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Day 8 . It went without saying that we will have repeat of the day and night today. I don’t even remember who said it first but it was obvious. Tip was increased substantially as good work should be rewarded properly . Breakfast in French restaurant on the corner, very cheerful waitress who seemed to like N very much thank you and I was pretending I don’t notice it. Quite sumptuous with signature crispy fresh baguettes , I liked it very much, tasty , classy and filling. He went to his room and then to gym, I chose internet exercises in the room. As mentioned before I was subject of massive attack from that Grindr guy and tried to fend his messages off until around noon got tired and decided finally to go to Pattaya proper. Rest of daylight was spent walking about and it was quite depressing sight with all those shops and restaurants boarded or at least closed. Walking street completely dead bar one survivor – 7/11. On another hand signs of clinging to life were encouragingly numerous, I had a dinner in newly opened kebab restaurant on 2nd street. Few massages were opened with guys anxiously waiting for customers, a lot of walker along Beach Rd and girls ubiquitous, forced to take their trade to the streets with bars closed but generally Pattaya was bit depressing sight with devastation much more pronounced that in Bangkok. Alt Heidelberg closed but Berliner café and Salt and Pepper still operating. Few quite big hotels closed, in others only few windows were lit. Surprisingly exchange rates in few still opened places were at least as good as in Swampy’s basement by train station. Sunee – dead, those complaining in the past about Arabs racing motorbikes now have their day, sois quiet like pre-pandemic funeral home. Boyztown, dead zone with only Scandic opened with 3 guys on duty , one of them veteran of many years there. But baht busses still 10 baht. Internet café in soi post office still opened and tailor in Pattayaland also did not give up. Not as cheerful like before but still standing. So Pattaya girls and boys are not giving up, no matter what trade they are in. It was darkening when I returned to Complex , straight to N’s shop for massage and right after I extracted him from there by way of paying 300 off fee and we went to Agate greeted by knowing smile of lady at reception. If last night was steamy , this one , my last in Pattaya for now , was nothing short of volcano , geyser, earthquake e.t.c. I think people of certain age should conduct themselves with more dignity and modesty but since nobody was watching us I took an option to be young again with quite a success ending day 8 well stretched and exercised.

I totally agree with you . If we reverse the point of view to the boy : Of course, I am aware that what falangs really want to see is my body rather than myself. I learnt that if you respect the boy and threat them nicely and being polite with them they usually will threat you the same , Unfortunately most of their clients only want mechanical sex and the experience is robotic indeed.

Another great report, Vinapu. You're making me feel as though I'm actually there! After such a "volcanic" night with N, are you sure you want to leave him? Afterall, hot guys who make us lose our dignity and modesty are like diamonds. I'd never let him go! And I'm sure you would have enjoyed your meal with gaybutton. As a local, he knows all the good restaurants around town and is very knowledgeable about all things Pattaya. He's very generous with his time, too.

Day 9 continued I’m not big fan of luxurious accommodation , not only because of costs but I noticed that I tend to spend more time in the room luxuriating as opposite to more Spartan digs where I tend to leave as soon as I settle. But here with the view I wanted to have a tea, then coffee and soon I noticed that day is graying and that is my first day ever in Chiang Mai. From there it’s about 20 minutes walk to closest city gate Chang Puak. Few steps and big disappointment as Adams Apple is permanently closed with ‘ for rent ‘sign. What one can do ? Smile and carry on to nearest banana pancake stall to have some nourishment. It was quite dark already but Chiang Mai is easy to navigate with moated old City at the Center so I crossed Old city to Chiang Mai gate on opposite end, turned left along the moat toward Tapae gate, crossed moat there and went straight to soi 4 to my planned destination – Classic House massage. Entrance has sign but still it’s easy to miss as is covered in greenery which on another hand stands out so you know you are there. Very discreet entrance, few boys inside and friendly mamas an behind the counter who gladly explained procedures and prices, told me there are more guys in the back room. Tariff for 1.50 hr. massage 600 , minimum tip I forgot but something like 800-1000 and when learned I will be in the city 4 days told me that 5 massaged will get 6th free with immediate idea how to squeeze 5 massages in 4 days – take 2 boys for 4 hand massage. I liked that but today I settled on 1on1 treatment. My guy was handsome but massage was so, so , perhaps he was afraid he will crush me or something so treaded lightly . Too long nails were bit annoying so I knew tomorrow it will be somebody else and even eyed candidate, telling all and sundry it will be different guy every day to save face and told candidate ‘ tomorrow you ‘ extracting nice smile. Little I know why he was smiling but that revelation will come soon. Clearly I was undermassaged so still in the soi pulled smartphone and on Grindr or Romeo I found enticing , manly , muscular guy offering massage in the room, asked him to be in Viangbua reception at 9pm. And leisurely walk to hotel to arrive as planned. There was some guy in the reception waiting for somebody and I had feeling it was me he is waiting for so I bravely asked to receive confirmation. Muscular with traces of handsomeness, but quite feminine and 5 years much older than in apps picture. Not quite fraud but somewhat misleading but that is included in risk of using apps I thought so resigned to my fate and invited him upstairs. Nothing to write home , after undressing still bit feminine of the same age, massage good and proper , better that one I had in Classic but it was clear he is looking for speedy end. Normally it would upset me but considering I was not as impressed with his looks and mannerism as I was when checking him on apps I considered it a blessing that he is not keen on lingering. 1500 was overpaid but that is what I agreed to, hoping for slower massage with manly hunk getting fast by girly one. My first night in Chiang Mai was lonely one but treat nevertheless as I could sleep with open windows , rare treat in Thailand. Hoping for better tomorrow I slept very well ending my day 9. Tapae gate and Classic House discreet entrance

I agree about 90%. Dual pricing is not a "one size fits all." There some things where I would agree dual pricing is fair. Others where I think it is unfair and unacceptable. Also, I know of no standard amount or percentage more that foreigners should pay as opposed to Thais. Some of the actual amounts are fair enough. Others are my idea of price gouging and sheer greed. And sometimes I wonder just who it was who decided that dual pricing at this venue or that venue should even exist, along with how much more foreigners should be charged. Sometimes it is reasonable and sometimes it is outrageous. In short, when it is truly fair I have no problem with it. But sometimes I see it as nothing more than a scam and rip-off. When that happens I usually won't go to that venue. I'll just have to try to survive somehow without going wherever that was.

just for fun, green wall as seen from my room at Agate, cant add sound of chirping birds

I agree 100% with @vinapu. I alsolutely fail to understand where those who feel that there should be one price for all are coming from. That's perfectly fair if everyone has basically the same standard of living and average income. Of course there are mega-rich Thais and it could be argued that they should pay more than even visiting foreigners. But this is their country and however they have made their cash, legal or otherwise, they will be paying some taxes. Visitors spend a considerable amount of cash to get here and stay here. The vast majority will earn far more than the average Thai. Why anyone feels they should be entitled to the same low entry fees always beats me. I just do not understand it. Besides, this practice also happens in other countries. It may not be a fee to enter a specific monument but you will have paid it in the form of a tourist tax - as anyone who has visited Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, The Netherlands and dozens of other countries will be aware! To clarify, the Grand Palace entry fee is actually a fee to enter Wat Phra Kaew. This is perfectly fair as it is, as @vinapupoints out, the most impportant religious shrine in the country. You cannot enter the Grand Palace on its own.

Perhaps but in few cases I'd give them some allowance for feelings. The same way we look at their physical attributes but also smile and personality , they are not different. Money speaks but at times I have feeling some of them like us for what we are too and why not ?. Same same like boys, customers may be robotic , cum and go types but others warm and engaging and guys may appreciate it on pure human level.

Day 7 I did not sleep well for some reason and waked up as early as 5 am. Decided to utilize that time to check apps, novelty for me. This is my first trip to Thailand when I brought smartphone, installed Horner, Romeo and Grindr when I was locked on my first day waiting for test results and glanced there from time to time. Another new thing was Line which fast become my main mode of communication this trip. Actually quite fast I found somebody who looked I may like him so sent inquiry if he is interested to have breakfast together, remember it was still early . Yes, so we settled on time and soon after I parked myself in front of still closed Dicks only to find that my guy is marching right away. Turned he lives in high-rise across the street. I liked his face , conversational English acquired from YouTube university by his own admission, quite muscular, certainly notch above twink. So we settled on length of meeting and compensation and after breakfast we marched in the room . My first ever apps experience turned out very enjoyable at least when ‘in the room’ part was concerned. Now I started to understand why some member swear by apps. Boys available at any time, no drinks and bar fees, easy deal. Turned out yes and no. Soon after he left I start being bombarded with inquiry about when our next meeting will be , long time offer / request. When answer were vague , ‘what I did wrong?” question followed and shortly from interesting novelty whole thing become nuisance. Yes I know I could block him but wanted to see what will happen which was a bit unwise as he knew where I live, after all he just visited me and at one point I thought it may even lead to a scene in the hotel but fortunately things did not go that far. Pestering continued for few days even when I already left Pattaya. I must admit over all my first apps experience was VERY mixed as every minute I logged in , message from desperate nuisance was arriving. Anyways lesson learned and I allowed for it to carry for a while to learn that lesson. If not interested either block him right away or at least ignore him messages, answer only those which may lead to something promising in the future. Since he was nice, well built and behaving guy if not those tactics chances were he could land few more orders from me, by being pushy he squandered that opportunity. When I returned to Pattaya he was already blocked and removed from the view. But all that happened later. As I admitted , session was good and soon after he left , warmed up by apps guy I decided to check on masseur I surprised with tip last evening. Few steps to his shop and yes , he was there smiling broadly seeing that mysterious and generous farang i.e. me. 1 1/2 hr massage ordered for 450 and I was glad to see I’m in good hands. The same as T used oil sparingly and was warming it in his hands before applying to my carcass, way it’s supposed to be done. By the way I can say it now, during this whole trip I did not have even one massage where I would be soaked in oil like it used to happen often in the past. Either my good luck or guys improved their skills indeed. It did not take much time to be obvious that we have some chemistry and it was quite steam generating. I liked him , his massage, muscles and manly face but he also sensed it very well that I do so it did not take much time before inquiry about my room and visit in it was made. Of course I jumped with long time suggestion which was taken matter of factly and quite modest tip for it was suggested ( 2000 ). After session we both emerged visibly happy, fact which did not escape boss and other boys in the place. Promised to take him home later as I was scheduled to have a dinner with two farang friends, Gaybutton and R. , one of members of his board. First we had nice chat in friends place , then gentlemen suggested some venue which turned out very good choice with international cuisine. Name escaped me but if Gaybutton will read this post he will help me. Even in those times place was full but somehow we managed to take last available table and soon after we were treating ourselves with conversation and yummy food. I went entirely Russian with borstch ( beetroot soup) , strogonov and hot tea to have a bit break from Asian fare. Great afternoon turned to great evening as it was dark when we left. After we dropped R at his place Gaybutton wanted to survey goings in the Complex and I gladly accompanied him if only to show off N, my newly acquainted masseur friend. After last night closure , tonight Complex bars were opened and gearing for busy night. It was only 7.30 when we shook hands in front of N’s shop , agreed to have another dinner when I will be back , I paid 300 off fee and took N home to Agate. It was great encounter, one of those rare excellent imitations of boyfriend experience with not much sleep but a lot of sweat, you get the picture and if not, take my word for it. Can’t even say when day 7 finished and day 8 started because I was busy enjoying N’s company.

Skimming through the headlines of the day, it's clear that astronomers missed the fact that the sky must indeed be falling. Let me count the ways. "World famous Khaosan Road closed temporarily after Covid cases found" "Hospitals around the country told to prepare for surge in cases" "New cases spike in Wednesday's Covid report" "Phuket preps hotel guest isolation" "Anutin wants to delay nightclub reopening" "Bangkok prepares field hospitals, isolation centres for anticipated Covid-19 uptick" "Thai Officials Insist On More Restrictions" Thai officialdom and an accommodating media have teamed up to create a spreading sense of panic. But when you look behind the headlines, reality is evident. Yes, the hospital will be overwhelmed, but only because "experts" insist that asymptomatic people must be quarantined within them. Thailand, which was on the verge of reviving its tourism industry, is now being victimized by a scourge far more insidious than the virus: manufactured panic. The practice of putting people with flu-like symptoms in hospitals is one sure fire way to concentrate them into a setting that becomes its own self-fulling prophecy. Perhaps all this will pass as quickly as it developed. In a few months, maybe we'll be back to "test-and-go". But even if we are, we'll have it in the back of our minds that everything could go off the rails again along with our travel itineraries.

Day 9 Exercises, steamy as they were finished early today and at 7.30 am we went for breakfast, too early it turned out so I gave N 100 baht to buy something for himself, he went home and judging by his good bye look , without any faith he will not see me again as I claimed. Perhaps he heard all those farang promises before , we will learn in due course who was right. I returned to the room , packed and at 8.30 returned to have my lonely French breakfast. Soon after waved good bye to Agate , marched to bus station and at 9.30 was on my way to Swampy where at 12.25 I had Thai Smile flight to Chiang Mai for 2610 baht return , luggage and seat choice ( window) included. Airport was quite empty and quiet at mid-day and even resident demons had their masks on. No fuss with bureaucracy and covid related documents, on check-in they wanted to see ThaiPass QR code. Good visibility and in 1 hr we landed. Airport in Chiang Mai is quite close, almost walking distance from old city but my hotel of choice for first 2 nights was Viangbua Mansion and reason for that was proximity to Adam’a Apple bar on the same street about 150 m away. Apart from walking one can take songtaew ( in Chiang Mai ride costs 30 baht, 3 times Pattaya rate) , bus and taxi to his destination. There are well posted booths for pre-paid taxis , 150 baht to old City destinations, bit more to outlaying areas so I was asked to pay 200. Nice weather and bit cooler and drier air than in BKK and Pattaya. As mentioned before hotel rated courtesy of covid are low so I splurged on Executive Suite about 1200 baht per night breakfast included. What I saw was impressive. Not only view toward DoiSuthep temple but room itself was of condo size, big living room with kitchenette, microwave, desk and 2 tables, separate bedroom with another desk and then full bathroom with shower, tube, separate toilet and balcony with fixed racks to dry the clothes. Well raised person would say WOW ! seeing all that opulence but I could only master O fuck ! seeing all that spotless luxury. Even airport demons wear the mask. My Executive Suite in Viangbua Mansion

Day 6 Early collapse to bed of course resulted in very early rise in middle of the night. I made my tea, admired another sky full of stars, combed apps and Line and went to bed again only to rise in broad daylight at 8 and see completely blue sky. There’s no doubt that December is very good months to come to Thailand when comes to weather. Since Raya is not providing breakfast those days , likely to mixture of renovation and low load I went to have mine at world famous , 7.5 Michelin stars etc Foodland , luckily managed to order mine just before 9 saving whooping 16 over regular 81 baht price, yahoo!! Some walks in neighborhood , Line message from T that he is unable to go with me ( I smell his girlfriend hand in that but really I did not mind being stood by such a hunk anyways ) and exactly at noon I left for an airport to take Pattaya bus from there as it’s more convenient than Ekkamai one , chiefly because it avoids Bangkok traffic and in last few trips I always take it either way regardless if I stay in Boyztown or Jomtien Complex. It’s easier to get baht bus from and to Jomtien than one from and to North Pattaya bus station. I don’t know about airport but in Pattaya you can buy tickets one day in advance i.e. today for tomorrow. And if one lives in Jomtien Complex it only short walk to and from bus station beside of each is supermarket selling a lot of western foods by the way including rye bread and cottage cheese / sort of / . As I mentioned I was planned to stay in Copa in Boyztown but since they did not reopen yet Agate was my choice and that was good one. They just re-opened and there were few guests at time of my stay, no breakfast provided at the moment. View from the window and balcony was were pleasant one with pool and wall of greenery 3 stores high behind it. I did the walk around Complex few bars were opened with few eye catching boys working already in them , few massages with boys waiting for clients outside . In one adjacent to French restaurant on the corner I spot muscular, brown skinned hunk in singlet and while passing by I just slipped casually 100 baht into his hand without a word or even glance. Going away I could hear whisper of surprise from guy and his friends. We will hear about that specimen soon. In the evening Z909 and me were supposed to do survey of bars in the Complex but as soon as we attempted to sit at @ home bar we were chased away . It was police van parked three bars away. Soon all of alley was immersed in the darkness as they ordered everything to close. Apparently new police chief whim. With Boyztown and Sunee in darkness as well we did not have much choice then visit 7/11 to buy some beers and have a talk over them on my balcony. That was end of my day 6.

Excellent reports, thank you for writing them. Regarding the chat in the thread about the constant messages on the apps from previous contacts, they can get very annoying and tedious, but I've only needed to block 2 or 3 in all the trips I've made so far in my experience. At first I just try and keep the replies short, non committal and polite, and then I ignore when it gets too much. After about 6 messages they tend to give up. Only the very persistent I block - I've only had one occasion where it got a bit messy where the blocked guy turned up at the hotel. Fortunately the receptionist managed to calm the guy down and sorted it so he didn't return - I felt a bit bad about it so made sure the receptionist was suitably rewarded. I've also befriended a few guys on Facebook, usually when heart has been ruling head or in the heat of the moment usually regretting it the next day. I then tend to put on restricted mode for the rest of the trip and then delete when I return home. I used to feel a bit bad for not responding, but have learnt to be a bit tough about it otherwise it would take over a considerable amount of time engaging and replying. I guess there are worse problems to have though...

I did Test&Go in Phuket. Technically, there is not much difference between the 2: 1 night hotel booking versus 7 nights 1 PCR test versus 2 PCR tests Release letter (to be allowed to leave the island) after 1 day versus 7 days (noone cared about this) Not sure about guests after night 1 in case of Sandbox Booking for Phuket was a bit more complicated, since PCR tests have to be booked separately. Also there is probably a bit more correspondence with the hotel necessary, so that they issue the necessary papers (confirmation for prepaid hotel booking including airport pickup; also you probably still need a "SHABA ID", which you also get from the hotel). When I booked, there were no packages for Phuket on Agoda. So I booked the hotel on Adoda (because it had the best cancellation terms), booked the taxi by correspondance with the hotel, asked them for Shaba Id; for the PCR-tests there is a special website. And for the Thailand pass I had to put all 3 things back together to one jpeg (picture). After I got the negative test result, I didn't care about Covid too much anymore. Now in case of the Sandbox with a second test on day 6/7 (?) I would change my behaviour drastically to ensure the 2nd test will be negative, so no boys in 1st week, only eating outdoor etc. If they didnt change it, the first test is at the airport, and for the second test you can choose between different locations. You might need an international flight into Phuket, flying in via BKK is (probably still) not allowed.

mid -day traffic nowadays on Beach Rd

From Bangkok Post Suspension of Test & Go continues amid Omicron spike Thailand continues the suspension of the Test & Go scheme for travellers, as the country is battling the spike in Covid-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, a senior Public Health Ministry official said on Tuesday. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said the country will not reimpose the quarantine-free programme due to the spread of Omicron. "Under the current circumstances, there's no plan to bring back Test & Go," Dr Opas told a media briefing. He did not elaborate on how long the scheme will remain suspended. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday air travellers who had successfully applied for Test & Go can enter the country by next Monday. The Phuket Sandbox is the only sandbox scheme in effect. Other similar schemes have been temporarily shelved since Dec 22. Another entry into Thailand is through the quarantine programme. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2241983/suspension-of-test-go-continues-amid-omicron-spike ============================== From Richard Barrow "I spoke to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again and they say they haven’t been informed of any decision about Test & Go and as far as they know, discussions are still ongoing. The next CCSA meeting is on Wednesday and the big one on Friday. Please wait for official announcement." ++++++++ "There hasn’t been talk for a while about updating the list of approved countries. People coming from the US and the UK might want to take note of this tweet. You are leading the pack with the highest percentage of people testing positive on arrival. " "Thai News Reports: The latest statistics show that this month so far, most international arrivals are coming from Russia (2,511), Sweden (1,359), Germany (1,143) and Kazakhstan (1,080). Most people testing positive are from the USA (7.91%) and the UK (7.35%)."

If you are looking for massage per se , 2 hands is better. If you are looking for fun , 4 hands may be great. Massage wise 4 hands requires great co-ordination skill from guys, otherwise it may become troubling for you when one applies strong pressure on your left or upper body and other will be cat patting you on the right or lower part. Make sure guys are compatible and can work together, after all naked. Usually I handle that by selecting one and asking him to select his co-worker so to speak. You don't want to hoist one boy on other he may not be comfortable to work with for many reasons ( close friend , brother , shy, they don't get along etc. ) In few days I will report my experience from 4 hands I had in Classic House in Chiang Mai if you want bother to read it in my ' Third time lucky... " thread

Just got back from Rio.... Had an amazing time....got in on the morning of the 26th...Had time to go to the grocery store and then the gym before the beach... AMAZING Sunday beach day...tons of hot guys, beautiful weather...typical Ipanema during winter Monday-Pointe was just okay..Nice selection of guys...My partner and I had some fun with 2 guys there Tuesday-117...Insane...CIRCUS...got there around 6:45....Wall to wall guys...from the entryway to the hallways, both sitting areas/bars PACKED Huge selection of guys but also a huge selection of regulars....with some foreigners mixed in.... It was almost TOO overwhelming... Had a great time with two guys there Definitely the best night hands down....show was decent, was still packed when we left Wednesday at Pointe...also super packed...nice selection of guys, a ton of guys there...didnt do anything there but flirt... Guys are definitely increasing their prices or trying to based on supply and demand... Booking a few more trips back to Rio before their seasons change

Yes. Since switching from employed-and-saving mode to retired-and-spending, when contemplating something expensive but affordable I often find I have to say to myself "can you really not afford it?" with an incredulous inflection. (Precise choice of words, word order and intonation are important here; if your first language is not British English you may not get the exact sense.)

Too bad "Bite Me" does not have any "Bed" scenes!! But I liked that the plot was more substantial and really developed several of the stories. And the production quality was excellent. They actually built that Kitchen for the series and then ripped it out with finished. I see the producer, Dream and Destiny, has indicated they will have four new series in 2022. Cannot find any details as to then they will be available. Be My Boyfriends II Bangkik Night Wind Broken Mind The Moon CHEERS!!

if it's any consolation I see the same in my own place after I returned, few mild cases of Omicron and most venues closed for 3 weeks. Today is 6th day after I arrived and I'm still locked at home waiting for results of mandatory test taken on arrival. They already called me 3 times to make sure I'm home so I'm stuck. Bright side is I have time to write trip report to torment you guys. And no, I don't live an authoritarian country in any sense. World went amok over covid issue, lunacy prevails. I like description ' manufactured panic" , brilliant !!!. Only consolation is , all countries seem to be stupid over issue , either too strict or too lax so we in the same boat. The same follows with populations, a lot of too panicky or too dismissive. I'm already enemy of some neighbors because I dared to travel and return bringing unspeakable danger to the whole building. I'm kidding you not.

and that is solution we should employ , either grind teeth and pay or give it a miss and see it on You Tube. Excessive pricing happens in every country, dual pricing or not - we have the same solution , go or not to go. Sometimes we regret later we were stingy or acted excessively on principle and did not visit desired place ( did not buy something we liked , did not off boy who was charming and hot etc.). I learned that lesson from my friend who years ago skipped on Uffizi Galleria in Florence because of price of admission. Then life came and it took her 30 years before she was able to visit Florence again determined to go there no matter of price. She did not because some issues and place was closed, fortunately just for a day. Third attempt was successful but she admitted she lived 30 years with kind of guilt she was so cheap.

Funny you bring this up. My friend is joining me tomorrow from Medellin. We are going to travel through Mexico a few weeks together. He also suggested me to book an apartment in Laureles when I come back to Medellin.

When is life fair for all? Never! If someone gets pissed off, there are usually alternatives of some sort. Maybe they will be just as expensive but probably better quality. As far as transport in Chiang Mai is concerned, 'twas ever thus! As far back as 1987 on my first visit it was a lot more expensive than by comparison with Bangkok. But what are you going to do about it? It is what it is. At least now with Grab you get a quotation and a car that will usually turn up in only a few minutes. Same as transport in Phuket which for decades was - and maybe still is - run by some kind of mafia. If you don't like it, hire a jeep or a car. I just can't be bothered with the moaners who believe they could run things better (no doubt true) and that everything should be a matter of supply and demand for everyone (why?). This is Thailand - not England, not the USA, not Australia or any other country. What about all those first world countries I mentioned in my earlier post which appear not to have double pricing but make sure the tourist pays by slapping a tourist tax on every visit? What's the difference? Do moaners quibble about paying a tax which might be the same as an extra euro or so on a Swiss tram?

such is a nature of our vacations in Thailand that sooner or later we need to leave our boys and return home. But we will hear more about N in this report as I'm not even half way

In addition to including contingent beneficiaries, as Peter noted above, it is important to keep your Will updated . A friend died in Thailand whose Will was about 10 years old and his situation had changed. He had left two of his condos to two Thais but after ten years he had two newer "friends" and even wrote a draft Will but never executed it. Also he did not include a "catch all" clause to cover the remainder of his Estate which had increased since his Will was first written. A real mess!

Peter points out crucial points to anyone considering making a foreign national a beneficiary. Aside from ensuring that multiple wills (or trusts) don’t conflict, awareness of the rules and regulations in your home country that affect transfer of assets to international beneficiaries is essential. If you are leaving assets you have in Thailand to a Thai citizen, the transaction should be fairly straight forward if your will has been properly drawn up. But if your assets are in your home country and you want them transferred upon your death to a Thai or other foreign beneficiary, the pertinent regulations of both countries come into play. The ramifications can be significant, particularly considering applicable tax rules of both nations. For assets coming out of the United States, for example, the rules differ from country to country. One size does not fit all. If your will and/or trust is drawn up by the average U.S. lawyer, don’t expect he or she is aware of the very complex rules and regulations concerning foreign beneficiaries. You really need the services of an attorney who has experience and expertise in these matters.

Do you back this source? In my experience, Gringos over estimate threats in South America and under estimate them in the USA. For instance, Laureles in this source shows as an area where you must practice "elevated caution". However, in mi research I have found unanimous opinions that Laureles is a safe hood. I am even considering renting my airbnb in there.

Found this article which offers up some great advice on neighbourhoods/areas to avoid in Medellín with alternative options. https://colombiareports.com/go-areas-medellin/

2 hands if it's a strong massage but I do like 4 hands for some fun and I now do as vinapu said, I choose one and have him choose the second. I have had one of those 4 hands where one guy was good and strong but the other too soft. It was the same when it came to the extras after the massage, the strong one was willing to play and have fun but the other just wanted to finish off the massage with a hand job, softy left early and I had fun with the stronger guy. Since then it's aways the guy I choose selecting the other.

I never had any problems with Ekkamai station or busses but simply use airport one because it's more convenient to get to and from and faster. In normal times advantage of Ekkamai buses is that they are much more frequent so one is guaranteed departure soon while airport buses sometimes are full and wait for next one is much longer. At Pattaya end there are baht busses waiting and one can be delivered to Boyztown / Walking Street / Sunee are for 50 baht but sometimes wait is involved for baht bus to file up. Using regular baht bus is cheaper but requires change of buses at Dolphin roundabout , not convenient with a lot of luggage. Not my problem as I travel lightly. When alighting at Jomtien from airport busses it's every easy to get baht bus to Pattaya for 10 baht. Before getting to Jomtien bus also stops at three stops in Pattaya along Sukhumvit where handy motorsai drivers are waiting to deliver passengers to final destination. For most of us all this is well known and repetitive but I typed it for benefit of possible new readers/ members.

Yesterday I watched a youtube video on a trip (recent) to Kanchanburi and part of the trip consists of a slow train where the locals were charged for 3 baht while 100 baht for foreigners.

I am still learning from the guys and how they are doing their business. Tonight I learned something new. I used to be a complete social butterfly on my previous trips to BKK - preferred no repeat policy. But two guys have changed me on this trip. I would usually wake up in the mornings with Line messages from both of them "What are you doing today?" or "Will you see me today?" Of course, I am aware that what they really want to see is my wallet rather than myself. Since they both have been very nice, with great physical features and no rushing attitude, I have been meeting them 2-3 times each already. I was supposed to meet one of them tonight, but at the last minute, he asked me if i could wait until 1 am (instead of our original appointment at 11 pm). As much as I was frustrated, I understood that his goal is to maximize his nightly income. I was indeed planning to bring him and one mamasan to Pullman King Power seafood buffet tomorrow night for a "farewell" dinner. he knows that i have already made a reservation. when i said no i wouldnt be able to wait until 1 am, he stumbled. Then I texted immediately to Jupiter mamasan. Luckily, mamasan was able to send me a boy of my choice from Jupiter promptly. the boy was already in my room within next 15 minutes. He has a handsome face and muscular body, but I was not prepared to see an appendage with a few foreign bodies embedded underneath the skin. he turned out to have a cheerful personality. he was able to make me forget the other guy who did not keep his promise... sometimes things happened for a reason.

sounds like you had bad luck as I was there numerous times this trip and had no problems with sheets and pillows. Not to mention last thing crossing my mind was danger of infection. But I agree hosting in own room brings more comfort and usually longer session.

Forcing people to sign in is controlling behavior. I have an automatic disdain for people who are controlling and/or use methods of control to get their way. It's not a personality disorder I admire. The fact is, many sites and businesses have turned to controlling behavior antics in the past 5-10 years, and I've left most of them. I understand that businesses feel pressure to join the controlling chorus, and I always caution against it. When smart people realize the manipulation, it can seriously turn them off. Pissing off potential customers is no way to build a business.

Day 5 While yesterday was social day, today is an infrastructure day. I decided to do the survey of new Bang Sue Grand Station as well as new electric rail line branching out there. Went there by MRT / subway /. Grand Station is labelled as biggest railway station in Asia which I can’t confirm due to lack of experience with other stations but is very big indeed. Certainly planned with foresight with signs and platforms labelled ‘ High Speed Trains”. Some my see it as wishful thinking but I actually like it. One day it may prove useful and handy. With Hualampong scheduled to close sooner or later ( it was supposed to close on Dec 23 but is still working station it will be terminus of all Bangkok trains. For now , until it will happen there are two electrical lines starting there ; Dark Red SRT to Rangsit via Don Muang and Light Red SRT to Tailing Chan via Bank Bamru. I tried both. In meantime I was also busy on Line trying to convert T to LT material and when it did not work at least to invite him to my room for an extended session at 3 pm, idea he was receptive to. Rangsit trains are running every 20 minutes and are travelling at quite a speed, certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Carriages are very modern although at the moment line don’t seem to be overused. Main advantage is that it stops at Don Muang. I did survey that option after travelling all the way to Rangsit , 20 odd minutes and we are there. On return I alighted at Don Muang. Red Line station is bit less convenient than old SRT station located just across terminal, it’s station is at terminal’s end , quite a walk but with food court on the way so I had lunch there. As in Swampy they use coupon system there. You need to check how much your selection cost , buy the proper value of coupons and return to get your meal. Old trains from Hualampong usually take about 1 hr. to get to Don Muang while using new MRT / SRT RED Line connection one can be there in only 60 minutes from Hualampong since walk from MRT station to SRT platform is quite a long one. Of course if one is boarding somewhere in Suhkumvit area or further north new option is much faster and certainly more convenient. So in short we have finally proper public transport connection to and from Don Muang with trains running fast and frequently while old Hualampong option while much cheaper had limited us due to gaps between trains, sometimes 2 hours or more not to mention fact that city bound trains were often late coming from all those Ubons and Udons. Next , shorter but more scenic because is crossing Chao Praya is Light red which I took toward Bang Bamru station , handy if one wants to visit boat shaped Wat Chelo temple, about 1.5 km from the station. (see picture below) All it took good part of day and when I arrived at Raya bit late for our 3 p.m. appointment T was already waiting for me on the street. He was curious how I liked party yesterday / yes , very very much / and how was my walk / easy and singing / and we went to eat something to restaurant across hotel then returned to the room to have good time oiled by his hunky built with Issan type assets and promised / negotiated tip ( I’d say overtip but I was happy and still am ) . Nothing came out of long time but he suggested he will go with me for a day to Pattaya when I revealed I’m heading there. Out talk was mostly through Google translate and I need to warn users to be careful as at one point it lead to an embarrassing moment when I asked my usual question whether he likes girls or boys better and he become kind of upset , then his answer came “what do you mean sex with chil….n” ? Google translate for you I guess . I hastily explained that by ‘boy ‘ I meant ‘poochai’ (man ) but that moment of suspension was bit unpleasant one. Ensured me he is going with me to Pattaya tomorrow, after 4 entertaining hours he left and I was forced to start looking for hotel. My intention was to sleep in Copa but Agoda sent me e-mail that they can’t accommodate me at my dates , translation is because of closures they did not bother to open. But fortunately those days vacancies abound and it turned out Agate in jomtien complex will be opened so I booked 3 night there for 3800 payable at hotel on check in. Great deal for such good hotel. Jet lag is on it’s last legs but still lingering so I collapsed at 8 pm and it’s how my day 5 finished. Below is Wat Chelo mentioned above, picture Christian PFC made when we visited temple back in Sept -2017

Reader's post is very informative and for many of us probably quite timely. The fact is that a will written in Thai is essential. Without that the Court will decide who your nearest relative is and he/she will end up with your assets. I had a will made on line by a solicitor's office in Phuket about 15 years ago. I thought it was virtually foolproof. Not so. A few months ago I consulted a solicitor in Bangkok who had drawn up the wills for two friends. He pointed out one clause in my earlier will which had been superseded by legislation. So at considerable expense I had a totally new will drawn up that makes my wishes 100% clear and 100% in accordance with Thai law. One issue which I was asked to clarify and include in the will is what happens if the beneficiary/beneficiaries die prior to my death. So a second beneficiary had to be included just in the unlikely event that happens. Copies of that will are lodged not just with the solicitor but also with the beneficiaries who also have the contact details of the solicitor's office. I believe the cost has been more than worth it for the peace of mind it provides. I have a second will in the UK and have ensured that neither conflicts with the other.

I will be not, from what I saw when I was there in comparison with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, other cities I visited it looked like somebody is determined to kill the city. Rollercoaster closures of Boyztowen and Jomtien Complex night in , night out. I suspect there's some method in that lunacy , somebody hopes to improve Pattaya's image using opportunity covid brought but it will lead to killing goose bringing golden eggs.

Vinapu, buying drinks for the guys and partying with them is exactly what I used to do at Golden Cock. It would be an open bar and the guys could drink whatever they wanted. To their credit they never went overboard and got completely shit-faced, and always asked me if it was ok to have another drink. Whenever they were "take care" of me, they would lock the door and someone would stand outside to warn if a customer was approaching. There was no orgy but there was cock on display everywhere and I spent the entire time with a hand or a mouth on my appendage. As you say, it can be expensive but I've had some of the best times of my life in Golden Cock. Over the years I've gotten to know the guys and have had some very interesting discussions with them. It was like a private club - and a fraction of the cost of the clubs I belonged to in Japan. It has now closed and they have amalgamated with Natureboys. But I think they will reopen after the pandemic. Vinapu, have you dropped into Natureboys to see what's happening? For those of us who like hunky masculine guys, both GC and NB were the places to be.

that’s where all the important conferences usually start.

sometimes I wonder why they simply evacuate Pataya like Pol Pot did to Phnom Penh, close whole place down and not bother with it anymore. That's most idiotic on many idiotic decisions made over covid in Thailand. I wonder what's next? requirement to take PCR test and wait 24 hrs. for result to get a dinner?

Day 4 Early collapse resulted in waking up in the middle of the night and look through the window provided me with nice surprise. Sky lit with stars, rare treat in every big city , not to mention as big as Bangkok. I took a picture ,made a tea and returned to the bed waking up only at 9.30 lazy bum me. Breakfast in world famous etc. Foodland , of course at that time it costs whole 81 baht as 65 baht reduction applies only between 5.30 and 9. Then change money and visit at Chong Nonsi BTS station to purchase Rabbit card. Used to be two varieties but one with preloaded number of trip at flat rate of 25 is no more so I purchased regular one, for 100 baht and preloaded her with 500 hoping it will last me till end of trip. Advantage is avoidance of lineups at peak limes to purchase a ticket, unused funds stay on card up to 7 years I was told and it can be easily re-loaded. Unfortunately is still good only on BTS ( overhead rail ) but not on MRT / subway/ nor ARL ( airport link ) and not even on new SRT lines out of Bang Sue Grand Station. More on those tomorrow. At 1 pm I had dentist appointment in Thai Smile on Silom for some minor jobs as Thai prices are less than half of what I would pay at home. Yesterday I promised T I will see him again so at 5 pm I was already at Sabaidee Spa for our 1.5 hr session , even better than yesterday. I’m trying to extract long time from him but managed to secure only vague promise for tomorrow. Instead he asked me if I will have a beer with him downstairs after massage so I agreed and it was best thing this trip perhaps. What was supposed to be a beer turned into party with all boys present , even boss joined later on. Farang i.e. me forked out some money for couple cases of beer and food and we had good time till perhaps 11 p.m. or so. Boys openly talked about themselves and their job, few spoke quite good English, as more were showing for work they all joined in, only from time to time when client appeared some went to the lobby to get a chance to make some money. It was nice to get a close peek into their lives and nobody mind me and T holding hands in the open even if T is straight and has a girlfriend. Truly I felt most welcomed and even if it cost me few thousands it was money well spent. Since it was outside , few remained in jeans only so I could see their quite sculpted torsos as Sabaidee is not a place infested with twinks . Even few girls joined and food was purchased in the stalls in the soi. Thais drinking system with all those ‘ chon!” toasts is conductive for getting drunk , not extremely but when we finally headed home I was quite jolly. Guy tried to organize somebody to escort me but I resisted and joyfully walked all the way from soi Pluk Chit past soi Ngam Duplee to Raya on Suriwong singing louder and louder as I was closer and closer , in several languages , most of them unknown to me but I sing in them anyways. “Lili Marlen” in German ( I don’t speak German but that is not an obstacle, at least not for me ) in Raya’s elevator was my masterpiece followed by ‘Vstavay strana ogromanya” ( “Rise immense country” , Russian military song, I speak language for a change ). It did not take much time for me to get asleep. Perhaps best day not only of that trip but entire year 2021 and it was day 4 of my trip.

What do you mean bad? I'm breakfasting , lunching and / or dinnering there almost daily when in BKK at various times, sometimes even hosting there celebrities like Moonlight / HotMale models so how it can be bad ? I like it there, truly do , although their chicken with cashew nuts is a bit too salty for my taste. I even met some forum members there as everybody knows where it is.

Day 3 Today I need to trade lightly as historically speaking day 3 is for me worst day of jet lag. I mentioned it before, older I’m I seem to take long flights better and better abut jet lags seem to ruin my days worse and worse. One I almost feel asleep standing on the BTS train and it was scary. After 130 baht buffet breakfast at Quarter Silom I went to exchange money at XOne in Suriwong, usually they have one of best rates and are very accommodating to request for smaller denomination. Having enough of small notes eliminates need to wait for change , never problem in stores but sometimes in bars when it is not unknown that one hands over 1000 to be given change from 500 etc. So I like to stock on those 20, 50, and 100’s . In fact I came will prepared carrying in my luggage stack of 4900 baht in 20 ties. Went to buy 2000 in my local exchange , they had only those denominations and I told them I will clear all they have. So out of 10000 or so I asked to get 4000 in 100’s , cheap way to feel rich. Next step is MahaNakhon as it was 10 am , opening hour. This was when dearth of tourists was in plain unobstructed view . Senior ticket 250 , regular weekdays 530, weekends 880. On top at that hour was grand total of 3 of us only me braving to the glass. View was bit hazy but still splendid, good introduction to Bangkok charms and sights. What I notices traffic on the river was much reduced with very few boats plying the waters. Up alone , down alone, back on the street after hour there with obligatory visit to the washroom, truly toilet with the view in the best sense of the word. It’s a must before one boards down elevator as it’s on the same floor. Back to the room, quick packing and off to Raya. Some of you know I like to change hotels every 2-3 days , I just wanted to see how Quarter Silom is and I liked it although at the moment they seem to cash on novelty and in fact I paid more for the room there than for much bigger and better appointed one in Raya. Location is great , particularly for Tawan lovers as its 50 steps from there. And no, nobody blinked an eye when I was marching in with my guest last night. While Quarter seemed busy , Raya did not but still asked me to wait until 2 before I could check in , I was mentally prepared for it so left luggage and went to have a bite or two in world famous, Michelin start awarded etc , Foodland Patpong. Back in the room combed apps a bit for fun of it , noticed one guy I liked had a profile with Line Id so contacted him that way. I liked his Line response ‘ I’m boy services” , sounds much more classy and upscale than ‘ money boy ‘. Anyways it turned he is in Pattaya now but we agreed we will meet later on. At 5 p.m. I went to soi Pluk Chit, place where Sabaidee and Sancturary Spa are on the ground floors of neighboring buildings. Is not that far, just 1 MRT / subway/ stop from Silom, you alight at Lumpini station and when on the street you will see overpass crossing main street 4 minutes away. When you cross it go in the same direction and after 100 meter you will see busy soi. That’s Pluk Chit. Lots of food stalls , some selling other items (on another occasion I bought some socks and underwear there ), no farang in sight , very Thai even if it’s literally steps from main thoroughfare. Sabaidee is in parking garage under first high-rise, beside it is small Thai restaurant , great chicken with cashew nuts I learned on another occasion. Sanctuary in on ground level of second high-rise , entrance will hidden behind greenery. My mission was to find hunk I saw picture of on Sabaidee’s Line feed. Mamasan called guys available , all handsome , muscular and smiling friendly. Second from the left looked as mine goal but since I’m notoriously bad reading people from pictures I pulled my phone to confirm it’s him. It’s how I found T, one of heroes of my trip it turned out. 1 hr 700, 1.5 hr 1000 for the shop, minimum tip respectively 1000 and 1500.ine 1 hr is always rushed I almost universally settle on 1.5 hr course , with such a hunk it would be unthinkable to do otherwise anyways. Massage was professional and strong. I knew I’m in good hands because he did not pour oil over me but on his hands first as it supposed to be done. Towel did not last long either. Tipped extra, promised to return tomorrow, not much English but Google translate helped. Issan native as confirmed by the size of a part Issan guys are famous for , in short great find. Evening trip to newly re-opened Fresh Boys, few boys in jeans on the stage . I understand staff in restaurants must be dressed properly. All twinks so not exactly my field but distributed some red notes including friendly mamasan I recall from soi Twilight. No , not Lucy , I did not see Lucy this trip at all. Asked her about Lucky Boys but she said she doubts it will be opened any time soon , on another hand confirmed that Hot Male re-opening is matter of few days which turned correct and also mentioned Tawan will be re-opening in new location across the soi from old one soon. From there to Jupiter, more boys than customers. Boys handsome like hell but I don’t like that bar’s modus operandi. Guys sitting on the phones in the shadows, every 1/2 hour making parade, fully dressed as restaurant stuff should be but one or two removed their tops and paraded bare chested. I can live with that part but somber unsmiling face expression is put off for me, I know that is what management wants but how one can assess whether boys is interested or no if it’s so hard to get an eye contact. Of course red note produces short smile, specially those days of sparse customer base. It was shock for me to see that one guy across is actually of smiling broadly at me. We will met him later on but tonight I went to Raya empty handed. Few word about Raya, renovation should be completed soon with new façade. Works did not bother me at all as I spent days outside. Only inconvenience is need to use elevator in the back , usually acting as service elevator. They organized it well , there’s always somebody on duty to steer you there. It was few years since I was staying there last but rooms are still well maintained , spacious and spotless, same, same before. Staying on 6th floor I had privacy by being able to by-pass 5th floor reception entirely. Jet lag ravaged but well massaged I collapsed on the bed ending my day 3.

yes it was, there was Dtac booth just past luggage collection area before you entered area where hotels were collecting you. I did not notice any other booths nor I was looking for them. Possibly they were Ladies staffing booth were very efficient and my new SIm was installed before I could even say "Hail Mary , full of grace" with old card neatly scotch taped to SIM card carrier.

Calling me " distinguished board member", gee, thank you . I don,t hear this often , lol