DivineMadman

It's hard for the masseur or the customer to calibrate, so real-time feedback can help. You can start with medium and if you sense it's not what you want, I just tell the guy. I've noticed that if I haven't had a foot massage (for example) for a while, I only like medium-soft on my feet proper but as strong as he can get on my quads, so I just tell him that. Forearms I have the same issue - very sensitive for the first few massages then that issue goes away. [I give a short list before a massage of things like this shoulder is bad be careful, very tight here at the neck and right quad and IT band - needs extra attention, etc.] Certainly in western sports/deep tissue massage a certain amount of "pain" is absolutely part of the program to break up knots and adhesions. But there's pain/discomfort and real pain-pain. I tend to have knots in my upper back and shoulders that take a lot of time for the masseur to ease up and release, and there's definitely "pain" involved, whether the massage is here or at Bliss in NYC (just to pick a western spa). One potentially helpful guideline I've heard is you never want to be tensing up when the masseur is trying to release those knots, so guide the masseur to keep the pressure at a level below where you might be tensing up, wherever that may be. Real men like to be pampered too, so nothing wrong with just getting a soft massage and not worrying about it.

They were so serious in the shop I think they probably do have a threshold temperature, but I didn't ask. I wasn't there to see if they wipe down the foot massage chairs. The linen on the pillow for the chairs and in the massage rooms of course is changed for every customer. I don't know if they do a proper wipe down of the mattresses in addition. Would be nice if they did. Wouldn't surprise me either way. No other massage shop I've been to recently has taken this level of precautions, but my guess is they know that with the sheer number of people who come through the door and so many from the mainland, they are at especially high risk. Or it's a toy gun and it's all a brilliant marketing ploy.

The procedure at Prime massage now is your hands are sprayed with some sanitizing spray and your temperature is tested using one of those forehead guns before you can get in to make an appointment. You have to wear a mask while booking (there's a sign that says they sell them for 10B if you don't have one) and the manager and his girl sidekick are both wearing masks. Masseurs wear masks. The usual spa smell is now a mixture of lemongrass and disinfectant. I and the other patrons were all wearing masks during the foot massage part. I took mine off for the Thai massage (but I am pretty sure the masseur kept his on). All very re-assuring. I wouldn't mind if the bars adopted similar procedures at the door. (Obviously the spray of disinfectant isn't as good as a long proper handwashing, but it's still better than nothing. Good for them for doing it.)

Very quick reports on some recent massage shop visits. (In no particular order) I-Come & S'Sense I-Come is a new (a couple of months) shop on Suan Phlu between s. 6 and s. 8. It's a nicely done space with the same set up as S'Sense down the street at the foot of s. 8: ground floor reception, upstairs some foot massage chairs, up some more stairs to massage rooms. Both have massage tables with face cutouts. I-Come has showers in the room, S'Sense was a shared shower/bathroom in the hall but I think some rooms may have a shower. The tables at S'Sense are extra-long, so even the over 6' crowd can easily be accommodated. Pictures of the crew are available for both and you can walk in or book ahead. S'Sense Line Id: @nai4795h S'Sense Facebook S'Sense Photos I-Come Line ID: @I_Come I-Come Facebook At I-Come I just took the guy offered. Massage was ok-ish/soft messy caressy too much oil. Masseur fully-clothed throughout and no happy ending offered - a bit of a surprise given the name. So I'm filing them under F for False Advertising. I may go back again because the guys are very nice and friendly, but I may not because the massage was truly "meh" and no happy ending. I have to believe that it was just bad luck on the masseur. He was certainly cute as can be, and having a cute 22-24 gently caress these aching bones is not a hardship. So I encourage others to go and give the new shop some business and you'll likely have better luck. But still, with a name like that, every customer should be offered a happy ending. Others have reported on S'Sense before. I booked someone I already knew and got exactly what I was expecting - ok-to-good/messy caressy massage. Masseur fully-clothed throughout. I left happy. I think at S'Sense and I-Come there just may be some guys who include the happy ending in the massage and some guys who just don't. I recall across the photo of one guy at S'Sense "No Hanky Panky" is written. So I guess ask, and if the manager can't confirm one way or the other at booking then skip if you think it's important. Prices may change and they're all offering promotions right now, so check their Line for latest prices. They seem to be roughly (+/-) comparable priced. I think around 500 for 60 minute oil. Somewhere I came across a S'Sense post looking for masseurs, I think it said something along the lines of 25K minimum salary and they could provide among other things massage training if you worked there 6-12 months. !!! From the customer's perspective, ahem, we like to see the training before..... (Of course it's possible I mis-translated it.) This is in the S'Sense photo's price list, which is sort of cute if it means what I think it means: I want to change my name to Happy Hand. Spa Atlantis Line ID @spa_atlantis Facebook Spa Atlantis has been open about a year and is a short easy five minute walk from the Lat Phrao MRT station. Everyone is very friendly. I had a big room with a massage table and private shower. Everything very clean and nice. Bathroom in the hall. I just went with the guy who was offered. Pictures are available and you can certainly request someone who catches your fancy. The manager has the pics on his phone if you just walk in. I would say better than average looking guys. I am pretty sure there's a face cutout, but not 100% sure. I thought manager was very nice and very responsive on Line. Right now I think they're offering a promotion of 60 minute oil massage for 500 or 3 for 1,000 (buy 2 get 1 free?). Certainly check when booking for promotions. I've had two massages there. One regular oil which was perfectly fine (and ended happy). Maybe a bit too much oil for my taste. Plenty of butt massage, which I like. Masseur fully clothed. But my read on the shop's vibe is that full service is available. Just not what I was looking for when I've gone. I have also been to Spa Atlantis for the japkasai or kasai testicle massage - because, why not? This is the serious sort of massage that the masseur who performs it got a certificate for and sexual release has NOTHING to do with it. I'll say it was interesting. I personally prefer that the family jewels be treated gently and with love and respect and I was expecting the more tantric offerings of Dr. Bear and Spa Bangkok, which as Goldmember once observed, is more like 30-40 minutes of edging. Instead this was rigorous push-pull, on your knees soldier, bordering on painful. If you like your ball play on the rough side this is for you. 'Nuff said. So worth checking out and giving these guys business and a perfect place to stop by on your way home after a visit to Chatuchak. Spa Bangkok Nothing new to report. I love these guys. Prime Just got back from Prime and their magical 1 hour foot/1 hour thai massage for 500B. Cant' beat that. The masseur was a superstar. Definitely some pain involved. But that is just Thai massage at it's best. No sexual anything, but sometimes perhaps the masseur would be reaching to massage with one hand and the only logical place to rest his other hand would be gently on top of, and cupping, my genitals. Not it a gay way. Just in that way guys do. Nothing sexual about it. And the gluteus massage was great and there should have been more. My ass hasn't been man-handled like that since I was in the Boy Scouts. (Too soon???). Seriously, a great massage and like any good Thai massage your whole body gets the attention it needs. Glutes and all.

I find the reactions and comments to this post as interesting as the topic itself. After three years and repeat visits and time together, I assumed that the OP had sufficient mental capacity to think about whether his guy is right for the long haul before asking him to marry. There are good points about finding some cultural support groups. Certainly in the U.S. there are in many places significant Laos and Thai communities. I have a home in the middle of nowhere in a town with 9,000 people and there's a Thai wat with three monks 12 minutes drive away. His guy - who is likely not an entirely passive participant in this process - may also know, or be Facebook friends with, people who have gone to the U.S. Pretty much all over Thailand and adjoining countries there are people from the village who have moved to the States or Europe. Sources for shared experiences and advice. If his guy wants to give the U.S. a shot - I say go for it. I happen to know and staying regular contact with several guys right now from Laos and Vietnam who are in the States, going to school and adapting (plus of course occasional bouts of homesickness). For some it's like going to the "show" from minor league baseball. But nice to see so much of the sort of condescension and pedantry I usually think of as my bailiwick.

Absolutely go (or don't go) wherever you feel comfortable. It's your holiday and you should be comfortable and relaxed. Personally, I have no concerns at all about hanging out in any of the bars (gogo, Hot Male Beer Bar, Telephone, etc.). If someone near me was coughing I would probably notice and move a bit away, but beyond that I am simply following the WHO/CDC suggestions about hand washing and I do wear a mask in the stores and BTS, but just because I think it's expected of us now. By no means a statistician, but my gut - and a considerable gut is is - tells me that when you work through all the numbers and probabilities, the risk from all the passive smoking at those bars is probably greater than getting COVID-19 now. So far not a hint of any cases of transmission in the bar scene. (So far....) Saunas I'll let others who spend time there address.

Congratulations! It may take a while with US Immigration, and I know of at least one situations where it took a couple of tries, so don't get discouraged. All the best wishes!

BKK'ers be advised there are plans for a peaceful candlelight protest this evening outside the offices of Future Forward Party (Thai Summit Tower, 1768 New Phetchaburi Road), near the Phetchaburi MRT station/Makkasan ARL. Expect a police presence. Whether that's a reason to go there at that time or to avoid it, is up to you.

I suppose I would add Lucky Boys to the list of bars, along with Freshboys, Screwboys and Banana. Lucky Boys has so many guys there's usually someone there for everyone. And the show is fun. There is even a guy or two at Moonlight that I think fit the Twink label. Certainly there are lots of guys who happily bottom (if that's what you're looking for) at lots of "full service" massage shops. Nearest to your hotel, Bangkok Massage (Patpong) would be the best bet for twink/avg. and twink/muscular guys. There are a few cuties there. And the massage shops are convenient if you're looking for afternoon delight. (Of course, along with the apps.) There are also shops outside the gay-borhood with twinks, but you probably don't want to be spending half an hour in a taxi to go for a "massage" on your first visit to BKK. There are some twink-ier looking guys at Sanctuary Spa right now. It's a nice place not too too far from Silom. That could be a good choice for a nicer (i.e., slightly more upscale) massage shop. In my experience very responsive and easy to work with. But of course, if all depends on the guy. Line ID = sanctuaryspa Personally, I think it's fun to play around with different types of guys. You might be surprised -maybe even one of those glam guys at Prince Spa will rock your world. Regardless, it's fun to try out.

WTF? It took place last year without incident. I don't know why someone would post saying it will be cancelled when it took place last year. WTF (Yes it was cancelled - in 2009. Now it is 2020.)

Hmm. Not sure it is a Thai logic issue. I think sometimes in wars defending forces take substantial damages and loss of lives but that nation will still celebrate and take pride in those defending forces -- despite the casualties and losses. N'est-ce pas? In any event, in this particular situation the Thais were the defenders. The French didn't get what they wanted. Within a couple of weeks the Franco-Thai War was over and the Thai annexation of territory from French Cambodia was confirmed. For the government at the time - a win. But I return to the main point that I think there are probably lots and lots of examples around the world where defending forces take substantial damages and they can still honor and celebrate the defenders in the battle. Not a particularly Thai thing.

I posted the picture in the spirit of good fun. Now trying to link the guy to a nameless gossip piece about HIV status seems like colossally shitty behavior to me. I'll ask Michael to delete the photo.

I don't think the Thais view the battle as a particular embarrassment or injury to pride. Perhaps they even think of it as a bit of success - as many of us do when the French don't get what they want. The Thai Navy has built a memorial to the battle. The Navy hosts a big annual ceremony to honor the servicemen who died.

This Saturday (22 Feb) is Chiang Mai Pride. Info in the link below. CNX Pride

I really like -- and recommend -- Prime. I think they do very good well-trained Thai massages. I had an oil massage there once, also fine, but I like their Thai massages and I feel very comfortable with the level of training they have so I've never had to worry about a masseur putting to much stress on my knees (or any other joint) as they fold and unfold my aching body. (This is something I worry about. In the same way a poorly-trained yoga instructor can guide you to injury, a poorly-trained Thai masseur can twist too far or at the wrong angle.) I do like a very hard/strong Thai massage, and they know that, so I get that rigorous massage with the guys I can trust at Prime. Oh the pain, the delicious pain! Not sure their prices are particularly out-of-line with the massage factories nearby along Surawong or Silom, but I'm happy with the all-male masseurs set up, and I do I like the facilities. Always clean and nice. So I've never had any doubts about the value-for-money. When it's party weekend I also enjoy the eye candy as it seems every cute guy from SE Asia is there getting a massage too. I've certainly had my share (or more than my share) of HE's there, but also most of the times I go there I'm not looking for a Happy Ending, just a good massage, so I'll usually tell the guy no if he asks. Maybe 40% of the time I'm asked? but I usually decline anyway. For me, not every massage needs a happy ending. The standard advice remains true - if you need a happy ending definitely don't go to Prime. It's that simple. I remember when you could go any time to Prime and walk in and get a massage. Now I know when to avoid or the crowds or to book ahead. But the old days were nice....

We keep re-hashing the same WHO and CDC sites since the 1st page of this thread. There are articles out there pointing out that different countries have been taking different positions on the need for masks for the general public. Go figure. One article said that one country was requiring everyone using mass transit to wear a mask. Singapore was on the other end of the spectrum. The Thai minister’s point was that the farang tourists coming through Thailand may have been in contact with someone and communicable - the “we don’t know where they’ve been” point. (At least that was one of his points). Hence the conclusion that since there is some concern that people can have the virus and be communicable with few symptoms, etc., they should wear masks in the high risk public spaces. Thailand hasn’t yet closed its borders, and it is a crossroads country (at least BKK is), and that impacts decision-making. I think the health officials will point out that people often don’t use their masks properly, but just as often don’t wash their hands as thoroughly and as they should. Or use hand sanitizing gel properly. Do it. Do it right. the Thai health minister’s sorry-not sorry statement included statements about racism. And even my feeble facebook feed had some Thai folk saying they were proud of the health minister. So I think in Thailand, at least, the courteous thing to do is wear a mask in the main transit centers, etc.

From a purely utilitarian "what will my "offing" experience be" perspective, there probably is no meaningful advantage to chatting up long-distance. But sometimes it's just fun to do. Live in the moment. Why not chat with some far away cutie if you've got the time.

Tool Box bar is nice. You can find it using Google Maps. Fun vibe. The other gay bars that I know of cluster around the same few blocks - along with a bunch of other bars. POC. Sharky's. I think Space Hair Salon and Bar turned into a fun scene at night, but no clue if that's still happening. All can be found using Google Maps. A couple of massage shops there also, but not tested by me.

Super and informative report. Thanks!

= cum/semen I think it's a universal language now for semen, but it's also consistent with the Thai/Laos shorthand when the context allows of saying "water" (naam น้ำ) for semen -- short for naam asuchi น้ำอสุจิ. (อสุจิ = sperm) I would interpret it as promising a hot good time of orgasmic bliss.

SO the backstory to the Minister's outburst is that he and other officials went to Siam station and to hand out masks. Some farang tourists refused even to accept the masks. I think the Minister's outburst is unwarranted, but I also think the farang tourists could simply have smiled and pocketed the masks in a respectful and courteous way. Richard Barrow has pointed out that apparently the minister wasn't offering masks individually wrapped in plastic. And he was not wearing gloves. Even so, I have more sympathy for the Minister than for the farang who insisted on rebuffing the Minister and his colleagues. (Go figure, farang who don't show proper respect to the locals.). Take the mask and walk away and pocket it. Not a big deal. The Minister's point -- of course, an overstatement -- is "most farang are recent visitor "tourists," we don't know where they have been, they may be asymptomatic but communicable, so wear a mask, farang dude." Neither side is without blame in this episode, but I think Thailand officials can legitimately ask people coming into the country now to wear masks - just in case they may be asymptomatic but communicable.

Putting the best spin on this possible, it appears that the Thai government is respectfully asking everyone or at least all tourists - including farang tourists - to wear masks.

Apologies. Golden Gophers rule!!

1. The Wikipedia article bottom line seems to follow the U.S. CDC. As far as the general public is concerned, frequent thorough washing with soap and water is recommended. Hand sanitizer only if that is not available. For healthcare workers in healthcare situations - hospitals, doctors offices, etc. - then the CDC has a different recommendation - Hand sanitizer all the time + washing with soap and water when dirty/contaminated). Citing two different studies, the Wikipedia article says " Outside the health care setting evidence to support the use of hand sanitizer over hand washing is poor." [That doesn't mean it's contra-indicated. It just means there isn't good support.]. 2. Nears as I can tell from a bit of research, hand sanitizer kills some viruses but not all. Not surprising. Example, apparently sanitizer doesn't kill norovirus - the plague of cruise boats and, in my case, dinner at a nice sushi spot in Greenwich Village. Had that. Don't ever want to have it again. So I'll be sticking with washing with soap and water, but that's just me. 3. The U Mich CIDRAP article cites a Japanese study that found hand sanitizer would have to be in contact for 4 minutes to kill influenza A ! So that means if you think Coronavirus might be comparable, you should be applying sufficient hand sanitizer to stay wet and work it on your hands as you sing Karma Chameleon from beginning to end. 4. Personally, my advice would be people should take the level of precautions that makes them happy and such that they can go out and enjoy without fear. 5. As I joked with Syphion the other day, if the Wuhan University mens gymnastic team comes to town and invites me to an orgy, I'm still going. Coronavirus be damned.

The Eartha Kitt look-alike that I had mentioned earlier was at Freshboys, not Dream Boys. I did point out the resemblance to her and showed her some pictures a long time ago when we first met at X-Size. His name is Kai. I like him also. He used to be at Classic Boys before moving to Hot Male (when it was on Soi Twilight).