
  18. PeterRS

    New Members coming soon

    I assume that some of the new readers will be wanting to consider Thailand as a destination, assuming life does get back to normal and prices are not too much higher. If the new readership is primarily US based (my guess), since the trip to Asia is a major expense I expect some might wish to take in another country. My view would therefore be to look firstly at one neighbouring country and then at the hub airports where there will be plane changes and perhaps the opportunity of a few days stop over. As z909 points out, Phnom Penh/Siem Reap seems the obvious neighbour since it combines a flourishing gay scene with a bit of culture. Telling relatives and friends that the aim of the long trip is to see Angkor Wat rather than the fleshpots of Pattaya might go down well! back home For hubs Tokyo, Beijing and Taipei are the first that come to mind. Tokyo should not be difficult to write about since the gay area is basically focused in the Shinjuku Ni-chome area and a mention of the various host boy bars (great pics). Taipei should also not be difficult and there is always the hook of the huge Gay Pride Parades there at the end of October each year (more great pics) plus an increasing number of gay venues. Not sure about Beijing but have heard about Destination as being one of the gayest clubs in the region. https://www.tripsavvy.com/destination-gay-bar-beijing-1417633 A lot of original pics of three of the cities have been posted here by members. I am sure they would grant approval for use on the new site to avoid the need for yet more expense. I have some I will happily donate - although they may not be completely up to date.
    1 point
  19. This movie was brilliant- I'll be thinking about it for a while. It's definitely a statement, and makes you think about the morality of the main character long after the fact, or even if we're supposed to be questioning the morality of movie characters or basing our judgement of the movie on the judgements of the main characters. It really got me. As for Jennifer Coolidge, I loved her in this more subtle role, but I did also imagine that it was the same living room decor as her role in Best in Show.
    1 point
  20. TotallyOz

    New Members coming soon

    I like ambition. It will look exactly like this site. The other site is coming here. Look around here and you will see the new site. There will be additional forum areas and a change of forum titles but the look will not change.
    1 point
  21. TotallyOz

    New Members coming soon

    The disappearance is only for those not logged in and active. They all contain XXX images and something I don't want visible to search engines or the public. 1. comments regarding that will not be allowed. 2. America is Far Far Away for me and I'm not insulted. 3. Not gone. Incidentally 3 letters may not be searchable via board search features. Not me, the company that makes the board. 4. It can. 5. Thanks. There will be a place for a long time as I am not going anywhere. (well, one day to the grave, but until then, the site is here) We will. Yes, advantages and disadvantages. Me too. Thanks I know. Lots of articles were cleaned up years ago but the ones in Thailand change constantly and those need to change. It will be done. Bar sections are there based on where I go. I mike Maggie Choo's and go there for the gay night. All of those sections can be totally added to by owners of the bars, clubs, saunas, etc. They add their own listing. This was done to keep the information accurate. However, nothing is sure fire. For example, if you own Telephone, you can add that listing to the site and with all the information. Totally free. No cost. However, when I do it, it takes time. For example, the gay Bangkok area took weeks. Agree other cities need to be included and will. You see all those cities listed? Every one of them I wrote and it takes time. Other cities coming for sure. Yes, and thus why we used Word Press Listing Software so owners can add their listings. If they close, I can easily remove. Nope, can't happen. The listings below is a Word Press Addon that is EASY to operate and add and fine information. To put anything in the articles requires constant change. Thanks. I don't mind the tone. I appreciate any feedback at all. Yes, for those that have the same ones on both sites. More to come.
    1 point
  22. There are only a few customers at the 4 host bars and a few at the 2 go go bars. There is no competition between them, at all; wish there were!
    1 point
  23. Lucky

    Christopher Atkins

    Don't we all owe a debt of gratitude to actor Christopher Atkins, who was willing to challenge the double standard of movie nudity? And looking good all the while!
    1 point
  24. Charlie Carver, who starred in Batman and the upcoming Boys in the Band received the GLSEN Gamechanger Award. Now in its 30th year, GLSEN (originally the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) is a national advocacy group aimed at LGBTQ youth awareness and inclusion. The actor has a twin brother.
    1 point
  25. From Pattaya Mail The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center is running short of food and supplies even as it has taken in 60 percent more abused and homeless children during the latest coronavirus outbreak. ATCC Director Palisorn Noja said the foster home has been unable to organize fundraisers or food drives under the current lockdown regulations, leaving it desperately low on basic foodstuffs like rice and basic supplies like soap and toothpaste. Normally, he said, the shelter cares for about 30 children, usually victims of physical or mental abuse or those found rescued from the streets. But amid Thailand’s new Covid-19 outbreak and the continuing economic downturn, the number of children under the ATTC’s care has swelled to 50. Palisorn urged people to bring rice, dried food, fresh vegetables and fruit, consumer products, shoes and clothing – new or second-hand – to the center kitty-corner from Saen Suk Town Village in the Mabyailia area of Nongprue Subdistrict. Or people can donate cash to the ATCC’s account at Kasikorn Bank, account number 006-1-23489-6.
    0 points
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