Alexx

Granted, it's easier when you're here for a long time, but give it a shot! In Bangkok, just try Grindr in posh areas, that's not a bad start and with a little bit of luck you'll meet a "yuppie to be" who takes an interest in you.

Ultimately it's quite natural that different people have made difference experiences, depending on the particular Thai guys they've met and are after. That's why I think it's not good to generalize, because it can lead to behavior that is considered insulting by some (the "Everyone's for Rent" attitude comes to mind). For example, in my experience many Thai college students aren't that poor. Otherwise they usually couldn't afford to study in the first place, because their families would have needed them to join as breadwinners after finishing high school at the latest. Among those who are my friends, one went on a trip to South Korea in November and another one to Singapore in December. Paid for by their families, and they didn't stay at the cheapest hotels either. Others post about their (frequent) parties and trips on Facebook and Line on a regular basis. All that costs money, money that their families have. Because more often than not, it's without any farang involvement whatsoever. There are plenty of well-off families in Thailand, and in Bangkok in particular.

Come on, in Bangkok it's quite cool at the moment, too. 18C as I'm writing this. Plus, thank goodness.

Tball73, I think that's quite understandable, although you try to see that potential outcome in a positive way. I already lived in Bangkok when the airport shutdowns of 2008 happened, and while the shutdowns didn't affect me personally, two stories still make me sad when I think about them: First, an elderly couple from Germany that got stranded in Bangkok on their way back home, missing their grandson's wedding in the process. Second, a group of young people (I think from Australia) that couldn't fly out of Bangkok, so they took a van to Phuket to fly out from there instead - sadly, they had a terrible accident on their way. This incident really did cause a lot of distress and grief to many people, and won't be forgotten anytime soon. As far as this year is concerned, I'd say all bets are off. We really have to wait and see.

Same with my aunt. She isn't Thai, however.

I'm not sure where that age restriction of 21 comes from, pong, but here in Thailand - unlike the US - it's most certainly 20 years.

True, but that doesn't deter child molesters from committing their crimes, just like the prospect of a real firing squad doesn't deter people from murder where that attracts the death penalty.

I'm not 20 y.o. either, I moved to Thailand when I was 30 y.o. and I cannot complain about any lack of non-commercial encounters in all these years I've been living here. Quite a number of these have turned into lasting friendships and the money issue has never come up (some, but not all of them, are pretty well off). So, no, I don't think this generalization is valid in the context of this thread, discussing a young guy of 20 years looking for casual hook-ups with local gays that might lead to more. Sure, he could go the commercial route, but he really doesn't need to. If he looks in the right places and avoids those who make it plain from the start that they're in it for the money (or in desperate need of financial support), chances are he will just have fun. That said, I like MusicLife's attitude and I can only agree with it, as far as things like buying a drink are concerned. In many cases, it's pretty clear that you as the foreigner have much more spending money than the Thai(s) you would like to hang out with. Quite naturally, in order to facilitate that everyone has a good time, it pays off to be generous. Generosity isn't only measured in money, however. As fedssocr has mentioned earlier, smiling a lot and being a nice person that's fun to be with (and be seen with) is also an important factor. Treating the guys you meet well and not offending their sensibilities goes a very long way. Obviously, that wouldn't stop someone who's desperate for cash or used to milking foreigners from asking for money. If that's not your cup of tea, you simply have to avoid this type.

If that's indeed true - and I also don't know if that's the case - "World Revolution" will be quite an easy task: Whack these 85 individuals for being unusually rich and distribute their wealth "fairly". Then wait for a few decades, after which an "unfair" distribution of wealth will probably have been established yet again. Rinse and repeat.

Yes, PlanetRomeo / GayRomeo is also very popular here. As a rule of thumb, the more apps you use, the more guys you can get your hands on. @ChristianPFC: You might want to admit that you're a bit on the extreme side as far as guys asking you for money even when you merely cross the street is concerned. It's a result of who you attract and feel attracted to, ultimately. A generalization like "Every Thai guy is bound to ask you for money sooner or later" is nonsense.

Good point, vinapu, the Royal Thai Army has staged quite a number of coups - and look where we're now. It might help to cool down a very dangerous situation for a little while, but that's not a given under the current circumstances. Fighting fire with fire.

I'd second trying smart phone apps such as Grindr and Jack'd. At least here in Bangkok, you can find all kinds of guys there, including local guys who aren't there to make money. Be quite blunt in your profile about what you're looking for, mention that you can only speak English and those interested in you and able to communicate in English will get in touch. As far as gay venues are concerned, Silom is probably your best bet. There are more interesting areas to pick up regular locals, but you'd either need to speak Thai or go there with some Thai friends to make the most out of it.

Regarding ASEAN - or more specifically the AEC - I think there's a good chance that they'll just postpone it again (and keep postponing it). Even if the current outbreak of the ongoing political crisis in Thailand is short-lived, but more likely if it drags on for an extended period of time. Thailand just isn't ready and I think that's well understood.

Alright, that story by itself could be true, private hospitals are more expensive and the care people tend to get under the 30 baht scheme often isn't all that great. That said, you really have to come to a decision if you still want to believe him and help him, or not. If the answer is no, do go ahead and cut off each and every way he can contact you - otherwise it's pretty much guaranteed that he'll continue to suck you in with pleas for help, true or invented or (most likely) a combination of both.

I think the clever thing about the US is the political system's ability to draw all the criticism to its elected representatives and institutions. The checks and balances work! Democracy is alive and kicking! Or so it appears. While those decisions that really matter are, of course, made elsewhere, just like in Thailand and most other countries. If you don't fit in, you simply won't have your campaign funded. If you really mess up, you'll have an accident or some nutter will shoot you dead. But hey, they've been practicing since 1776.

Ok, assuming you're genuine, whatever you do, don't meet this guy again. While that might seem obvious to you anyway, I know how tempting it can be to "get some closure" or whatever. Don't do it, you'll regret it.

I'm using AIS 3G 2100 and everything had been fine here (Central Bangkok) today for me. I've experienced outages sometimes, but they were very short (a few minutes max) and usually limited to 3G, i.e. voice and SMS still worked.

That sums it up, Firecat, I'm BOTH a face and a body person, too.

As far as I'm concerned, I've lived in Bangkok for the past eight years and I'm currently in Bangkok. Being cautious and monitoring the situation is one thing, and of course I'd recommend to do so. Flooding various threads with the announcement of the certainty of civil war, on the other hand, is panic mongering. And besides the panic mongering aspect, there's also this: Imagine someone does a search for Bangkok travel advice on this forum and finds a thread dating back from 2010. Information regarding topics like tourist sites or transportation will mostly still be valid. Information about the Red Shirts holding (parts of) the city hostage, not so much. That's why, in my very humble opinion, it's better to keep information related to the current "Bangkok Shutdown" separated from general travel advice.

SpermAholic, you're obviously off your chill pills. Relax a little. Michael hasn't stated when his friends will come to Bangkok, and we don't know how things will develop here by then. Nothing wrong with giving general advice. EDIT: Actually the reference to Michael as the OP would belong to the other thread, where SpermAholic has also cautioned regarding visiting Bangkok. Sorry for that.

abang1961, if you need to book your accommodation in advance, better book Pattaya for peace of mind. Bangkok isn't all that bad at the moment, but as a tourist I currently wouldn't plan a stay here because of the uncertainty. If you don't need to book in advance, just keep yourself up to date, many things can change (for better or worse) within 10 days.

As they're straight and you (Michael) seem to think they're interested in venues like Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, I'd add Patpong to the list, if they can manage to do Nana/Cowboy in one night. If they only have time for one of the three, I'd do Nana Plaza. I'd add Wat Pho to the regular must-sees, as it's just next to the Grand Palace anyway. I personally wouldn't waste time with a fake floating market, but I've got to admit that it can be charming, especially to a first-time visitor. Doing both Chiang Mai and a beach within just six days is possible, but they wouldn't really get the feel of both places, just a glimpse. If their main goal is to get as many glimpses as possible, why not. In this case I'd also pick a beach resort closer to Bangkok instead of going too far south.

In order not to waste too much time travelling, I'd think about focusing on ONE region instead of attempting to see the whole country. They could always come back for more at some point, once they're hooked. Just look how my "one and only" trip worked out for me. Personally, I'd do the South first, but that depends on their preferences. They could go there by train or bus overnight, therefor saving time and money (no hotel required that night).

Well let's not get carried away! I'm still in Bangkok, despite NOT being a protester, and most areas of the city aren't affected at all at this point. Malls are open, some people even have to work, and do so like on any other day... I'm not saying that I would recommend to visit Bangkok at this time (quite the opposite, better stay away for now if you've got nothing important to take care of here!), but so far things haven't been THAT chaotic.

If there's anything I'm allergic to, it would have to be lipstick on my c0ck!