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I have left Bangkok and write from Vientiane. I am enjoying a down-time trip here, with not good opportunities for a forum post involving adventures, observations and dilemmas about Laos. I think I will post from Vietnam, my next stop with more time. Thank you for the replies. Forrestreid your post is brilliant. I think I am back in Bangkok in a fortnight and I will follow much of your itinerary, for sure! You correctly make reference to Paris but it is also important to recognise London (in the past, Camden, and now East London) and Dublin. The reason an English language word to flaneur is difficult is because it is all of the things you say leading to nuance. I especially appreciate your attention to detail in providing practical information which saves me much time. As I promised, I provide an unstructured update but with less time to edit and refine. On future trips I will try to commit to a diary as is the custom but I hope this is interesting even to just one person! I was quick to comment on Tawan unfairly. On my second visit the atmosphere was brighter. Twinks make up no more than 20% of the gathering of men working in the bar. I heard more about the loss of our beret-wearing friend. I was told he was 60 and died suddenly of a heart attack. An off from Tawan was not in the cards for me this time. To Sol. I was more comfortable on my second visit (a theme?). I was first quick to compare Sol with the old Dream Boys. I think this is because they have done little with the inside so the comparison is hard not to begin with. They have taken away all branding of Dream Boys, replacing it with usually nothing or with their own logo which is not easy to my eyes (a past failed career in marketing does not help me here). But the men they have are friendly and plentiful in number with variety, aged early 20s to early 30s towards the toned rather than thin. One older western guy was enjoying the company of four or five men during my visit (I think the youth would call this ‘living your best life’) with French-kissing, 1000 bhat tips dispensed every few minutes to the delight of the workforce. I met a man in his late 20s who accompanied me to my room for detailed contemplations on the success or otherwise of the Asian Development Bank vis a vis other international comparisons. Following Vinapu’s super advice on first trying ‘non-steamy’ small-chat, I learnt about his broken mobile phone leading to the need to start working in the bar as being a Grab delivery driver without a phone is impossible. A 600 bhat per day wage to a 200 bhat per day wage in the bar was the outcome (unless there is an off, which he claimed I was his first in two weeks of working). I suspected this would lead to a request for a mobile phone, but it did not. The story seemed true when, in a moment of forgetfulness, I asked for his LINE ID later and was told he did not have one because he did not have a phone! Dream Boys had change during my visit. As was reported on the forum by another, there was an incident involving the theft of several 1000s of bhat and a mobile phone from a hotel, by a worker from a customer. I learnt from a talkative (thank you Vinapu for your advice about asking for English language ability from mamasan) man who works there that the owner immediate let go of all staff that were not Thai, as the man could not be traced. This came from just one worker who erred on the side of gossip and perhaps exaggeration in tone. Some men are now in Banana Bar, according to this report. The Dream Boys ensemble are now fewer but the quality is high (to my eye). The vision of the owner is apparently for an all-Thai group from this time forth. Banana Bar show is lots of fun and laughs, marketed to those out with friends and groups as well as the tourist looking for company. Men appear not often on stage. I did not, on two visits, enjoy more than one quick beverage in Screw Boys. The atmosphere was difficult as the only customer or one of three, being so close to the stage with all eyes looking, I was self-conscious. Men are early 20s to early 30s. The mamasan who refused to not sit alongside me was funny with her sales-approach towards the huddle of men as they march which went something like ‘This boy, very big, does everything, no English. This boy, less big, only man but good English. This boy, very big, does everything, good English’. I was sad that an excursion to Arena was not available in the Le Meridian list of tours (feedback will be provided to Marriott) but I was able to visit anyway. Once I had found the place (ignore Google Maps which takes you down some side road to a car park with an angry looking guard, go the front of the building, walk past the restaurants and to the lift at the back, third floor) I was very happy at what was inside. Five men looked not quite ready for Tawan but like they had recently left the gym and were ‘normal looking’ and handsome were in attendance and I spent time with a man in his early 30s from Chang Mai. Again thank you for all replies. I hope to post something from other countries as I visit in the weeks upcoming.

That's a little harsh Marc. According to Wikipedia a flâneur "is an ambivalent figure of urban affluence and modernity, representing the ability to wander detached from society with no other purpose than to be an acute observer of industrialized, contemporary life." Perhaps associated with people who have an interest in art or architecture, but not essential. Historically a flâneur (usually seen as a male figure) was somebody who had a fascination in the "demi-monde", and was particularly interested in wandering about red light districts in Pars and other European cities. A suggested Itinerary But if you want to spread your wings Flaneur, here is an itinerary that enables you to indulge your penchant for being a flaneur, and starts and ends within ten minutes journey from Saladaeng station. Get a Sky train to Siam Station. Have a wander in Siam Square. In the late afternoon/early evening, it should be full of young Thai people shopping and eating. Walk up along the skywalk eastwards, up Rama 1 road, passing the Siam Paragon and Central World Shopping Centre. Pause at the Erawon shrine and watch the crowds making merit. Admire the model elephants many leave. Then continue past Chit Lom skytrain station toward the beginning of Sukhumvit Road. Plenty of vendors to observe and you will start to notice more and more middle-aged western guys in the crowd. Pass under the motorway overpass and you are on Sukhumvit. Wonder up Soi 3 and the Little Arabia” zone, area full of Arabs smoking Shishas and nice Lebanese food, and go as far as a soi 7 and 11 - you will be in the centre of the straight expat and sexpat area with plenty of interesting bars and life to see. Cross the road at Nana station and stroll down Soi 4 (Soi Nana itself) as far as Nana Plaza. Observe the sign under the entrance that proclaims Nana Plaza as as “the worlds largest adult playground.” Go in and see if you agree. Perhaps go to the top level and into one of the ladyboy bars. I’m not interested in ladyboys sexually but they can be fun to talk to, and a lot of them have a very good English. That’s what I call a good evening of playing the flaneur, and at the end of it you can jump on the skytrain at Nana station, and be back in Saladaeng within 10 minutes (don’t forget to change trains at Siam).

For those who venture to Saphan Kwai in search of massage options, they’ll be pleased to know that that work on new sidewalks (and the water pipes below them) is just about complete on both sides of Sutthisan Winitchai rd. and walking confit are good. Shop update — Saengchan Spa on Inthamara 25, that closed in August for repairs, appears now to have consolidated its operations with KK Massage near Inthamara 23. One hour oil 380, wide selection on LINE or available on tablet upon arrival. On weekends you may find a handful of guys available in the shop. (Line: @bkk23)

I really can't stand all this technology stuff, I much prefer to deal with a human being.

Good to keep in mind that not all bars and pubs will take advantage of the new ruling. Staffing may prove to be an issue because simply extending hours doesn’t mean workers will be amenable to change. And I don’t think there are a lot of readers here who are necessarily excited about the idea of partying that late. Many would prefer to be in bed with off, I’d think. Those who do enjoy the wee hours typically do it in the dance clubs. I suspect the bars in Sukhumvit area will be more enthused with the concept. From Thai PBS World Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has given the greenlight for pubs and bars in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chon Buri to stay open until 4am, tentatively from December 15, to promote tourism and increase revenues. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told the media that the government has carefully considered the proposal with security agencies and is fully aware that, in reality, many pubs and bars have been operating beyond the 2am closing time illegally and it is time to put night-life venues in order and in compliance with the law. Apart from moving closing time to 4am, he said the prime minister has instructed authorities to look into the impacts, such as the noise problem, which may disturb people near the venues, drunk driving and drug abuse. There are steps to be taken by agencies before the new order comes into effect. These include the amendment of Interior Ministry regulations regarding operating hours of entertainment venues, the issuance of licenses, zoning, social problems and support plans to ensure the safety of customers and the public. Chai said the prime minister has advised that any step which can be done first must go ahead, such as zoning of the night life venues, adding that the prime minister stressed the importance of addressing the drunk driving problem. The prime minister later told the media that the new closing time for nightlife venues is not only intended for tourists, but also for Thais whose businesses are related to tourism, such as restaurants and food shops.

You can and do say what you like. It doesn't make it true. There are far too many polonium poisonings, novichok poisonings, defenestrations, accidental hangings, jailing of political opponents on trumped up charges to say there are "no tricks".

I told already the main differences btw US and Russia Citizens of Russia are available to vote directly for their candidate. No middleman, no tricks from them Putin has been elected by wish of majority, while US president is elected by minority, and, as result, his approval rate never been higher than 50%, and right now it is just 32%.

Next time they will have choice between a war-mongering Biden presidency for another four years or giving the overtly neo-fascist Trump a second chance to steer the country toward becoming an autocratic enclave for the billionaire class and ultra nationalist minorities. Biden’s response to the Russian attack on Ukraine was not one that sought an early ceasefire and diplomatic compromise. Rather it opted for weaponry and assistance to sustain a prolonged war in Ukraine as a demonstration of US-led NATO resurgence, seemingly not so much motivated by the defense of Ukraine but by an overwhelming interest in humiliating Putin and defeating Russia. Biden added a geopolitical level of encounter to the devastating war on the ground, with the hope that inflicting defeat on Russia would lead China to give up any hope of incorporating Taiwan. This agenda aims above all to extend U.S. unipolar primacy as a permanent feature of the post-Cold War world, effectively a Monroe Doctrine for the world. Such a provocative course of action was undertaken in the face of risking nuclear escalation and the likelihood of another ‘forever war,’ undoubtedly bringing the people of Ukraine prolonged suffering and accompanying devastation. In the background of such behavior is an apparent cavalier attitude toward the onset of a new cold war, which is already underway in the form of a costly, risky arms race, uncooperative problem-solving in response to an array of global challenges

With poor eyesight and night vision, if u still want to take boys from bars, few things can be done. Make use of mamasan. A good one can show you the boys pics from phone. A better one can ask boys to come to you for you to select after u you told mamasan what type u like. A drink for boys allows u to explore further. Nothing against apps, as i do use it to find guys but nothing beats meeting and choosing the guys in person.

No. I don't hang out near, I just past by and if I'm in the mood and see somebody suitable ( both things are almost always guaranteed, I recall one exception already reported) I just grab them and go. Those are Tawan men , famous for being religious , hence prayers. Prayers and sex , sounds unhealthy mix but I try next time . As for compensation , I must shamelessly say I feel I'm quite popular there and suspect is not because my skillful Buddhist chants. About underscored part , I just say , tell me something I don't know, he, he

How much your propaganda tells you! The most brutal murderers of children, women and the elderly live in the USA! This is reality, wake up

Bolivia cut diplomatic ties with Israel over its bombardment and siege of Gaza and mounting civilian casualties Colombia recalled ambassadors to Israel Chile recalled ambassadors to Israel Honduras recalls ambassador to Israel

You organize a circus every 4 years! No matter who you elect, nothing will change. The USA has already placed in prisons everyone who is against it, the number of political prisoners in the USA is the largest in the world

Quite by chance I came across this rather fascinating short film highlighting the difference between the ease with which homosexuals mixed in London in the 1930s compared to the much stricter climate that existed in the 1950s. It was made by London Weekend Television in 1981 and inevitably considers homosexual men as of that time. The video explains why views on homosexuals changed as the works of sexologists like Freud slowly began to seep outside academia after the Second World War. The word "homosexual" became much better known, along with such terms as inverts and perversion. Very quickly the public would become obsessed with the idea of dangerous effeminate homosexuals corrupting those around them. With spies like Guy Burgess being known homosexuals, the idea of homosexuals also being traitors mutiplied. In 1954 police arrested ten times more homosexual men than in the 1930s. So those interviewed in the film regard the 1930s in a much more favourable light.

There are no "civilian" power stations in Ukraine. Every power station is used for to supply power military objects or railways for weapon/technic transportation or manufacturing plants for munition production via power network - since USSR time Ukraine has single, united, state owned power network for power distribution to any object in Ukraine: civilian or military, so every power station for sure is connected to every military facility via that network. When Russia destroys power generation, and Ukraine has deficit of power, it is solely Ukrainian choice whom to keep to supply - military or civilian objects, and whom to switch off.

Personally, I prefer 5PM until 10PM closing. Much easier for me.

I cannot believe that anyone in this discussion could be so ignorant as to be unaware that Israel is the #1 recipient in US financial largess, and could not have flourished to the extent it has without the US's generosity: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2023-10-10/how-much-aid-does-the-u-s-give-to-israel "...The United States has given Israel more than $260 billion in combined military and economic aid since World War II, plus about $10 billion more in contributions for missile defense systems like the Iron Dome, a U.S. News analysis finds. That’s the most granted to any country throughout that time frame, and around $100 billion more than Egypt, the second-highest recipient historically...". Had the Palestinians received such aid, obviously they would be doing quite well. Also, Israel controls most traffic in and out of Palestine, as well as their power and water. Yes, Palestinians should have recognized Israel by now, and Israel should also long ago have recognized Palestine. For its part, the US should not have allowed this situation to continue indefinitely. The US should have put its foot down and said "Peace in this area is in the US's interest. We will donate generously to both Israel and Palestine, and help the two countries flourish, IF AND ONLY IF each recognizes the other's right to exist." I personally can't see this happening with either Hamas or BN at the helm, and the US should make the voters of Palestine and Israel aware that their votes have consequences.

Not much to be proud of. While zero casualties is commendable , very few people will believe this is result of careful planning, more of good luck rather

sure , few more years and upon return we will be greeted by border officer in our country with question ' did you get lucky at Dreamboys on Oct 14th ?

The UN helped to create the State of Israel because it supported both Jews and, specifically, Zionism. But the UN did not plan for or agree to Israel's occupation of -- and settlements in -- the designated Palestinian regions of the state. As you well know, UN resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 446 (1979), 452 (1979), 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), and 1850 (2008) have condemned: Acquisition of territory by force Permanent settlements in that territory Altering the demographic composition, character, and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, including, inter alia, the construction and expansion of settlements, transfer of Israeli settlers, confiscation of land, demolition of homes and displacement of Palestinian civilians, in violation of international humanitarian law and relevant resolutions This, I repeat, not anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias. It's opposition and condemnation of illegal acts taken by the State of Israel since 1967. I am Jewish. I support the State of Israel's right to exist. I contributed money to help establish the State of Israel. But I am NOT anti-Israel and anti-Jewish. I challenge you to prove that I am.

Sometimes the warts are seen after it's too late, in the room 🤒

Kostik may be so brave because he is outside of reach of Russian 'justice' system and too small fry to waste polonium on him

Of course there are fewer child casualties in a country with under 1/10th the population density of Gaza and where the Ukrainians don't hide behind their children. I guess that's why Russia chooses to terrorize them with threats of nuclear annihilation to "avoid" innocent casualties. I'm against both wars but Hamas deliberately provoked the one in Gaza.

true but original issue was : " they are trying to copy western escorts and charge by the hour now." some of those excuses are fancy indeed not just roommate's lost key or wrongly parked motorbike ( by guy who I know for sure doesn't have one ). My most memorable were middle of the night , like 3 am " I must go now because I must go to gym at 6 am" or " I must go now because I must help my roommate to move in the morning" or one from last night of last trip " I go to buy something to eat and return in 10 minutes" of course never to return but that did not prevent from cheerful message in the morning ' how are you this morning ?, what you are doing today ?"

I have returned to Thailand with Eva from London , used my miles to upgrade from their premium economy to royal laurel business class well worth it in my opinion. Staying at Baan Souy again which I suggest is excellent, great rooms, decent location between boys town and jomtien, no problem returning with "company" almost expected, lovely pool and gym and fantastic hosts and team at the hotel, I cant recommend enough! On first evening met a boy from Toy boys I met before, the bar had maybe 30 boys in pants and good mix, I think a drink was about 280 THB but a good bar we had some food at nearby Fra Pattaya always excellent! On Sunday bars all closed for holiday I met my friend from Saturday again, had stacked up the fridge in my room from nearby 7/11 so we enjoyed the amazing pool a few beers at hotel, then walked to nearby market at Jomtien near entrance to jomtien park. If you like excellent Thai food an amazing selection, all good and very cheap, they were also "turning a blind eye" to drink restrictions! So Monday night went to explain little..... Dream boys - maybe 15 boys all in jeans but no shirt and a fair mix but other than one of the slimmer style x boys - again maybe 15 all in pants but more slim type so nothing that appealed to me! New bar site of old Cupid next to panorama maybe 12 boys with a bit of a mix, all in just pants. BOYZ Boyz..... Probably 40 plus but all pretty fully dressed ...... In the main Aimed to be catering for Chinese lady cliental all be it Very welcoming to me! I met a boy from the old Cupid, nice evening but early night as hopefully a friend from Bangkok is arriving Tuesday and joining me for a few days in Pattaya before we both return to Bangkok!

If the airline changes flights and you don't like the option, they won't give you your money. In 2019, I believed only through the chargeback procedure This year I’m stupid enough to buy tickets from the Thai ones too. They changed flights, but their lawyers were better prepared

problem is not mastering technology as at end of day in most cases it's either easy or irrelevant ( there still bank branches when we can take cash if we can't master ATM) Problem is what happens with all that information which is gathered about us in the process. Privacy invasion is one concern, crooks putting their hand on it is even bigger one. And worst part , for sheer convenience we happily co-operate until one day unpaid speeding ticket in Asuncion, Paraguay will prevent us from crossing border to Philippines, who wants to admit such miscreants into it's illustrious shores.

no, I'd gladly if only to see that Horn of Africa but simply I'm afraid. I know personally somebody who went there ( journalist) and upon returning said briefly ' no you don't wont to go there"

The comments from some here are indeed scary, as the thread's title indicate. They are either very deep down the rabbit hole or I want some of what they're smoking!

Of course, you have doubts? The USA is just killing. Saving on polonium

Both good questions. Don't be so cerebral - just go with the chaos! 😆

Frankie Valle 89 and still touring.

Oh no. Wear your fur coat!!

Two questions. How can anyone defend Putin? and Why are we talking about Russia in this thread?

Nope. Power station are legal military targets.

At 6-5, 250 pounds, will stack him up against any of your Mr. Universe wannabes at Tawan any day of week and twice on Sundays.

Exacatly. Thousand Year's Reich lasted only 12 years and as I said it already somewhere Catherine the Great is spinning in her grave that her hometown is in Poland now and Immanuael Kant wonders how come he is buried in Russia if he never left Konigsberg. Southern Spain was Muslim country for 700 years and almost all current Hungarian territory was Turkey for more than 100. Even very well established countries like Germany or Italy are in fact much younger than USA, Argentina or Paraguay

Absolutely impossible -- every single Swede loves herring! 🎣

You are not alone as I hear that quite often. ( When I was working my office was located in heavy Jewish area). I'd say it's pretty normal , not every American support Cuban embargo, not every Russian praises war in Ukraine, there are Italians who hate pasta, Swedish hating heering , republican British and Polish thinking their football team is disgrace. And yes , Arabs who think their militants being bloodthirsty beasts. That doesn't make them own nation's outcasts.

that is unfortunately very sad truth. They started war which is unwinnable for them which is logical and strategic crime itself , fully knowing response will be harsh and blood soaked on their own people.

The only genocide in the Middle East is that being committed by the Hamas terrorists. Israel has sent millions of texts and phone calls, dropped millions of pamphlets and flyers from the air in advance warning civilians to evacuate prior to the IDF entering. Hamas has underground bunkers, tunnels, and command centers beneath hospitals and schools. Hamas doesn't care about the lives of their own civilians. They are willing to use their own civilians as human shields. They butcher innocent Israelis. They rape and torture women and children. Good vs. evil was never more evident. This is the battle not only between Israel and the Hamas Nazis, but between the civilized world and barbarians. Israel will not leave Gaza before every inch of those tunnels and and terrorist command centers has been flooded and destroyed. Israel will not leave Gaza until Hamas has been eradicated. That is not genocide. It is called survival.

I must go to english class. It was 6 am on April 15/Songkran.

that may be an issue there I admit but sometimes when I read this kind of statements I wonder how one knows boys are too old / ugly / whatever if in the same breath professes not to step in the said bar / massage joint for years. I'm not trying to be sarcastic and even aiming at your statement particularly but this is quite common here. That doubt is reason I always repeat mantras ' go and see for yourself". There's one member here who admitted not to ever go to Jupiter because I did not like that bar and he seemed to be under influence of my posts stating that. Only when we met face to face and I told him don't listen to me , just go and he did, he turned out to be their fun quite fast.

Day 6: Went thrift shopping in platinum mall. surprised by the absence of the previous stalls who usually cater for bigger guys. most of the stalls would say xl/xxl cannot fit me, so I didn't try to fit the items for sale. just bought a few items as souviners to be given to friends back home. I also went to central and found a sale on some footwear, quickly video chatted a friend who was into shoes to get his opinion, and bought 2 pairs, 1 for me and 1 for him. I read somewhere that Big C was cruisy, so I tried my luck and BINGO!!! it was scary though as I read there were undercover cops who one might mistaken as a cruiser. it went pretty wild, which was quite worrisome . one guy even has a poppers which I read was supposedly illegal??? I think I have taken over 20k steps today according to my smartwatch. As it was getting dark, I decided I badly need a massage. I went to prime bringing along all the stuffs I bought for the day. I availed of their 90 minute oil massage. I was ushered into a different building as the main one was already full. The massage was ok and relaxing. I would've preferred more heavy pressure, but I was too tired to tell the masseur. I know this is a no hanky panky place, but he seemed ok with my hands grazing his crotch "accidentally" while he massage my forearms. After the massage, he offered me to shower in a separate room and later gave me hot tea and towel. I tipped him 300 baht which he accepted happily. I am not sure if it was too much or too little for a clean massage. After the massage, I took my shopping stuffs and proceeded to Tawan. The very handsome and tall tout with a tribal tattoo on his forearm welcomed me. He could be a model in Moonlight or Jupiter if he wanted to. He asked if I would like to keep my shopping stuffs outside, which I happily agreed to. When I entered the bar, they were about to start the show. As there were already people seated on the front of the stage, they offered me a seat hear the cocktail bar. In hindsight it was a good position as I can freely grope the guys (with tips of course) before they enter the stage. Saw some old timers from yore. Regarding the twinks though, these are not the k-pop cutey or effeminate variety. They are nearing the roughness of the guys in nice guys. After the show, I claimed by shopping bags from Mr. S (the tout that I tipped for the chicken supper earlier in the trip). He offered to bring the bags to Surawong and hailed a taxi for me. After I climb in, I tipped him 100 baht for the nice gesture. Not sure if the taxi driver saw it, but surprisingly the taxi driver was kind enough to bring my bags to the lobby. I felt so rich hahaha. So I tipped him for the extra service. No, it's not what you're thinking.

Thanks for your report. Thirty minutes I would think is the minimum time to expect from a ST bar off. An hour would be more the average. If you’re not happy with time, settle the issue before agreeing to off guy. If language an issue, ask mamasan to explain it to boy. You’re in the massage capital of world and encourage you to take advantage of it. On any given afternoon or evening there are easily a few hundred guys available in the Silom/Soi 6/Surawong rectangle. Most are outside their shops so you can survey many by just slowly walking past shops and see who returns smile. For me, this is far more efficient way of locating mutually acceptable mate for an hour or so than constantly scanning apps. I dumped Grindr from phone earlier this trip because I found myself spending excessive, unproductive time on it. My rationale was that I didn’t travel 24 hours to look at a screen when there are plenty of the real thing at every turn. Enjoy remainder of trip.

I for one gladly pay whatever bars are trying to extort from me since i fund sitting in the room and combing apps much more boring then sipping me Chang in the bars. And if I find someone I know right away who shows at my door. But that's just me

The Bangkok Post is reporting that bars in the nation’s busiest tourist centers will receive permission to remain open until 4a.m., beginning with the New Year period.

This is an area of small row houses, so there are more leasing options for small shops rather than look for a space with large floor area. Having multiple small shops also makes the business more flexible. If times are bad, one can close the worst-performing shop and keep the rest running. It allows the business better bargaining strength with landlords. If one landlord asks for a steep increase in rent, it is possible to walk away from the deal and still have other shops in operation. Another possibility is that each shop is structured as discrete businesses with different minority shareholders. That way, the main shareholder can tap on multiple minority shareholders for capital, so although to us they may look like a single buisness, in fact the ownership mix of each shop is different.