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From the BBC website For Chinese tourists in Bangkok, 76 Garage, an open-air restaurant on the northern outskirts of the Thai capital, has long been near the top of the list of places to visit. And they go there not for the food, but the waiters. In the middle of the restaurant is a swimming pool. The evening reaches its highlight when the waiters, all fit young men, strip down to their shorts and wade into the pool, offering to carry the diners for a photo op and a tip. There was a time when 76 Garage was so popular you needed to book a month in advance to get a table. These days half the tables are empty. Thailand's lauded tourist industry is missing its biggest customers: the Chinese. When China finally lifted zero-Covid restrictions in January, allowing its citizens to travel overseas, Thailand had high hopes. It expected an upsurge in business that would help its tourist industry recover much of the ground it lost during the Covid pandemic. The government predicted as many as five million Chinese tourist arrivals by the end of the year - still less than half the nearly 11 million who came in 2019. But a big improvement on last year, when there were only 250,000. That rosy scenario has turned out to be far too optimistic. Fewer than 2.5 million came in the first nine months of 2023. "Our tourism ministry said visitor numbers would recover quickly after the pandemic," said Anucha Liangruangreongkit, a Chinese-speaking tour guide at the Grand Palace in Bangkok who has been working there for 42 years. "But they're dreaming. I'm a guide - I should know. If it was normal, like in the past, it would be packed, right? Look at it now. Are there a lot of people here? No." Part of the problem is a shortage of low-cost flights post-Covid, and a slowing Chinese economy. The new Thai government hoped its announcement of a five-month visa waiver would entice more tourists. But a shooting at Bangkok's most famous shopping mall on 3 October, in which a Chinese mother of two children was killed, compounded an image problem confronting Thailand and other South East Asian countries. They are now considered unsafe by many Chinese people. More at https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67305693

Day 7: I decided to have a leisurely buffet breakfast today. i can't believe i stayed almost 2 hours just lounging around the breakfast table. I see a lot of tourist fall for ordering a coconut. but it takes a lot of space, i prefer to just ask for coconut water. I choices are not that extensive, but it food items were quality. As i failed to get anything for me in yesterday's trip to platinum mall, i made my way to MBK. I was surprised how the mall has changed. The japanese department store was gone. A whole floor has been transformed to a sea of stalls selling mobile phones. The chinese stalls selling foodstuffs were also missing. Walked around looking for shops that sells those bigger sized clothing. I didn't find XXL, but found Export Shop which sells similar clothing (bigger sized export overruns). I realised it wasn't really cheap, but i bought a few for a souvenir of this trip. After MBK, i walked around the Museum in front of it and later to the 2 other malls near it before reaching siam paragon just in time for dinner. i tried a few of the multi year michelin awarded stalls. a bit disappointed with the pad thai, and the curry was just ok for me - maybe the crispy noodles made a textural difference from the usual. Bottomline - don't trust michelin to judge what is a good asian dish. After dinner, i went to dreamboys via the front entrance. i was surprised there were no touts. Maybe it was a slow night being a weekday. Inside i was ushered to the very front row, it's a good thing i am tall so the performers were still at my eyelevel. they have a few groups already lounging on the upper curved booths, most with whiskey service. this place seemed to be designed for large groups in mind as the 3rd level are all booths. that can accomodate around 8 people. There was some go go dancing in between the parade of boys. The guys were wearing white trunks. The show itself was a combination of lots of cabaret with the usual sexy show - but no f**k show. Before the actual show started, went to the rest room. When i got out, i met an guy i used to off in Tawan - Mr. O. Asked him to sit with me to catch. up. I noticed that they sexy show has a fair bit of a similarity with the old tawan shows. Now i don't know if who copied who, or if there was indeed some copying involved. I also learned that the german owner has already returned to his motherland, so dreamboys is now owned bTheny a thai. He mentioned there have a lot of non-thai boys, and pointed to a few. Then there was this customer who arrived with 2 guys dressed in security shirt. i don't know if it was all for show or if he was indeed some hi-so customer. The "guards" later left after he was seated. The guy who used to be the odd man out in the old dreamboy, seemed to have cleaned up pretty well. He was of course the star of the big cock show. he seemed to have judged my interest, and later sat with me without invitation. i bought him a drink, for a quick chat and grope. but his junk has returned to normal size. alas, it was all for show - i suspect they use a pump of something. After the show, decided to call it a night and took a taxi back to the hotel.

Although health authorities are to be applauded for their proactive stance, they seem to have left out any advice for the other half of target population: boys. From Thailand News Agency The Health Department is urging teenagers to be aware of safe sex practices and the prevention of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers increases. Dr. Achara Nitiapinyasakul, the acting director-general of the Health Department, revealed that the situation of HIV and STI infections is on the rise among the youth. According to data from the Disease Control Department, it is estimated that in the year 2022, approximately 9,230 new HIV infections occurred, with nearly half of them falling within the age group of 15-24 years. This has raised concerns within the public and society and may have future repercussions. The Health Department has taken steps to raise awareness regarding sexual health for youth through the “Love Safely” campaign, which focuses on four main guidelines: Safe Virgin: Engage in sexual activities when you are ready. Safe Sex: If you decide to engage in sexual activity, practice safe sex by using condoms to prevent STIs. Safe Abortion: Seek advice from healthcare facilities if a pregnancy is unwanted. Safe Mom: Ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth for both mother and baby. Furthermore, the Health Department promotes awareness among teenagers and adolescents through its Line OA Teen Club. This includes education on sexual health, life skills, STI prevention, and pregnancy prevention. Teenagers can receive counseling, learn about sexual education, and develop life skills by adding the Line OA Teen Club account (@Teenclub). (TNA)

In my opinion, they should protest the lawmakers, the people taking money from oil companies, the oil companies themselves, etc. Targeting people going about their daily business, art galleries, etc is the easy option, self defeating (they will never win without public support) and leads to violence.

In March a basic 1 hour oil massage was 300B with no mention of minimum tip. Pretty sure my tips were between 500B and 1000B depending on the extras.

I was told he passed away.... we had a love/hate relationship over the MANY years, if you can imagine that 😆 ....but the boys all said he was a good guy to them.

At this point in time, when the campaign for President has not really started ... between party nominees ... polls are irrelevant. It's a political lifetime between now and a year from now. Obsessive / compulsive personalities don't understand this.

i have stated before on this forum that i regard 'social media' as 'unsocial media'. Have an argument in a pub and the vast majority of people have an open and frank discussion with differing views being aired without fists being used. It's not just TikTok. Most social media platforms allow for expression of views without any regard whatever for a discussion. Almost all of what can be written is rarely moderated or moderated too late. Of course in the right hands social media can be a very useful and productive tool. The problem as I see it is that more and more ordinary people - not just the bad actors - use it believing their views are gospel.

He'll need it when he finally gets issued with an orange jump suit and some shiny new sheriff issued bracelets.

he was, it's why they divorced

and that gradually but surely HongKong become just another Chinese city with only difference being driving on wrong side of the road and using different currency, both easy to normalize. In case of traffic they should do what Sweden did in 60 ties and start with moving trucks to drive on the right first

Was he the Mandarin-speaking Caucasian fellow who used to emcee/provide commentary for the shows at the old DB? That dude was hilarious. When a particularly big drag queen came thundering down the spiral staircase, the flimsy stage shuddering with her every step, he would recite in a complete monotone, in near pitch-perfect Mandarin: "Here comes the big elephant. <pause> Here comes the big elephant." I had to lower my head to hide my laughter, for fear that the drag queen in question would leap off the catwalk to beat the sh*t out of me.

If the bars really will have to stop serving alcohol at 2am, then what is the point of remaining open until 4am? Between 2am and 4am what are they expecting the bars to sell? Coca Cola, cups of tea, and Shirley Temples? After 2am, what would attract customers? I rarely even drink, but I would have zero interest in going to a bar where they can't sell alcohol. Go for what? For some strange reason, no alcohol after 2am seems just a wee bit on the absurd side to me. We're talking about bars. Selling alcohol is what bars are in business to do. I don't know what those behind no alcohol after 2am are talking about. That idea alone is already on my "I Don't Get It" list. If the bars will be permitted to remain open until 4am, then let them sell alcohol until 4am. Otherwise it makes no sense and they might as well make the bars close at 2am, which without being able to sell alcohol, most would do anyway. Let's offer the fun and then spoil it before anything even happens. Way to go!

If they're that dramatic on the app, imagine how they are in person, lol

Absurd pricing. Walk away. It would be rare that any one of the guys would be worth it. Save up, visit Brazil, Santo Domingo, Medellin, etc.

New Foodland market has practice of offering customers opportunities to sample quality wines and whiskies in the early evening. Was surprised last night to find PP store doing same with a fine scotch.

apparently no longer a case and all non Thais were let go recently including few Thais as well. How long it will last, only future tells but my guess is , not too long as Issan is not churning that many new recruits it used to.

This strikes me not just a concern for Thailand but for all countries. From Thai Enquirer By Arun Saronchai The potential of platforms like TikTok to shape the perceptions and opinions of young people has become a pressing concern for nations across the globe. Thailand, with its unique geopolitical position and societal values, is not immune to these influences. It becomes imperative, then, to consider how we, as a nation, must approach the regulation of such platforms to safeguard our youth from external narratives that could skew their understanding of complex international issues. The controversy surrounding TikTok in the United States over allegations that the platform promotes pro-Palestinian content over pro-Israeli narratives offers a cautionary tale. While the freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, there is a fine line between freedom and the potential manipulation of information. The algorithmic amplification of certain viewpoints, irrespective of their veracity, can lead to a lopsided understanding of sensitive topics such as the Israel-Hamas conflict. The implications for Thailand are significant. Our youth, increasingly engaged on platforms like TikTok, are exposed to a barrage of content from across the globe. Given Thailand’s delicate position between major powers like China and the United States, the information consumed by our younger generations can have profound implications on their perspectives and, by extension, our nation’s future stance on international matters. It is not a matter of censoring voices or stifling dialogue but ensuring a balanced representation of issues on platforms known for their powerful algorithms that cater to engagement rather than accuracy. The concern is not unfounded; the echo chambers created by social media algorithms can reinforce one-sided narratives and can be particularly potent when it comes to international conflicts where historical context and nuanced understanding are essential. Consider the recent online discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. If Thai youth were to receive an imbalanced view, heavily leaning toward one side due to algorithmic biases, it would not only misinform them but could also sow seeds of division within our society, which prides itself on harmony and unity. The need to foster critical thinking and digital literacy among our young cannot be overstated, enabling them to discern the nuances of such complex issues. Furthermore, with Thailand’s own history of navigating its relationships with global superpowers, the unchecked influence of a foreign-owned app like TikTok could inadvertently sway public opinion in ways that may not align with our national interests or foreign policy objectives. This is especially pertinent given the geopolitical tug-of-war between China, with its vested interests in TikTok, and the United States, with whom we have longstanding diplomatic ties. Moderating TikTok use is not about diminishing the voice of the youth or their access to global conversations. It is about equipping them with the tools to critically evaluate the information they consume and understand the agendas that may lie beneath the surface of trending content. It is about preserving the integrity of our national discourse and ensuring that external platforms do not become the arbiters of our national narrative. In implementing moderation, a multifaceted approach is warranted. Education systems must integrate media literacy into curriculums, helping students understand how algorithms work and the ways in which they can be manipulated. Parents and guardians must be informed and involved, guiding young users as they navigate the complexities of online content. Government oversight, though a more contentious issue, must be considered within the framework of national security and public interest. It is equally important to foster an environment where Thai youth can express themselves and engage with global issues without reliance on a single platform. Encouraging the growth of domestic digital ecosystems that uphold our values and standards can offer alternatives to international platforms, ensuring that the flow of information aligns with our cultural and national principles. While it may seem daunting, the moderation of TikTok use among Thai youth is not an insurmountable task. It requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society—government, educators, parents, and the tech community—to come together in crafting a response that is thoughtful, measured, and reflective of our collective will to protect the integrity of our nation’s future. As we tread the fine line between open exchange and the protection of our youth from manipulative content, the case of TikTok’s influence in the U.S. serves as a timely reminder. It highlights the urgency with which we must act to ensure our youth are informed, critical thinkers who can engage with the world without being swayed by the unseen currents of algorithmic influence. It is a challenge that we, as a society, must rise to meet with wisdom, foresight, and a steadfast commitment to our national sovereignty and the well-being of our younger generations.

I undestand both points. But I do sincerly believe that back in 1984 when the Joint Declaration agreement on Hong Kong's future was signed, both countries actually believed what they said and which are included in the Agreement. I had two good friends who were civil servants on the UK/HKG negotiating team. As far as the UK was concerned - and indeed almost all of the expat business people in Hong Kong and their head offices around the world - China would never kill the goose that was laying its golden eggs. Besides, there was a frequently quoted comment that within the 50 year period following 1997, China would become a much freer economy with far greater grass roots democracy. In other words, it would be far more like Hong Kong. What killed the golden goose was Hong Kong's last governor Christopher Patten. In a post always previously given to a very senior civil servant, Patten was a politician who had lost his seat in the 1992 general election won by Prime Minister John Major. Offered a couple of senior government jobs, Patten said the only job he wanted was the last governorship of Hong Kong. Against the advice of the foreign office, Major caved in. Once in Hong Kong, Patten did everything he possibily could to undermine the terms of the Joint Agreement. Clouded in the strictest secrecy he allowed a British television channel to visit Hong Kong over the course of a year as he sought every tiny loophole that would enable him to assist the very young and then relatively unpopular HK Democratic Party. He then infuriated the Chinese by breaking the Joint Agreement in making a unilateral statement. In 1994 he announced increased democracy in Hong Kong prior to 1997. As many in Hong Kong were aghast at this announcement, there was considerable agreement that through Patten Britain was flushing Hong Kong down the toilet. After all, it had had many decades to introduce democracy but had never done so. Why, it was asked, leave it to the last minute, infuriate the Chinese by breaking a mutually agreed position and risk the consequences? These came quickly. As was their right, the Chinese announced that all political agreements would cease on July 1 1997 instead of as earlier agreed continuing through to the new administration. As Patten sailed away from Hong Kong with Prince Charles on the Royal Yacht, the Chinese then put their own people in place. It was entirely a result of Patten's stupidity, narcissism and idiocy. If anyone does not believe that, look at the disasters during his later term as Governor of the BBC, a post from which he had to resign. For around the first 15 years, it was clear the Chinese were sticking to the Agreement. But in 2014 the actions of the Beiing appointed Chief Executive angered a young group of students who had been inspired by Patten's ideas and wanted to have more say in the Hong Kong government. This resulted in 3 months of protests with students camping out on one of the city's main vehicular arteries. Named the 'Umbrella Protests' they massively disrupted the flow of traffic in the central district. They also pissed off quite a number of Hong Kong people. A petition signed by 1,800,000 residents called for the disuruption to end and the restoration of law and order. It worked. The rulers in Beijing were well aware of the power of students. It was not just 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Throughout Chinese history, students have ofen been at the forefront of demanding change. To finally get their back on Patten's "reforms", new laws were introduced in 2019-20 making such protests all but impossible in future. And so the so-called "love China" policy became law. The question that needs to be asked is: had those very long very disruptive protests in 2014 not occurred, would the 2019 laws have been necessary? Did the students overplay their hands? Did they not understand how Beijing might eventually react? Between 1984 and 2019 the long and highly complicated series of events relating to Hong Kong and its future cannot be encapsulated in just a sentence here or a phrase there. I'll give the last word in this post to Margaret Thatcher's leading civil servant when those 1983-1984 negotiations were taking place. Sir Percy Craddock despised the way Patten went out of his way to anger the Chinese. In a long article for Prospect Magazine in April 1997, he ends with this sentence - "All who look beyond the headlines will wonder why Britain, with its long and rich experience of China, should reserve its biggest mistake for the last act of the play."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Partition_Plan_for_Palestine

500 baht is my usual tip in these "regular" massage places.

Because it's a tourist destination and gringos love to overpay for everything, even the retired gringos that live there. They sold their multi-million dollar homes and either rent or bought a place for a fraction of the cost and want to be loved, so they tip like crazy and throw money around. Wasn't like that there about 8+ yrs ago. My guess is he's a bottom....bottoms are a dime a dozen. Tops have figured this out, lol

No idea as all was extremely efficiently handled by Thai. I did not expect my luggage to be reloaded in 20 minutes if that much . By time I approach conveyor there was lady already with my name informing me about delay and telling me that it will be delivered next day afternoon and sent to my hotel. I told her don't bother as day after I'm flying to Phnom Penh so I will pick it up then and this is exacly what happened.

I know that, in true Russian fashion, you pick and chose arguments that fit your narrative in a given moment, but you were the one, just yesterday, comparing Israel and Palestine to Ukraine and Russia, so there… As far as the events in Gaza are concerned, I believe that the Israeli response is disproportionate. I am against Israeli policies towards Palestinians, but strongly believe in Israel’s right to exist. Stupidity and brutality of Hamas (much like that of Putin’s regime, in general) played right into Bibi’s and Likud’s right-wing ambitions. The devastating attack on October 7 all but gave them Carte Blanche to act on these ambitions. Add to that the abundance of emotions that clouds the common sense on both sides and it brings us to extended conflict that has no winners in the end.

Sorry, predictive spelling changed Suella to Stella and I did not notice! Don't know enough about the fine details of UK politics other than the present lot in power have made such a ghastly mess that hopefully they will be booted out and stay out for a long time. Just yesterday one of the tabloids claimed a Chairman of that Party accused his predecessor of covering up a serial rapist with up to 8 victims who remains a sitting MP. Not only did they do nothing about the MP, they paid for one of his victims to be treated at the Party's expense at a private hospital. The vidictive Nadine Dorris, the former Culture Secretary (who seems to know nothing about arts and culture!) and who is mightily pissed off that the Peerage she felt she was entitled to (enabling her to call herself 'Dame') was not given to her, alleges in her new book that. among other unsavoury episodes, an MP had sex on a billiard table with four other MPs looking on and cheering (odd, surely, that the House of Commons would have a billiard table rather than a snooker table?), and another MP stored a laptop on behalf of a relative with indecent images of children! Mind you, "Culture" was a dead-end job despite around 4 million working in jobs specifically related to the work of that department, and Ms. Norris was the 10th to occupy that position in 10 years. The Guardian newspaper called her a "toxic disaster". Indeed her only claim to knowing anything about culture was taking part in an "I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here" TV reality show. They did. She was the first voted off! What a bunch of total incompetents! (Do I get a few marks for inserting the awful Ms. Norris into the discussion?)

not quite, there were no American settlers en masse in Japan and no Japanese were enclosed in bantustans in their country

And that's the mother of all problems and tragedies in Holy Land. There's no equivalence between prisoner and guard and none between an ass and a whip. Israel has every right to defend itself and avenge it's losses but this will create only relatively short reprieve no matter if they eliminate i.e. kill 3 or 333 Palestinians for every one killed Israeli. Hamas behavior was animal like but Palestinian cause is not.

Glad of it. Occasional voters come out to oppose not to affirm. We were told 2022 would be a red wave as the most recent concrete example of polls being bs. I'll take this 1000% over "Biden's got this in a walk!" alternative. Poll companies make money by selling poll results and 24 hour news makes money by SCARING PEOPLE... match made in... what's a "journalism"? Further, who the fuck answers a political poll? "Likely voters" my ass. "Geriatrics happy to have anybody to talk to" more likely. And then there's...

Hamas intentionally targets civilians. The IDF targets Hamas murderers. Hamas tortures (cuts open pregnant woman's stomachs, throws babies into ovens, gouges out victim's eyes, murders children in front of parents, murders parents in front of children, murders teenage concert-goers, etc.), rapes, and kidnaps the elderly, children, and babies. The IDF does not. End of story. It's really that simple.

Having legitimate grievances doesn't justify supporting animal like behavior of Hamas but doesn't invalidate legitimate Palestinian' grievances. They chose wrong people to express those , goes without saying but to prevent repeat such atrocities in the future their cell must be opened. Israelis wont behead babies, ( not that sure about raping girls, but lets assume they won't ) but in their justified quest to fell safe no doubt they will kill much more babies in their onslaught of Gaza they Hamas did on Oct 7 as ration of Palestinian death vs. Israelis was always multiplier of the second. as for strict sharia law , while you are correct , short visit to Mea Sharim will tell you that such treatment of women is not limited to Arabs and it's clearly something in the Middle Eastern water which makes their men thinking that low about their mothers, sisters and daughters

one nonsesnse removed , next one is created next minute like Jomtien is another city 27 km from Pattaya or Naklua right on Lao border

Before Covid Cathay sold the Jfk Vancouver leg as a separate ticket. So you could buy just that or thru to Hong Kong. They stopped selling it during Covid.

You do not see the irony of lambasting Israel for siding with Hamas against Israel in its war against a a group that has vowed to eradicate it ? When you choose to side with the butchers of Hamas: You agree that every Jew, Christian and non-Muslim in the world must be slaughtered. You endorse making homosexuality punishable by jail or death. You believe Iran should use Palestinians as puppets to spread radical Jihad and destroy the West. You support strict Sharia law, which bans women from showing their knees, hair, playing sports in public, [and] not being able to travel without a man’s permission. You want a terrorist group that beheads babies and rapes girls to replace the only democracy in the Middle East.

Again once again completely missing the point. I am saying that I cannot say I wouldn't kill people who kidnapped my family or people that got in the way of any rescue. I'm not in that position though and neither are you so your insistance that you would respect the law and human life is simply not valid until you are actually in the position to have to choose. As for bringing race into it, that's pretty pathetic. You don't get to choose who kidnaps your family.

I have a friend in central Vietnam who was so horny with his girlfriend that they got married when he was 16. Not sure the reason - perhaps availability of other girls - they divorced at 18! Should have been gay like his brother LOL

or your mouth from his d***

they don't give 7.5 Michelin stars for nothing

Whenever I see a poll being quoted, I always think of this clip... Enjoy!! 😆 https://youtu.be/ahgjEjJkZks

I’ve noticed that, too. Although I prefer restaurant in the PP2 location for convenience and familiar staff, I find myself visiting location to use excellent rest rooms or to grab a DQ on same level. It seems that both Foodland locations are thriving.

The restaurant in the new foodland yesterday evening pretty busy, almost all tables occupied and there was a long queue waiting for takeaway food. They must be a bit low on staff and therefore waiting time relatively high. Aircon rather on the cold side.

don't despair , somebody already reported there are taxis for hire at new Siem Reap airport

Western apps and sites (rentmen) cater to western budgets. Guys think that they can charge US rates because customers don't know any better (or maybe don't care). Might have better luck on https://mx.mileroticos.com/escorts-gay/jalisco/puerto-vallarta/

That's harsh, DoA. Animal-like behaviour seems a more befitting description for folks like Weinstein and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, which isn't exactly the case here.

Absolutely in no way. He is a valued contributor.

I noticed it too and wonder if he is feeling well, poor thing

Did you actually take the time to read it? How about you start there...then bring your comments. 🤓

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.

It's mostly an idiotic battle. One bar puts their music too loud, which makes it heard from the next bar. So that bar turns the volume of their music up to counter it. This goes on until they've scared away all their customers and close down. Something similar happened in Gran Canaria years ago. A popular bar opened next to an established drag show bar. Over the next couple of years, they battled each other, trying to drown out the music of the other. Eventually it seems they came to an agreement; and when the drag show was on, the other bar would turn down their music. In return, the drag bar wouldn't play music the rest of the time. Result for customers of both bars.

Anybody can be naked at any parties in Berlin. This is a heaven for exhibitionists.