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Perhaps, you have already answered your own question. When you are in Thailand, you get bored. Perhaps Thailand is not the place for you to retire. Running a business, even if it is only with the goal of breaking even, is basically a 24 hour job. You could entrust it to someone else, but how does that address your boredom? It also dramatically increases the risk that the business will be run at a loss (perhaps great loss). If you want to just have a place to hang out during the day, you can do that at gyms or cafes by buying a membership, not the whole business. But for that to work, you would probably need to be social, which you said that you struggle with. Someone suggested learning Thai. Taking classes is a great way of scheduling your day, and you can learn a skill. You may not be able to volunteer in Thailand, but I would think that language exchange would not be considered volunteering. You could meet with local Thais in coffee shops and they can speak to you in Thai and in exchange, you can speak with them in English. A win win. It is also informal and could help you form social connections. You say that you like to travel. You could just travel to Thailand regularly for periods that are short enough that you do not get bored and you can schedule many things to do during that time to keep yourself busy. But honestly from a financial point of view for a person at a point in their life where they are “retiring”, I cannot think of a worse reason to start a business than boredom. The answer to boredom is not going to be found in taking on the risk and stress of running a business that your heart really isn’t even into. You might as well keep working in your current job.

You still haven't read any of the sources have you? They provided their sources in the article but you simply couldn't be bothered to check any of them out. If it doesn't say Fox, Breitbart, OAN or Newsmax it's left wing to you and therefore "biased"

It's far too early to be paying attention to poll results at this time. Many things will change over the coming months. Biden took some (in my opinion) undeserved hits due to economic woes in 2022 and early 2023, which primarily came from causes way outside of his control such as China's disastrous "Covid Zero" policy and the Saudis jacking up the price of crude oil. Obviously, oil price increases resulted in increased prices in many goods, as did supply-chain issues. Those issues have resolved, and clearly inflation has come way down, along with oil prices. Of course, Xi and bin Salman could still significantly damage our economy if they wanted to, and it may come down to economics. Although I don't know that either meets the definition of dementia, it seems clear to myself and most other Americans that both Biden and Trump have shown cognitive decline, which will likely only get worse over the next 5 years. Neither is a good choice. I have my suspicion that if Biden and Trump get the nominations, neither will want to debate. Third party candidates can also play spoiler roles, as they have many times in America's past. Other Democrats, such as Kennedy, could hand the election to the Republicans. Having two Republicans on the ballot would have the opposite effect. Another unknown is whether Trump will get a criminal conviction before the general election. The Trump team has done everything it can, of course, to delay things, but some trials are set to start soon. I don't think most independents (who always determine the election results) will want to vote for a convicted criminal. So putting hopes or fears on poll numbers now seems a bit silly at this time.

I am near certain that if you are on any kind of Thai retirement visa you are not permitted to act as an unpaid volunteer for any organization. It’s a regulation which I believe is hugely counterproductive. I would happily volunteer and lend my experience to one or more charities if allowed to do so, and I’m sure many others would do likewise.

You are not being paid, so obviously you don't have to do anything. However, if you dispute facts in an article with reliable references, and you have no references to contradict the other article's references, you're simply acknowledging you're wrong. Nothing wrong with that, but it's a pretty squirrely way to admit you're wrong on this subject.

Thanks for finally admitting that you simply do not understand what source citations are. The article has MANY verified statistics from a wide variety of sources. You're just too stubborn to click the links and read those sources. Tell me: Did you click any of the links in that article? If you were afraid to click them, I understand. Your fragile ego wouldn't have liked reading them because they prove that your claims are completely false. I'll just continue poking you with those links -- whether you want to click them or not! 🤡🤣🤡

Have been traveling for the past week and just now got around to complerly reading this thread. When it first starred I thought OP would be grateful that so many chimed in about his situation and other things. Members here always go out of their way to help with inquiries, especially from newbies. Somehow I’m inclined to think he was just looking for opportunity to go out like drama Queen.

One benefit of living in Thailand, or as in my case, being a frequent visitor, is that Bangkok is the hub for Asian travel. If I were to be based here, that's what would give me enormous satisfaction....health permitting. I was interested in the retirement- home suggestion. I'm sure this was proposed a decade or so back and that perhaps even plans were made. It was certainly a popular topic on one of the gay forums. However, the generation which considered and lauded the idea is no longer here and their successors, as has often been noted, may well be very different in what they seek in retirement. I never regretted aborting my plans for relocation back in 2005. They were made in the first heady months of my meeting with P, and significantly, when sterling was very strong against the baht. I ended-up being a frequent visitor, travelling and living as luxuriously as I can afford - as I've noted before, growing old as disgracefully as my bank balance and body will allow- and have never regretted that decision, even if I can be a little tearful (in a manly sort of way!) when I say goodbye. As to owning anything here (I am posting from Thailand), thereby turning days of carefree delight into nights of worry....not bloody likely.

But you certainly cater to the clients needs by arranging their tours, taking their money and facilitating the delivery of the service. The question was is your entanglement in geopolitical arguments a wise business decision and not about freedom of speech. You expect us to believe that English-speaking guides who interact with English-speaking clients aren’t aware of forums like this?

On the other hand the mosquitoes there, who seem to be on steroids, are very fond of farangs(blood)

Neil's story is a lesson for all prospective business owners in Thailand, especially businesses involving sex and bars. Although he was the most despicable, narcissistic human being I have ever met (I haven't met Trump), he was a great businessman and went out of his way to look after his young, sometimes wild, staff. He tried to sit all night at the bar in order to supervise what was going on and make sure the guys stayed inside with the customers, but due to various health issues, he was often absent, leaving the running of the place to his manager. One evening I turned up at the bar when Neil was absent. Despite pleas from the timid manager, the boys had taken over the bar, standing out on the street drinking copious amounts of alcohol and chatting up women while the customers sat by themselves inside without drinks. Needless to say, there was no show. It was obvious the bar would not survive if customers were ignored and the guys were drinking the profits. If you are going to run a successful business, you need to be in a position to supervise it all the time and/or employ a strong, competent manager. Given how well Neil treated his staff it was disappointing so see how they treated him. But boys will be boys and while the cat's away.............etc, etc.

To cut a long story short I'm thinking of packing it all in and retiring to Pattaya but I want to be able to do something all day I get bored & depressed otherwise. Im thinking of a boy go go bar ,one currently for sale actually I see for 1.5 million baht Dream boys ,or a boy massage maybe easier , I'm thinking a massage place in Jomtien complex open at about midday close at 10pm I have my retirement and rental income coming in from my home country, so it's not the money if I can "break even " it's ok ( as the owner of the former Corner Bar used to say to me ..."as long you can break even" I don't want something too time consuming Maybe a gym would be better , I really don't like old farangs and I don't like talking to people. What about those massage places in Jomtien complex,are they too time consuming for the owner & stressful? I need something to do though, I don't want to retire there sitting in my condo all day , Im very fit with gym and Muay Thai at my age so I need something to do

So, you read many sites from all parts of the spectrum but have no interest in this one because it's a total nobody on a site no one has heard of yet say you read it anyway but didn't bother with any of the sources. You should ask for your money back from Trump University. You're more incoherent than either Trump or Biden.

Actually I read many sites from all parts of the political spectrum. I read with great interest the left-wing sites as I want to keep up-to-date on what America's enemies are up to. However, why would I, or anyone, have any interest in an opinion piece from responsiblestatecraft.org written by a self-identified DSA member. A total nobody opining on a site no one ever heard of. If that's the best you can do to prove your point, you lose the argument on a TKO.

You forget that forum gets read by many non-members. But in any case, Moses, I can well appreciate why you are eager to take advantage of the free speech opportunity the forum offers because you certainly can’t in Russia. But you do risk turning off potential clients with your geopolitical positions. So if that isn’t a concern, knock yourself out, man. And for the record, I would care if I knew I was patronizing a business whose views are so much at odds with my own. I’m satisfied at this point that I do indeed have a good picture of how Siam Roads operates. Not really different than a hotel booking service. To your credit, it’s a good model to mimic.

1) I have never quoted him. 2) I have never used red highlights. 3) The fact you never read from, quote or listen to anyone from "the lunatics" is hardly a surprise. Your choice of news though is such that one might place you in the band of "lunatics" on the right. If the two extremes keep going the way they are in the US there is going to be bloodshed.

From Thai PBS World Senior Advisor on Research and Policy at the HIV Research and Innovation Institute, Professor Dr. Praphan Phanuphak, has expressed optimism about Thailand’s ability to end AIDS. Ending AIDS as a public health threat as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal agenda was achievable if policymakers fully invested in community-led responses, and sectors worked together to support and revise policies and regulations that currently impede the work of community organizations, said Praphan, the first doctor to diagnose an AIDS patient in Thailand. “We just need a strong, genuine political commitment from our government that we can end AIDS within the lifetime within a 4-year period of this government by strong advocating on the HIV testing.” The Thai PM should lead Thailand by advocating for HIV testing once in a lifetime, the doctor said. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is a global initiative to raise awareness, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. It provides an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, reduce stigma, and promote education and understanding of the virus. This year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead,” aligns with Thailand’s innovative and effective community-driven approach in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Hello Tartegogo ! There were 2 saunas in Manaus. H20 in a small house with swimming pool not far from center. The day I went there, there was no GP and only a couple of customers. I do not think it is a GP sauna. Ofuro was much nicer and bigger with GPs, very good atmosphere particularly on sunday nights. It seems closed now

But you told us just how it works above. You mean that this isn’t how it works?

Much more expensive, I cannot deny. Mainly because of the travel. Once there, hotel rates are cheap compared to Europe and food....well, we eat well though not extravagantly every night. Neither of us drinks alcohol which is a help, but we find it nigh on impossible to spend more than 1000 bht for two. Three trips a year, each of three weeks. Some consider this too little- I agree sometimes- but I find the anticipation and then the recollection of the days in Thailand means that I always have something to look forward to. And my life in London has pleasures that not available in Thailand, cultural, political and sporting- if you can call being a season-ticket holder at a Premiership football club "sporting"!

Hello y’all. Thanks for all the guidance. so I am back from my Zurich trip. In short I liked Paragonya. Lots of great options. Majority from Latin America but also some from Europe. I had session with guys that were Cuban, Brazilian, Romanian and Czech. 100 CHF is the rate. Very clean and modern facility. I liked the fact you don’t pay for a room. You just do it and go out. Usually the boys would just disinfect it before the session. The downside is that Switzerland is general is very expensive. When you have Saunas in Brazil and Barcelona, I don't think Paragonya offers any thing different or unique that I would choose it over them. I would say the some boys were difficult to approach. Either they were occupied with having drinks or chitchats with other customers or did not approach at all. Like not even a smirk or smile. At least in other saunas boys do at least introduce themselves or smile. I am not talking about the clingy ones. But all the guys I had sex with were good. The funny thing that happened to me for the first time is that some people confused me there as one of the boys. I am 29 so maybe thats why, some boys didn't approach me. The cuban one said that he is very nervous and self-conscious because it is very rare to get a younger client. Two customers asked me to come the room. I said no..lol I wouldn’t mind returning but probably not in the near future and I am only saying this because I found it expensive as compare of Brazil and Barcelona sauna experiences. i might give it a try if I am traveling somewhere surrounding. Zurich itself is beautiful. I found the people very friendly.

From The Nation Giant retail chain Big C is pushing its flagship branch — Big C Rajdamri — in the heart of Bangkok to be Thailand’s No. 1 shopping destination for tourists. The superstore in Pathumwan district features local brand products that make perfect souvenirs in representing Thailand’s charms and uniqueness to global audiences. Located in the heart of the city, opposite CentralWorld shopping mall and near the famous Erawan Shrine, Big C Rajdamri has gained a reputation among foreign tourists as a shopping landmark that offers Thai products and delicacies at affordable prices under one roof. The popularity of Big C Rajdamri has prompted the company to plan the launch of five new “tourist stores” in primary and secondary tourist cities across Thailand, for example, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai, with each location focusing on products that carry geographical indication (GI) of its respective province.

HornyTraveler- You seem to be mighty trusting. This will be your first visit to this country and city. Are you conversant in Spanish? I would not stay in any place w/o some sort of security, especially if I don't know the landscape or much about the city where I am. But, the decision is yours... Perhaps you could post and ask the veterans what they'd do if they were in your shoes. ...no security. ...no auto. language facility? etc.

In my teens, I'd frequent a very busy paperback book / magazine store Downtown Chicago to thumb through the muscle magazines seeking a glimpse of guys as naked as they could be. The store was owned / staffed by two older gay guys (which it took me some time to understand, who / what they were) who, obviously, spotted me hanging around the store for an hour or two every now and then ... as I attempted not to be conspicuous. One day, one of the men said to me, "Young man, the magazine you ordered is here, behind the counter." "Come over here." Surprised, and not knowing what to do - I went behind the counter where the man lifted some magazines and underneath were gay, nude photo magazines. The men, on many occasions, allowed me behind the counter to discretely thumb through the magazines - without making a purchase. I don't remember the name of any of the magazines. These were my first gay magazine experiences and 60+ years later I've never forgotten the kindness and "wink, wink" relationship with these men (who never attempted to touch me or invite me to have sex). Many times in my adult life I've met young men on their "coming out" journey and have sought to assist in the journey to whatever extent I can/could - remembering the kindnesses shown me (no jokes, please! 😉).

It is kind of coop of gay guides from 7 countries, it has 15-years long history. It is not a company. Besides 20% reservation deposit, client pays money directly to guide. Coop uses deposits for to secure reservations for to pay to guide in case of client no show and for to pay for servers, advertising, domain names and so on. Well, I participate in political discussions, but I'm not guide and I'm not involved into catering of clients of Siamroads. If "catering" means sponsorship and supporting of gay forums, then it isn't in contradictions with participating is discussions as well: there is full specter of political views on the forums, some of which are close to mine points of view. On Sawatdee forum, where I'm admin, nobody complains about freedom of the speech. There are taboo topics on the forum, but the rules that describe the list of these topics appeared long before me - under the previous owners. We all know these points - about the royal family, hate speech, racism, etc. Guides do not participate in discussions, most of them even don't know about these forums existence, and I never ask them about their political views.

We stayed at the Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort and can recommend it. Long beach with lots of alternatives for dining or a drink. All very relaxed. Even went to the local fair and Morlam concert. Nothing gay beyond the two of us, although we were not looking so may have missed it. Don't remember sighting any Russians. We pre-booked transport to and from the airport through Ian-on-Koh-Chang and in addition to making life easy it also meant we caught the ferry we needed to catch the return flight. The que of cars backed up for miles and our driver just drove past them all to a separate 'first boarding' que.

Bamboo Airways in trouble ... Bamboo Airways suspends domestic routes to popular tourist hubs (theinvestor.vn)

So I guess that means it certainly doesn’t need your particular expertise, DOA.

I don't like the wall paper at all, it covers the mirrors. Boys on stage are pretty static, and I liked to see them from the back in the mirror.

Observing current situation in Pattaya, I think idea to open nursing home is quite interesting idea. Bungalows in the garden, skilled chief at the kitchen, cute "nurses", doctor's patronage, legal adviser for to fill all these govt's forms for your clients, and group excursions around from time to time - islands, concerts, museums.

Yes weird but typically Thai. The very people who have the time and life experience to pass on are barred from doing so.

Yes, it's true, the gay scene in Chiang Mai was no longer what it used to be before the pandemic, and after the pandemic even more have given up. which is very sad. But more and more “Host Bars” are springing up like mushrooms. These "Host Bars" are open until late in the morning and are actually only frequented by Thais; I have never seen a Falang there myself. Maybe the reason is that I don't really understand the purpose of these venues. You book a boy to sit at your table for an hour (from 250 THB) he then drinks your Wisky and plays with his phone the whole time and doesn't exchange a single word with you, then after an hour it starts all over again.

Somewhat unrelated, but if you are looking for something to do during the day, why not spend some time learning the Thai language? Going to a daily class and then some self study could easily knock out a few hours of the day, not to mention would be super beneficial if you are going to live in Thailand full-time (assuming you do not already speak Thai).

Without any experience of managing a bar or massage place and without social skills ("I really don't like old farangs and I don't like talking to people.") You may lose lots of money and gain lots of stressful do your save a favor and avoid such kind of business.

My new husband InShot_20231124_222034643.mp4

And Trump from Mar a Lago with an ankle bracelet..... You seem to think this guy is coherent and not a step away from a nursing home as well......TONS and TONS of examples how this guy has lost his marbles, including just about everyone that has worked for him saying he shouldn't be president..... but he's your guy

I don't think you understand what exponentially means. Trump's lead is also capped by the number of traitors in the US willing to support an insurrectionist. So will Trump's.

What a tetchy queen having a strop. Trying to tell hundreds of contributors to this board how to behave. Start your own forum cretin.

Took me less than 12 hours to figure out you are not someone we need on this site. So, bye bye. This is truly the way forums work. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

You've obviously never been on gay forums -- or, for that matter, any forum where free discussion is the norm. When someone states an idea or plan, people are going to comment on it whether you like it or not. They're not breaking any rules or guidelines. Remember: You're not in the Navy anymore, Seaman. You've repeatedly cursed at other members since you joined these forums. You've proven yourself to be a right arsehole (yeah, that's one of your cursewords) yourself. 🍑 I'm sure the door will slam painfully on your 🍑 when you leave here. We'll all shout simultaneously, "Good riddance!" 😘

You did and many others but I decided to go my way and life proved me to be wrong and you guys right. But nothing is so simple. I don't have any regrets and in right circumstances I even would be willing to meet with guy in question again. But lessons of not forwarding any money, and I mean any, up front learned. Still smile at recollection of how excited I was hoping for the best. APPOLOGIES FOR CONTRIBUTING TO DERAILING THIS TOPIC but unfortunately that's the nature of the beast called forum. We start topic about retirement and land at discussing price of diapers.

look at bright side , you can't return to Thailand before going home first

Some guy in Atlanta murdered a Subway employee for putting too much mayo on his sandwich. Then he shot her coworker, for no apparent reason. I hope he never sees the light of day again... 😪 https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2022/06/29/man-suspected-shooting-two-subway-employees-atlanta-identified/

Seems as if the purveyors of Thai news have forgotten about the Thai hostages that have been released by Hamas.

I read the post. I also point out the writer is a left-wing, unapologetic member of the DSA. Same as AOC, Tlaib, Bernie, and the rest of the lunatics. Michael Galant (he/him) is the Senior Communications Associate at Win Without War, a diverse network of activists and organizations working for a more peaceful, progressive U.S. foreign policy. Michael is interested in building global solidarity for Left alternatives to neoliberal models of globalization and development. He is a coordinator of the Progressive International — a new initiative to unite, organize, and mobilize global progressive forces behind a shared vision of a world transformed — an active member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and has organized in the global justice, labor, and Palestine solidarity movements. Michael has written for publications including Jacobin, In These Times, and Truthout on such topics as trade, tax avoidance, international financial institutions, corporate accountability, labor internationalism, and more. His politics are of a fringe movement. It is ridiculous to quote him from an unknown site to prove a point. And then use red highlights, as if you were quoting the Gettysburg Address. Period. Case closed.

How many times a year do you travel to Thailand and is it more expensive travelling than actual living there?

The Bangkok Post is reporting that he took his own life, citing a coroner’s report. A very sad conclusion to tho mystery of his death. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2673583/wild-boars-captain-took-his-own-life