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In an era dominated by the ultra-right-wing Fox News and the lies it continuously spews, CNN has been a beacon of reason for those not wedded to Trumpism. Now, though, changes at the top of the network are likely to see it move away to a much more central political position. The start came recently with the sudden unexplained axing of Sunday night Brian Skelter's Reliable Sources hour-long programme. Skelter frequently aimed his barbs at Fox News. At the top of the network, former boss Jeff Zucker was an ally of Skelter and the network's mostly left wing alternative to Fox. CNN has changed hands quite regularly. It is now part of Warner Bros. Discovery. Skelter's firing is the first salvo from new boss Chris Licht. But Licht appeears only to be doing the bidding of his ultimate boss. This is billionaire mostly right-wing John Malone, the major shareholder in Warner Bros. Discovery, who is a close friend of its CEO David Zaslav. "Zaslav has been closely involved in driving Warner Bros. Discovery’s vision for CNN, doubling down on its traditional global news-gathering function and moving away from the partisan reputation it garnered—fairly or not—during the Trump years. Hence all the talk of diversifying CNN’s contributor ranks, and the olive branches to Republicans, which Licht handed out recently on a romp through Capitol Hill. 'I think they share a vision for CNN,' an insider who knows both men told me. 'But at the end of the day, Licht is executing his vision on how to get there. No one is telling him what to do or how it works.' Whether Stelter’s exit augurs any additional shake-ups is yet to be seen, but we won’t have to wait long: Licht is expected to put more of a stamp on the network come fall." https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/08/brian-stelter-canceled-cnn-reliable-sources In addition to killing Skelter's programme, under Zaslav/Licht, the network has already axed the new streaming service CNN+ just weeks after its launch. Warner Bros Discovery is carrying a heavy debt load. Zaslav told investors recently the debt does not matter as he will make US$3 bilion in savings. How much of this will come from CNN, only tme will tell.

In my bar-going days, when differences arose between a farang and one of the bar boys, I usually found the bar boys' versions were correct. Years ago there was a waiter at Classic Boys whom I really liked. I asked if I could off him. He seemed pleased. I said I would like it if he would bottom. He said he had little experience but would try. Did I still want to off him? I did. He certainly did his best, but being a bottom was too painful for him. So we spent the off time doing other things and I had a really enjoyable time with him. He fully deserved his tip. A few weeks later I was chatting to him in the bar. He said another English-speaking farang had offed him, again on the basis that he'd try to bottom but again after informing the farang he was inexperienced and could not guarantee it would work. The farang took him to the Suriwong Hotel short time rooms. As with me, it didn't work. The farang became angry and told him to get dressed and leave. He did not even give this very pleasant young man a tip. I agree that there are duds amongst both some boys and some customers. But I am sure they were few and far between in those days because the boys always had the mamasans whom they could report a dud customer to. Now with the apps, things have obviously changed.

From The Straits Times

I had that before from different boys and different bars so it may be bar policies indeed. This is the way bars are trying to take care about their employees and prevent them from undercutting each other I guess. If fee expected is too high nothing stops us from trying to bargain it down, the same way we are not stopped from tipping higher than quoted. 1500 , while sensible , in Pattaya is not competitive with what boys from apps may be happy with though but as we all know advantage of bar is that we know whom we are taking home so it warrants a bit of premium. Way boy responded to conversation ( immediate justification ) shows that he may think fee is on higher side. I like way Min conducted that interview, short, brief "yes or no" without killing fun by excessive exchange. I try to do the same way each time.

I agree, CNN has always felt like corporate centrism with any bias being towards getting viewership more than a firm political leaning. I think Trump's crybaby fits against something most people thought was innocuously centrist helped some people to see how dishonest he was. I HATE the false equivalency conservatives love to draw between Fox and MSNBC. MSNBC is a journalistic enterprise and while there's a liberal bias... there's a lot of good journalism too. NOBODY SCREAMING "KILL THEIR MIKE" when an alternative viewpoint is being discussed-hell it's one of the few places to still seek an alternative viewpoint! Fox "News" is nothing but billionaires paying millionaires to tell the middle class to blame the poor. The ONLY goal is tax cuts for the corpocracy and top 1%, everything else they destroy along the way is collateral damage. There is exactly as much "journalism" as their legal department tells them is REQUIRED. Personally, I prefer to be the consumer rather than the product (what advertisers are purchasing) so I get most of my news from National Public Radio, specifically never miss the weekly wrap up (also widely available as a podcast) Left, Right, and Center. Believe it comes out Thursday evenings, should be able to get the latest episode Friday at the least. "Alexa, play podcast Left, Right and Center, latest" works for me!

I like guy holding sign STOP , one with AGAINST is not bad too

I've always thought of CNN as centrist. For the left's perspective, I think most would think of MSNBC. For the right's perspective, FOX would go as far as to intentionally "report" information they know to be factually incorrect. As far as I know, MSNBC doesn't intentionally report false information, but they do constantly comment on the information they report from their perspective. CNN seems to mostly just report the news with minimal comment, as far as I can tell (though I don't view/listen to CNN that often).

The court has teeth. They essentially killed off Future Forward. It's just a matter of which powerful institution the court serves.

I think the boys are sometimes victimized by cheap skates. Remember the most important thing to a man is sex, the next is money. So after having had an orgasm, the first thought is saving money. Maybe lowering the expected tip for the boy. If I was a mb, I would try to unionize and request payment first like in most other countries. That would give more power to the mb. We’re very lucky that’s not the case yet. But you never know.

Yes. This site is for falangs, not Thais. Posters on this site (and I hope I'm one of them) often seek to present the views and experiences of Thai guys on the scene as best they can but we are merely reporters. Please take it from me; there are many guys out there who are sensitive to the manner in which they are treated . Appreciative often but sometimes hurt. The inability of most of us to speak Thai competently can prevent us from gaining insights into their feelings particularly since their ideal is to maintain a "jen yai"... a cool heart. This can mean not showing emotion. Sometimes they go back to their rooms quietly but deeply hurt and disappointed. Peter RS's post recounts a tale I've heard elsewhere and I expect everyone else has too; "Well, I payed for it and so I'm going to get it, however much it hurts him." And in one case, as recounted to me, the pain inflicted even gave enjoyment to the customer. We are paying for a service that can seem to be analogous to having a hair-cut but it is a lot more than that because of the intimacy of the transaction and the emotions aroused. None of us wants to be taken advantage of but nor do our hosts. If either party doesn't comply with the rules of the game, hurt is inevitable.

Saturday would be my last opportunity to visit a sauna in the evening as I would be leaving in the afternoon on Sunday. I decided to go to 117 for my last night which turned out to be a good choice as I had a couple of sessions with two guys I had met earlier on the trip. A fun way to finish my sauna visits for this trip. Sunday I visited the hippie market in Ipanema before heading to the airport in the afternoon. Catching a connecting flight to GRU and starting the long journey home. The trip had been a great experience with the opportunity to meet some amazing guys. I will get to do it all again in a months time.

Following the above posts, my father was a doctor. Prior to World War 2, he enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps. At the time of Dunkirk, he was one of the British troops who had earlier been commanded to move west to St. Valery. The British High Command had no additional ships to evacuate those at St. Valery. As a result 10,000 were taken prisoner. My father found himself in several POW camps over the next 5 years, most notably near Gdansk. As the camp's medical officer, he himself could not attempt to escape. But he did help others in several ways. He placed cuts on the tongues of some to persuade the Germans that they were subject to epileptic fits. He also worked out a way to elongate the skin around the penis to make it seem as though others had not in fact been circumcised. In some cases, he was successful. Not having any interest in medicine, I never bothered to find out how this was achieved.

I think all of the above can be condensed to: There is a very small minority of farang that try to manipulate the boys and treat them badly, we all know that. There is also a very small minority of boys that try to manipulate farang to do their bidding. I see this day in day out on Facebook where the same guys try to guilt trip some unlucky guy into doing what ever it is they require. Similarly I have seen them play mind games on the gay apps and throw a hissy fit when they don't get their way. Either was both camps are best avoided!

Neither do I. You're greatly exaggerating what I'm trying to say. All I'm trying to convey is it is very easy to fall into the trap, even if that is not at all what the boy intended, so be careful and use common sense. For me it is not a question of what I believe. It is a question of what I see, what I'm told, and what I know has happened between many farang and boys. I'm talking about money boys. What do you think a money boy is after? I am perfectly well aware that most farang go to Thailand, have a great time, and nothing goes wrong during their stay and after they return home. But enough of it does happen that it is easy to lose sight of reality. Over the years I've seen too much. As I said, believe whatever you want, but I'm telling you I know what I'm talking about. Enjoy your time in Thailand with the boys, but remember - you stand warned.

I can't look at the KFC logo now without thinking, there's a wise man 😉

Gay falangs get a good deal in Thailand for 99% of the time. There's nowhere in the world where beautiful guys , a night out, good dinner and hotel are so cheap. And equally important, safe. The vast majority of us recognise this and are thankful for it. It was entirely reasonable for Min to show sensitivity and concern. There really are guys in desperate situations, the like of which few of us have faced. And sometimes we may be exploited. We make the decision to travel there, or even to live there; anyone not able to cope with the occasional (very occasional, in my twenty-five years experience) exploitative guy should stay at home and pay UK or US or European prices for beautiful guys, a night out and so on. We are in someone else's country, where the vast majority of citizens are much poorer than us. Put up with it. I hope we continue- and this forum suggests that most of us do- to take the seriously the feelings of the guys we meet, even if that sometimes makes us vulnerable to the occasional con-man. Just as Min did.

Yes, it does. That is exactly what is going on. I wouldn't go as far as calling it sinister or calling it a plot, but with all I've seen, heard, and personally experienced over the years, I'm convinced the vast majority of the money boys are trying to do just that - and I don't blame them. You know why? Because too many farang treat them as if they are nothing more than sex machines, make empty promises, screw over the boys, and generally treat them as if they and their lives mean nothing. Many make no effort whatsoever to understand anything at all about their lives and culture. It's just give me my happy ending massage and here's the smallest amount I can get away with tipping you. Nearly all the money boys I've known over the years have stories about being treated like that - more often than not. If you've been on these boards long enough, you probably have seen that for yourself - farang trying to figure out the cheapest they can get away with giving to these boys. Just today one of the boys was telling me what happened to him a few days go. He advertises himself on some of the apps as a massage boy. That's all he does and he'll say so. He'll give a good massage and a happy ending, but no fucking. Meanwhile, he says, most of the farang trying to make an arrangement with him make it clear they want to fuck him. He turns them down. But just a few days ago one customer said he understood and won't try to go beyond his limits. The boy went to the farang's place, started the massage, and shortly into it the farang wanted to fuck him. The boy reminded him of what the agreement was. The farang gave him a couple hundred baht and told him harshly to get out. He'll find another boy who will do what he wants. Have you any idea of how many similar stories I've heard over the years? Most are much worse. You can label it a "sinister plot" if you want to, but I see it much differently. So, I stand by exactly what I have already posted on this topic. Nobody has to agree with me, but I'm in a position to know more about it than most on these boards. I see it as I see it. If anyone doesn't want to believe me, fine with me - believe whatever you want.

From Khaosod English / Thaiger Thai Airways announced it is renting three more planes and hiring 600 more staff this year as part of its restructuring plans. After cutting costs, selling stock, chasing debts, and distributing plane seats, Thai Airways’ turnover rate in the third quarter of this year is expected to increase. Not only that, the President of the Reorganisation Committee of the Thai Airways International Public Company, Piyasavat Amranand, says he expects the company to be back in black within the next two years. Piyasavat added that Thai Smile Airways, a subsidiary of Thai Airways, has seen an increase in passengers. He said the number of passengers is at about 80% of the pre-Covid-19 days. The president said Thai Airways needed more personnel, especially ground staff, in response to the increasing number of passengers. So, he made known that they would outsource 600 staff to fill vacancies in the ground service area, cargo department, and kitchen. The number of company staff will be raised to 15,000 next year. The company is also expecting more travellers from India, and European countries as Thailand approaches its high season from October to December. Moreover, Thai Airways will resume direct flights from Bangkok to Milan, Italy, and Bangkok to Oslo, Norway, by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, and increase flights from Bangkok to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from four to seven flights per week. Piyasavat believes Thai Airways will be back in black and on track by 2024 and end its reorganisation plan in 2025.

There's no shortage of discouraging news coming out of Myanmar. It's becoming increasingly evident that it will be a very long time before we're again able to visit this once wonderful country. From Thai PBS World Former United Kingdom Ambassador to Myanmar, Vicky Bowman, was reportedly arrested on the night of August 24th, when security forces went to her residence in Yangon, claiming that she needed to be questioned on suspicion of breaches of the immigration act, according to sources close to her family. BBC Myanmar reported that the UK embassy confirmed her arrest and that her husband, Htein Lin, had gone with her. Currently, their whereabouts and the official status of the charges remain unknown. Netizens have speculated that this was in retaliation for the UK’s imposition of sanctions on companies owned by the son and daughter of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Star Sapphire Group of Companies, known to be affiliated with Min Aung Hlaing’s daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon, Sky One Construction, owned by Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone Paing and the International Gateways Group of Companies Limited, known to have ties with the military, were sanctioned. Moreover, the UK had also announced that Britain will be joining Gambia in the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.

not everything , just guys

Check out Santa Marta. I’m not a huge fan of Cali, tbh. Santa Marta give you Beach vibes and not as developed or as hot as Cartagena.

Swiss lodge, now Le Siam, has, for many years, been our hotel of choice whenever we pop down to Bangkok for a few days. We were last there in early April this year. Noise was not a problem then and the hotel is double or triple glazed. Sadly, although they were serving breakfast, unlike our stay in December 2021, it was in the form of a set meal and nothing like what we were used to. Even the coffee makers and the lifts (elevators) are still Swiss made reminding one of the past. I could never understand why they channged the name. I would also add that we have always been treated very well by the staff, many of whom are long serving.

What power does Prawit have as acting PM? From Thai PBS World The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from active duty might have fallen short of the expectations of the opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators, but should help lower the political temperature — at least for the time being, according to political analysts. Businessmen and industrialists, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the current political uncertainty should not have serious effect on the economy as the country begins to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday voted unanimously to accept a petition submitted by the opposition bloc for it to rule on Gen Prayut’s term of office as prime minister. The court also issued an injunction that prohibits Prayut from performing his prime ministerial duty, pending its final ruling. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is now assuming the role of acting prime minister amid questions as to what power he really has in his caretaker capacity. The State Administration Act makes it clear that an acting prime minister “has the same authority bestowed to the person he replaces”. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Wednesday also stressed that Prawit will be running the country with the full authority of a prime minister. “He will be administering with the power of the prime minister. He can even reshuffle the Cabinet or dissolve the Parliament,” Wissanu said in answering a question from reporters. “But why would he want to do that?” Wissanu quickly added. The opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators have demanded an immediate resignation of Prime Minister Prayut who they believe have served out his eight-year term limit at midnight Tuesday. The demonstrators have also rejected Prawit’s role as acting prime minister and vowed to continue their protests. The 77-year-old former army chief is known as the “Big Brother” of the military top brass that seized power in 2014 and on several occasions designated was as acting prime minister whenever Prime Minister Prayut went on overseas trips. Jade Donavanik, a well-known law expert at Dhurakij Pundit University, told Thai PBS World that the court’s decision to suspend Prayut from active duty should help reduce the political tensions at least for the time being. “It has certainly taken the heat out of the situation,” he said, referring to the escalating street protests over the past weeks. However, Jade suggested that even though Prayut can continue to serve as defence minister, he should play a low profile in order not to give the impression that he still calls the shots. Meanwhile, several leading businessmen have played down possible negative impact on the economy and investments by the temporary departure of Prime Minister Prayut. They believe that the government under Prawit’s leadership will continue to implement all the policies it has initiated. “The government should continue to function without any disruption,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries. While admitting that the current political situation may pose a challenge to the government’s stability, President of Thai Chamber of Commerce Sanan Angubolkul said it should not have any adverse impact on the private sector. “Our tourism and export industry is making a rebound and it should not be affected by the court’s decision,” he said. By Thepchai Yong

It's easy to forget that Thailand already has an organization that operates as a de facto sex workers union. The Sex Workers IN Group (SWING) are a sex worker organisation with drop-in spaces and offices across three of Thailand’s most infamous red-light districts: Bangkok (Patpong), Koh Samui, and Pattaya (Walking Street). As an organisation working at the local, national and regional level, SWING are recognised for their expertise in developing creative and innovative core programs and projects which focus on the health and wellbeing of sex worker communities, using a human rights framework and peer-led health promotion activities. From the Global Network of Sex Work Projects SWING’s work is driven by principles of community ownership and community representation, which reflect the organisation’s commitment to providing its exclusive sex worker membership with a range of peer education initiatives that build the capacity of individual members and ensure the sustainability of the network. In creating a space and voice for sex workers in society, SWING employs a strategy of empowerment through education, which aims to increase the quality of life of its members and to enhance their abilities to participate in the local and national sex worker movements as peer-leaders. In advocating for sex workers’ rights, SWING recognises that sex workers are the most effective agents of change; however, the organisation also works to build strategic alliances with institutions and individuals who can enact cultural change within their own communities for the benefit of sex workers. SWING are a member of the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) and are widely respected within the Asia Pacific region for the flagship work they have undertaken within male and trans* sex workers communities. Read more about SWING https://www.nswp.org/featured/service-workers-group-swing

For sure they do and such unfortunate occurrences , hopefully very rare, are, so to speak , included in price. Sometimes it's other way around too, "I do everything " claimed in bar but not really so in the room or requesting high minimum tip in massage but providing strictly massage service with non-exisiting extras ( my case last trip ). But those are exceptions , not rules, the same like rain in dry season. As for requesting payment up front I'd not mind although in Thailand immediately I was suspicious as it's not how is done (yet ?)

Well, on this trip, three different boys from Pikky and Divarium, when asked how much they expect for a short time, told me 1500B then explained: the bar requires them to ask for at least 1500.

I think you mean "jai yen" (ใจเย็น). "jen yai" would be "Big Jane", and you really don't want to meet her 😀

Wouldn't it be a bit difficult to unionize a technically illegal profession? Thailand legalized marijuana. How about legalizing prostitution along with it? Since prostitution is such an open secret - the most open secret I've ever heard of - what's the point of keeping it illegal? "Selling is legal. Fucking is legal. Why isn't selling fucking legal?" - George Carlin

Haha - thanks Macaroni and vinapu. Thr size of a kitchen?! Heck! I didn’t know the place was so small! I’ll have a mull if I should wear my Secret Squirrel shades.. and thanks for the heads up on the Siloam Plaza massage outlets, reader. You’re incredibly connected!

It's actually 125 times. I keep count.

Masks not required on Singapore Airlines From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from next Monday (Aug 29) unless they are travelling to or from destinations that mandate it. In response to CNA queries, SIA said it updated its policy on the use of masks during flights following the latest guidelines from the Government.

NOTE -- All the more reason to plan a side trip to our other favorite destinations! From CNN Nam khao, Laos: This dish features crispy, deep-fried rice balls made with a base of red curry paste, coconut flakes and egg. The fried rice is then crumbled up and mixed with sausage, tempura, peanuts, onion, chili and more, and served with fresh lettuce leaves. (CNN) — Bubbling cauldrons of noodle soup, flaky flatbreads, kaleidoscopic desserts -- when it comes to street food, Asia delivers big on variety and flavor. This vast region sprawls across equatorial tropics and mountain ranges, volcanic islands and frenetic megacities, so it's no surprise that diversity abounds. Yet there are many similarities, too. With centuries of migration and trade, many recipes have traversed borders only to become a local specialty thousands of miles from their places of origin. To celebrate the region's bottomless culinary talent and passion for food, we've rounded up 50 must-try, much-loved street foods and beverages in Asia in alphabetical order. Let's dig in. Continues with photos at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-best-street-foods-cmd/index.html

Oh gawd, isn't he the one with all the watches and sleeps a lot on the job?

The OP presented a legitimate concern and many (myself included) responded with what I'm sure is well-intentioned advice. My comment goes to the irony of it all; when we finally got what we wanted--an open door policy to the LOS--we are now quick to see bad intentions in those we've traveled long and far to meet again. Couldn't it just be a simple misunderstanding between people who speak a different language and come from a different culture, as I believe Min alluded to in his opening post? It doesn't necessarily have to be a sinister plot to coerce money out of us, does it? Because they provide a service we seem to highly value, it's tempting to place them on a lower plane and see ulterior motives in their actions. Can't we just give them the benefit of the doubt. What I'm suggesting is that we not jump to the worst-case scenario based on anecdotal examples of what some other guys did in the past. I think all of us have likely done stupid things in our earlier interactions with mb's. Maybe it was a harsh word and inappropriate reaction. They most likely gave us a second chance. That's all I'm suggesting here.

What a wonderful ending to his ordeal for this young man - and a wonderful beginning, too!

Unless the farang is handing over a lot of money. Then it's "What are you doing home? The farang is waiting. Go on, go, go go! And don't forget to remind him that I'm your sister, not your wife . . ."

Everything said here is 100% spot on. I had a real world example of this recently. I always had the rule, don't shit where you eat. 2 months ago I broke that rule, and took a boy from a bar I visit almost daily. We had a short time and 1 long time in a week, and I was kind of done. I told him I wasn't looking for anything serious. But he made it clear he was. He turned on his stalker mode. The next week was a mix of begging on LINE, and overly affectionate when I was in the bar, to the point of annoyance. He knew what he was doing. I didn't play along, just waited for him to get bored. A week later, it has devolved to dirty looks from across the bar. That lasted a week. For the last week or so, he doesn't even make eye contact with me. I no longer exist to him. He's moved onto new targets. If you are a regular at M2M, and there is an issue, just pull Beer aside (the cashier with the cap) and mention something, tactfully. Having said that, as GayButton said, I don't think it will be needed. Just smile and carry on with your routine.

My first time bar visit was old Tawan. Nothing beats the fear and nervous feeling than the desire to fulfill my fantasy of seeing muscular guys who are willing to be with me. Yet, it took me a while before i summon the courage to enter the bar, with me going back and forth of that soi, and walking on the opposite side of the soi from the bar entrance, not even looking at the bar lol so, my advice is, based on all that youve read here, choose the bar that fits your taste the most, regardless of the bar's reputation for first timers. If your first visit isnt satisfactory, u can go to the next bar that fits your taste, and dont forget to revisit that first bar on a diff day, as your experience might change. I only summon the courage to off a boy from a bar on my second or third visit. And i did had the boy for overnight, as itll gives me time to calm my nerves and just enjoy the company without feeling rushed. I recalled not really asking him many questions in the bar as im really shy, so the only questions i asked were did he do long time and how much. The rest, ill find out in the room. Having said this, some bars do have pesky mamasan that might scare first timer. On this, you will have to stood your ground and just shoo them away. Ignoring will do too but usually will take time before they gay up so being upfront works best to avoid them ruining your experience. I usually will say im just here to see the show, but other members would use things like i like girls, or i like older guys etc lol. Either way, dont let them ruin your night. Just a short guide but dont hold on this as things might have change as last i went were pre-covid, tawan and jupiter mamasan/papasan/waiter are the least to disturb you. Moonlight mamasan are friendly and will check with you from time to time but i dont feel annoyed. Those are 3 bars that i always go to as they have the type of guys i like. Like i said before, boys move bars often, so does mamasan so best to just be there yourself. On the massage part, im a prime fan as well. Chances of getting extra is minute but it does happens occasionally. Ive reported before in one of my trip, out of 4 session i had, i was offered in 1 by the cutest but that session massage wasnt as good lol. U cant have it all i guess. Pre-covid, during low season, u can ask to choose masseur from the ipad, but not sure if thats still allowed. Though when i can choose, they will only show 4-5 masseurs, since i usually just walk in, thus those are masseurs who is available and in the next queue for customers. Im also arena fan. Though im not a fan of their mamasan, he just rubs me the wrong way. But pre-covid, i have fews masseurs there thats i like. I love massages but when in bkk, prices for massage arent really cheap when compared back home, so my priority is getting overnight or long time. For outcall, yes, even pre-covid, u can have that arranged with some boys or massage center, but i believe post covid, this option is readily available at more places than before. U can simply ask the center either through line or at counter. Lastly, sauna. Im not a sauna goer myself, but if u are ready to explore, this is something you would probably want to visit at least once so u can see if its really your thing or not. Ive been to sauna of few occassions and while i dont think its my place, im glad i did went there, or ill be forever wondering what its like. Despite saying sauna is not my thing, i thoroughly enjoyed sauna in japan though. So, if u want to explore, please go at least once. In silom, sauna mania is the closest and they do have O party on weekends, and it was definitely crazy pre-covid. Go and explore and dont sweat on the details.

I went to Senso (replied in another thread) but perhaps with more details here since this is about Senso. Booked via Line and selected masseur before heading down. They are quite polite and responsive, even confirming that the rooms are already available for me before I arrived. When I got there, one staff came to chit chat and asked if I've been before, or aware of the available courses. About 5-6 masseurs sitting around, some topless, some clothed. I saw the masseur I pre-selected in the group. Told the staff that I booked via Line, he double checked and then I was ushered up to the room (4th level) with ensuite bathroom. Chose masseur who is lean/toned muscular who is totally my type. He spoke decent English and was able to communicate throughout, making small talks. Showered before (alone) and after (together). Massage itself was good and proper, loosen up some of my knots... but lack sensual touches 😛 after turning around and facing up, he went straight into teasing and getting me excited for the extras, unprompted. Some licking, touching, sucking (quite surprised by this) and offered to get some action from the back. After the happy moments, he was sweet enough to continue with massage on my shoulders, lower back while seated and commented on my body, made some small talks and showered together where we chatted further. If I recall correctly, it was 1500baht + 1500baht tip for 90mins. Not the cheapest, but overall satisfied. Tea and water offered before and after at the main waiting area too. Hope this report helps!

And the tax returns?

my comment below is not directed at you or your guy but just reflection triggered by your post. it did happen more than once for me that guy who was star on one trip lost his luster on the next one for reason known ( usually lost shape or asked for additional money at the wrong moment ) or unknown. It works in reverse too at at times , rarely but it does happen , guy well known from last time clearly tries to avoid my eyesight next trip. One guy when confronted " you don't like me anymore ?" answered honestly that he knows I like Long Time and he can't offer it as he has a job now. of course there's consolation - guys overlooked last time , all of the sudden are attractive this trip. Again sometimes reason is only our better eyesight, sometimes it's more to it i.e. he did not like us last lime so tried not to look engaged , this time bar friend told him we are good guy (speaking human means we tip well but that's only part of reason in some cases) so he wants to get piece of cake too and works harder on his promotion.

Somehow I can't put "you" and "shy" in the same sentence

Do what I did - get QBF ( quasi boyfriend) with motorbike , he will take you everywhere on his vehicle. When you arrive you guys can even ride each other depending on mood or preference