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The Saphan Kuai area is always filled with delights for gay Bangkok and especially the massage places. Here is a new one and they are coming back with some sexy guys. I have seen the first one and liked him a great deal. Excellent top and bottom. Massage was just OK. Address: 1575, 53-54 Phahonyothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400 https://gbeatspa.com/

From Channel News Asia BALI: After 18 months of almost no activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hoped that some international tourists would be back by now in Bali’s famous beaches of Kuta and Nusa Dua, or enjoying views of the forests and lush paddy fields in Ubud. However, two weeks after Bali’s reopening on Oct 14 to travellers from 19 countries, no international flight has landed at its airport. As of Monday (Oct 25), Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport has yet to receive any request from airlines to land there, said its spokesman Taufan Yudhistira when asked by CNA. If airlines want to land in Bali, ideally they should give a notice of seven to 14 days in advance, he said. “We cannot predict (when they will arrive), but one thing for sure, informally or formally the airlines have not filed a request to us. We cannot predict when the first flight will be,” Yudhistira said. A receptionist at one of the villas in Ubud told CNA that although there has been a spike in occupancy by domestic travellers in recent weeks as the impact of the second COVID-19 wave dampens, there are still no signs of international tourists. Among the standard operating procedures that apply to foreigners include a five-day quarantine upon arrival as well as the need to purchase insurance coverage worth at least 1 billion rupiah that would cover treatment for COVID-19. I Ketut Ardana, the Chairman of Bali’s Association of the Indonesia Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) told CNA that even when the borders were still closed, many overseas tour operators inquired about travelling to Bali. “When it was reopened, there were even more inquiries. But it seems some of the information we gave them prevented them from coming,” he said. “For example the five-day quarantine regulation, PCR testing and having insurance coverage worth at least 1 billion rupiah,” added Ardana. He said that most of the inquiries came from Europe and Asia. “For ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, the quarantine is definitely a barrier because travellers from ASEAN countries tend to only stay for four days and three nights,” he said. “Travellers from China also on average only stayed for five days and four nights,” Ardana noted. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bali-indonesia-international-tourism-reopening-quarantine-covid-19-2277961

Hmm, maybe i should arrange for my fav guy from indonesia to meet me in thailand? Lol

Mykonos Nights: Omar Sharif Jr. on the Gay Getaway's Sexual Allure Image via Shutterstock The activist and grandson of the Hollywood legend details his first gay sexual experience in his new memoir, A Tale of Two Omars. Read an exclusive excerpt here. By Omar Sharif Jr. October 28 2021 7:42 PM EDT Before starting college in the fall, my cousin Mikey and his friends had planned a ten-day backpacking trip through Greece to launch their next life chapter. As we’d always been close, Mikey invited me along. Mikey knew I was always up for an adventure, and I wanted to spend time with him before he went off to school. My father agreed to let me go and covered the cost of my trip. One of his friends, Naldo, gave me a thousand euros for spending money, and Grandmother Faten and Aunt Nadia added heavily to the fund, telling me to have a great time. I flew from Cairo to Athens a day ahead of Mikey and his friends, Lindsey and Rob. When they arrived, the fun began. We went sight- seeing, enjoyed traditional Greek dishes, and hit the bars and clubs. The next thing on our itinerary was a ferry to Mykonos, one of the Cyclades islands. When the ferry docked, I couldn’t wait to explore. We walked the narrow streets, spent time on the beaches, grabbed lunch, and took everything in. It didn’t take long before I realized that Mykonos was an alluring paradise for gay men. People were carefree and happy—I’d never seen anything like it. No one had to hide—they were out in plain sight, holding hands, kissing, and showing affection for one another. It didn’t matter where we went—there weren’t any shadows. I was sure by now that Mikey had heard rumors about me, but my cousin didn’t mention them or even hint at anything. Mikey didn’t judge me. He just let me enjoy being myself and free. After we went to a couple of straight bars that first evening, I ventured off solo so I could discover more. For the next few nights, I could feel myself breathing serenely. After leaving Mykonos, we took the ferry to Santorini, another of the Cyclades islands. The rugged landscape was shaped by a volcanic eruption, and the city was built on a downward slope facing the Aegean Sea. There were charming and picturesque homes, white with blue rooftops, resting on the cliffs. The colorful sunsets were painted with the most perfect strokes I’d ever seen. Its breathtaking views made Santorini the ideal place for lovebirds and honeymooners. But even with all its beauty, it didn’t compare to Mykonos. Mykonos felt like a community—a home I’d never known. The next day, the four of us were in line to board a ferry to the party island of Ios. Our plans were to enjoy a few days there and then head home. I glanced around, observing my surroundings while we waited, and a small waterplane caught my attention. The sign in front of it read MYKONOS. I turned to Mikey with the widest grin imaginable and said, “This isn’t my island . . . that’s my island,” pointing excitedly at the sign. I gave Mikey a big hug, said bye to his friends, and without further explanation, I slung my large orange and black backpack over my shoulder, jumped out of line, and made a dash toward a makeshift booth near the airplane. Sounding as though I was trying to escape someone, I asked the middle-aged guy behind the counter, “Do you have room for one more?” Folding the newspaper he was reading, he said, “You’re the last.” I paid him fifty euros, took my ticket, and boarded the plane. I was going back to paradise. I didn’t have a hotel reservation or a place to stay, but I knew I’d figure it out. I hadn’t planned to return, but the island called me back like a siren beckoning a lost sailor. When I arrived, I went from one hotel to another, looking for a room until I found one. I checked in, put my backpack in the comfortable seaside room, and set out on adventure. I stopped at the receptionist’s desk and asked him where to begin. He pulled a small flyer out of his pocket, handed it to me, and pointed. “I recommend that you go here. There’s a party at Super Paradise this afternoon; I’m sure you’ll make some friends.” I rented a Vespa and drove toward my destination. I parked the Vespa, followed the music toward the beach, and removed my sandals as soon as I stepped off the paved path. The vibe was chill and relaxed, the way I wanted the rest of the world to be—whole and one. There were gay and straight people partying together on the beach and sexuality was a non-issue. People didn’t stare or point, whisper or gawk. Everyone was equal—LGBTQ and allies alike. After taking a swim in the bay, I laid my towel on a lounge chair as my toes sank into the pebbles of sand. I stretched out to bask in the warmth of the sun, but before I was settled, a slim, toned guy wearing a dark blue Speedo helped himself to the other chair under my umbrella. Until then, I’d only seen other guys wear board shorts, but when I looked around, I realized I was the only one wearing them on this beach. “G’day, mate.” “Hi,” I replied. “I’m Adrian. And you are?” he asked, seductively scanning my body. “Omar.” “Nice to meet you, Omar. So, what brings you to Mykonos?” I wanted to say, “The same thing that brought you here,” but I didn’t. I said, “Initially, I came here to hang out with friends.” “Initially? Are they still here with you?” he asked, looking around to see if anyone was approaching. “Not anymore. My cousin and his friends went to Ios, and I decided I wanted to be here. I like this island,” I admitted, as I watched the ocean spill onto the shore with its own rhythm and timing. “I like it here, too.” After a brief pause, he added, “You’re quite handsome.” I didn’t respond, because that wasn’t something I was used to hearing. Adrian was handsome, Australian, in his early twenties, and built like a soccer player. I listened to Adrian tell me about himself and his job as a flight attendant for Emirates. He seemed to be worldly, friendly, and good-natured. When he spoke, it was refreshing to hear him talk openly about whatever he wanted. He didn’t have to say he was gay, because there was no reason to hide or explain it. He wasn’t shy or uncomfortable with his sexuality, either—at least not on Mykonos. Unlike me, Adrian didn’t appear to be hiding a secret at all. At sixteen, I hadn’t reached that level of comfort, and I wasn’t sure I ever would. But the island didn’t have closets, and until I left, I was free to explore being me. “How old are you?” “Seventeen,” I lied. “But I’m going to university soon,” I added, realizing I had just admitted I was a minor but failing miserably to make myself appear more mature. Adrian suddenly got up and said, “Let’s go!” “Where?” “You’re on school break. It’s hot out here, right?” I nodded in agreement. “So, let’s get some ice cream and explore.” As the day progressed, I grew more comfortable with Adrian. He bought us some ice cream, and we walked the beach until the heat became unbearable, forcing us to take a swim to cool off. When we emerged from the ocean, we stood there with the waves flushing over our feet. Adrian moved closer to me until I could feel his breath on my lips—as if he was asking for permission. With the warmth of the sun on my back, I leaned in, and he kissed me. I abandoned any thoughts I had and really let myself go for the first time. We went back to my hotel, and long story short, we found out exactly what I was willing to do for a Klondike bar . . . and it was wonderful. The next morning, I headed down to the lobby to ask the concierge if he knew about anything exciting happening on the island that day. Thoroughly prepared for my question, he recited a variety of activities and parties taking place on the beaches and at some of the local bars. When I turned around to leave, I ran into a group of guys who were staying at the same hotel. After some casual conversation, they asked if I was with someone. When I told them I was alone, they invited me to hang with them and explore the island. After getting to know them, I gravitated toward Rayan, a good-looking Jordanian in his late twenties. He told me a lot about himself, including that he worked as a dentist. The more we learned about one another, the more drawn to each other we became. I think it was mostly because of our shared Arab background, but his brawny and rugged appearance wasn’t a deterrent, either. A few hours later, my phone vibrated. I glanced at the message, realizing that I’d forgotten about Adrian. He invited me to hang out with him, but I didn’t know what to say, because I was exactly where I wanted to be at that moment. I really liked Rayan and had wanted to get to know more about him since he’d captured my attention—and when I looked up at him, he still had it. I put my phone away without sending a reply. Following a long day of activities, dinner, and dancing, I was sure I wanted to spend the night with Rayan. And that night turned into another. I found myself in an emotional triangle with both Adrian and Rayan. My interest was unquestionably in Rayan, but I didn’t feel right ignoring Adrian’s message. I wanted to be polite to him, as he was the first guy I’d met on the island—and the first guy I’d ever slept with—so I agreed to hang out with him again. On the fourth night, while Adrian and I were heading into a restaurant for dinner, we ran into Rayan, and his disappointment was palpable. “Hey.” “I tried to reach you,” he told me. “I was planning to call you tonight.” “I’m sure. It seems you’ve been enjoying the island today,” he said, eyeing Adrian. “We were just sightseeing. Nothing else, really.” Rayan tucked his hands into his pockets, kind of shrugged, and then he was gone. In the end, nothing worked out with either Adrian or Rayan. I didn’t expect to leave Mykonos with a boyfriend, but I accomplished more than I’d ever thought possible. I had discovered and freely explored a whole new side of myself. Maybe I didn’t find love, but I did find within myself permission to love. After I returned to Egypt, Dad and I went to see Omar in France before I flew home to Canada. In my world, I’d become a little more comfortable with who I was, although no one knew any different. Excerpted from A Tale of Two Omars: A Memoir of Family, Revolution, and Coming Out During the Arab Spring by Omar Sharif, Jr., courtesy Counterpoint Press.

Why do you mention 1st of November rules? They will almost certainly be superseded by the 1st of December rules.

I'm too old to wait....time has become more precious over the past couple of years. Accordingly, I wish to go when I'm still active....which includes "that"! Naturally. I 'm prepared to wait a couple of months to see how the new scheme pans out, particularly regarding the flight and arrival in BKK. To this end, I want to read posts from the intrepid explorers who'll be this forum's guinea -pigs. So for me, it's late January / early February.

Very well done short from Sweden. I recommend it. Share your thoughts. ❤

From Bangkok Post The Foreign Ministry on Saturday announced Thailand is to admit visitors from 17 more countries without quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and have evidence of pre-flight negative Covid-19 test results from Nov 1, increasing the number to 63. The announcement was signed by Thani Thongphakdi, the ministry's permanent secretary. On Oct 21, Thailand issued an announcement to allow fully vaccinated travelers from 46 low-risk countries and territories to enter the country without quarantine from Monday. That number has now increased to 63. The 17 additional countries announced by the Foreign Ministry are: India, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Croatia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Romania, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Luxembourg. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2207027/thailand-open-to-17-more-countries-nov-1

I agree Oz, unfortunately i think the Brazilian economy has affected the middle class/middle age clients the most! a night out at the sauna for a Brazilian costs $60R. for admission, suites vary but a night out at the sauna for a local runs about $300.R.if they do one guy! and have a drink! those who used to go Once a week go once a month if that!

I hope the saunas last a long time. The locals use them and many will not use the apps. They are legal and legit. I am not sure those things will change. Like most areas, apps do change the numbers. But, there is always a case for viewing in person as opposed to online. A recent trip to a Bangkok Massage for a cute guy turned out to be really bad for me as he looked NOTHING like the photos. I always enjoyed the saunas as you really get to see the good before you test them in a room. I do miss those big nights at 117 where I had to wait 2 hours for a room.

Returning Thais do not need a negative test before flying, or be fully vaccinated. While some airlines may have their own policy, I'm sure Thai Airways in particular will not implement something different than the government requires for Thai people. There was a thread on this on Richard Barrow's twitter feed on 26 October. So depending on your airline, you may well sit next to an untested and unvaccinated person!

No bars or clubs are open Only places with restaurant licenses. And they are not allowed to sell alcohol (and probably still not tomorrow if they don't have an SHA license). If you want current news -- follow Richard Barrow on Facebook or Twitter.

One thing we'll never be told is why some (if any) potential visitors have the applications refused, or (even more distressing!), make it as far as BKK Immigration...and no further.

The shop is on my list to try for when I am back in Bangkok in February

Sorry i thought the link was there! https://noticias.uol.com.br/cotidiano/ultimas-noticias/2021/10/30/copacabana-sauna-gay-sobrevive-a-pandemia-mas-dono-preve-sucumbir-a-apps.htm

From AP / MSN Cambodia’s government announced plans Tuesday to reopen the country in several stages to fully vaccinated foreign tourists starting from the end of next month. The program beginning November 30 will allow visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to skip being quarantined if they stay at least five days in designated areas, the country’s tourism ministry announced. The first such areas are two seaside provinces, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, on the Gulf of Thailand. On arrival, visitors must show proof they have been vaccinated and take a rapid results test for COVID-19. They can proceed without quarantine if the results are negative. Siem Reap province, home to the famous Angkor Wat temples, is to be added to the quarantine-free province list in January. Other destinations will then be added if the program is judged successful, with the entire country opening up when the coronavirus is considered under control. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/cambodia-announces-phased-reopening-for-vaccinated-travelers/ar-AAQ6pGW

Actually you can put down any notes on your smart phone, since you will have the phone with you at all times for translation purpose. Unless you want the GP to sign your paper agreement, but I've never seen anybody does that. 🤣

From what people were reporting in the Phuket sandbox it was generally less than 6 hours from test to result, but Bangkok might be another story. I think until a few weeks have passed and we see it working in action we won't know. If you're landing next week and don't have time to wait to find out, i would prepare for the possibility of extending to a second night or see what fees might apply to late check-out after 12pm. to be safe maybe pick a hotel that has partnered with a major hospital for testing and is close in proximity, confirm with the hotel they will be able to test at midnight or 1am when you arrive, find out what the latest checkout possible is before you need to book a second night.

Flight and Hotels booked mid January through mid February 27 days. Staying in Bangkok. W Hotel Suite for 2 20 of those nights with breakfast, laundry and discounts $110 US per night including tax & tip. Must stay 10 nights or more for the deal. Not sure if you need to be a BonVoy member or not. Going to use the Meridian SHP+ Marriott Surawongse for some free nights prior to the W. Unless something extraordinary happens, I plan to make the trip.

I have no problem doing a PCR-test in my own country just before departure, but I don't want to risk to have a positive test at arrival in any other country in the world. So I'll wait a bit (or a lot) longer to visit Thailand again.

I never ask. What's important to me is what he will do in bed. As I prefer straight-acting masculine guys I guess most of my offs have not been gay. Some may have been bi. If I were after a long - term partner, he would have to be gay. And versatile in bed.

If I were to date now, I would certainly ensure that my companion wasn't straight, as far as is possible. I know that some of us prefer straight or macho guys; indeed, a few specifically reject gay ones, claiming (quite wrongly , in my view) that they are effeminate. Some, and only some, are. I am not claiming to take the high ground on this and I'm certainly not denigrating those who feel differently but, for me the very idea of having sex with a guy who finds physical contact with a man unwelcome seems unwholesome. I wouldn't have expected a MB actually to enjoy his congress with someone of my age (despite my being staggeringly attractive!) but for a straight guy to submit to my demands seems just plain wrong. I suspect that this is a barely rational view to take but that's what I felt after a few years exploring the scene. I would add another aspect to this; I found in my butterfly days (when I must admit I usually chose on looks above everything else) that the truly gay guy performed better and that I wanted, expected and paid for more than a partner who merely laid back and thought of Thailand. Eventually, I only offed gays.