Gaybutton

At the moment there is no indication that fares are about to be raised.

Buses and vans are also available. There is no reason to have to spend 12,000 baht to go to Chiang Mai. You could also postpone the trip until this nonsense comes to an end, which probably will not be much longer.

I'm sorry, but the answer to that question will not be allowed to be posted. We do not permit personal information about people on this web site. I'm sure what people wish to know about the bar opening will soon be posted. I'll try to go myself within the next few days if no one beats me to it.

Bangkok is awash with rumors that another coup is imminent. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Capital Increasingly Tense as Coup Rumours Spread By The Nation Published on November 28, 2008 Anupong Said to have Exchanged Phone Ultimatums with Somchai The situation in the capital was extremely tense yesterday as coup rumours prompted reaction from anti-government protesters and their rivals. Both camps mobilised their supporters for street fighting, while government and business offices suggested their staff get out early. Newspaper offices were flooded with phone calls inquiring or giving "tips" about an imminent coup. A source claimed Army chief Anupong Paochinda had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to exchange ultimatums. A blink could result in the prime minister's stepping down or the removal of the Army commander. Anupong, who was publicly silent, reportedly cancelled a meeting of the military-run TV Channel 5 board of directors and met Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. The coup rumour sounded true, as armoured vehicles and tanks were seen in many locations, including the Chang Building and the NBT and Modernine television stations. However, television stations ran texts stating that the Army had announced it would mobilise its personnel and vehicles in Bangkok as part of a study course for military students. Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military would not undertake a coup since it would not end the political conflict. Some anti-coup groups might come out to resist and that could result in bloodshed, he said. The spokesman said in a press conference that the Army chief, as deputy director of the Interior Security Operations Command (Isoc), had told provincial Isoc agencies to keep a close eye on any violence. Amid the rumours of the coup and the exchange of ultimatums, the Cabinet, meeting in Chiang Mai, rushed to clarify its position that it would not consider purging the military top brass. Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua, speaking at an unexpected press conference, pleaded with soldiers to remain in their barracks. The announcement inevitably added weight to the coup rumours. Natthawut said he had come out of the Cabinet meeting to make the announcement because there was "high speculation" about a coup. The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, meanwhile, was cautious, suggesting the coup rumours could be a decoy designed to distract the protesters at Suvarnabhumi Airport before an operation to disperse the crowd. People Power Party MP Suthin Klangsang told a press conference that citizens would be asked to obstruct any coup attempt, such as using their vehicles to block tanks taking part in a putsch. There were also grave concerns that a coup attempt could spark nationwide violence involving pro- and anti-Thaksin Shinawatra mobs, as well as the military. Suriyasai Katasila, a PAD leader, said: "A coup is the least of my concerns now. I'm worried about violence, because nobody seems to be in full control at the moment." Some company and government office workers were told to leave home early, adding to the widespread anxiety. Workers at ad agency Ogilvy & Mather were instructed to clear the office by 4pm. DTAC's head office issued a statement saying it was closing until the situation returned to normal.

I'm afraid not. I don't know much about cameras. I don't know what single lens reflex even means. Without someone explaining it to me, then it means someone hits the lens with a hammer and the reflex action is the camera leaps out of your grasp. If that's not what it means, then for the third time now I'm asking for somebody to simply explain it instead of assuming I know. Sorry, but I'm absolutely clueless about it. In all honesty, not only do I not know what it means, I also don't care what it means. All I want is for someone to be able to recommend a camera with the features I want, along with the features you think I ought to have. I really have no interest in the technicalities of lenses, SLR, or anything else. All I want is a good recommendation.

Bob, you posted this while I was still writing the post above. That's where I wrote about some of the features I'd like to have. SLR, DSLR. What is that? Please guys, don't assume that others, especially me, know what these things mean. Would someone please explain it?

First, I appreciate the response. Somebody is going to have to explain to me what DSLR is. I have no idea what that means or in what way it is significant. I'm looking for a pocket-sized camera that is a good point-and-shoot camera. I'm not looking to make professional photos. I'd like to have good quality photos when I travel and when I see something I think is worth taking a photo of. My last camera was horrible when it came to taking night shots. If there is a camera out there that can produce good quality night shots instead of nothing more than a blur, that would be nice too. That camera also was horrible when it came to using the flash. The flash was so powerful that it washed out most of the photos, especially indoor photos. So, I'm also hoping to find a camera that "knows what it's doing" when using the flash is necessary. Another feature I'd like is for the camera to take its next photo quickly. With my last camera I had to wait several seconds for it to be able to take another photo and I missed a lot of good shots as a result.

I'm thinking about buying a digital camera. It's been about three years since the one I had went kerblooey on me and I haven't had one since. Before I get one, I wonder if some of you can make any recommendations as to make and model. I'd like to know what you think and what features you like. I'd also like to know if there are any particular makes and models to avoid.

I agree with what you say. In my opinion it's a situation in which both sides are right and both sides are wrong, hence the "Mexican Standoff."

Yes

Believe me, I'm not kidding at all. What can I say? Different strokes for different folks.

Wine Dinner at Poseidon hosted by Hugh Millar Thursday, December 04. 2008 Amuse Bouche *** Antipasti misti ( Assorted plate of Raw Ham, Salametti, marinated Vegetables, Artichoke, Squid, Carpaccio, Tomato & Mozzarella ) *** Zuppa mille Fanti (Chicken Broth with Parmesan Dumplings ) *** Osso Porco brasato con Polenta e Cipolle Braised Pork Shank with Polenta and roasted Onions -or- Cozze alla marinara e crostini Mussels Seaman style with Tomato Garlic Bread *** Tira mi su Wines White Wine La Carraia Umbria Bianco 2007 (12.5%) Grechetto & Chardonnay Villa Martina, Pinot Grigio 2007 (13.0%) Venezia, Italia Red Wine La Carraia Umbria Rosso 2007 (13.0%) Cabernet Sauvignon Villa Martina, Merlot 2005 (12.5%) Venezia, Italy The cost for this dinner will be only 1,400 Baht net for the 5-course dinner including the selection of four wines. For further details and bookings call Hugh on 081-577-8727 or 038-303-300 e-mail hughinthailand@hotmail.com. Please note that booking dead line is December 02, 2008 so that we can purchase the wines accordingly. With our best Culinary Regards, Kim & Pascal

I think Thai Wow is even better. It's called Chock Wow . . . .

Yes. Sometimes the soi is listed and sometimes not, but it's usually easy to figure out. As far as actual addresses, those are not part of the map, although often the built-in information will tell you the address. The software map can stand some improvement, but generally it's amazingly thorough. My GPS has never failed to get me where I'm trying to go. Sometimes it can't get me to the exact location, but it certainly gets me close enough to easily find it. In my opinion, the best way to use a GPS is to regard it as a tool. Usually it can easily get you wherever it is you wish to go, but it doesn't have all the answers. Sometimes it can get you close, but you still often have to find the precise location on your own. The major negative, to me, is the spelling they use. Whoever came up with the spelling of a great many locations apparently made up his own. Very often, wherever it is you're trying to go is on the GPS map, but when you try to key in the spelling of the location all too often nothing will come up because a variation of the spelling was used. If that happens, you'll have to try variations of the spelling. Sometimes that doesn't even help. Sometimes even when you use the same spelling as the map uses, still nothing will come up. That's odd, to say the least. For example, on my map despite the fact that I spell the city of Khon Kaen the same way the map does, nothing comes up when I key it in. Geezer came up with a good work-around that often works. Instead of trying to find the location on the map, try using the hotels or attractions menu. Quite often that does the trick. I managed to find Khon Kaen that way.

Can you give us some insight as to how it all works? Can the staff be taken off? If yes, do you know the off fees and expected tip for the boy? What about the freelancers? How much do they expect to be tipped. Do you know the opening and closing times for the bar? Can you tell us about drink prices and if they're a little better at mixing cocktails than they are in Pattaya? Whatever details you can provide would certainly be appreciated.

Three guesses . . .

The only bar I can think of to which you might be referring is Monty's. I don't find it filthy at all and it's a bar I enjoy very much. It's as clean as anywhere else. I also think he puts on the best bar show in town. It's the only bar show I like.

Just to avoid confusion for those not familiar with the area, the airport you're referring to is the U-Tapao airport, about a 40 minute ride south of Pattaya. There is no actual Pattaya airport.

I'll give you a better one than that. Many of them will actually pick somebody else's nose!

Yes, you can. If you prefer, there is a very large gym called Tony's Gym, very close to the intersection of South Road (Pattaya Tai) and Third Road, about a 10 minute baht bus ride from the Ambiance. Tony's Gym has much more to offer because it's quite a large facility. You can pay a daily rate there. You might want to check it out while you're in town. While we're on the subject, if any of you are interested in taking Muay Thai (the Thai boxing) lessons, there is a good 'school' just outside of Tuk Com.

Thursday, November 27 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.08 Euro: 45.165 British Pound: 53.77 Australian Dollar: 22.71 Canadian Dollar: 28.4775 _____ CLOSING RATES: US Dollar: 35.13 Euro: 45.375 British Pound: 54.25 Australian Dollar: 22.90 Canadian Dollar: 28.5375

The gay activity is not in the park. It's the area surrounding the park and in the nearby vicinity. Of course, it's also all at night. The boys looking for pickups usually start trickling in around 7:00pm. By 9:00 to 10:00 you'll usually find them by the dozen.

As many of you know, the Pattaya Gay Festival (PGF) had a beach party scheduled for this Saturday, November 29. The party has been canceled. The cancellation has nothing to do with the turmoil in Bangkok. The problem is that PGF was promised that they would receive the necessary permits in time, but that won't happen. There has been some sort of delay about the permits. As a result they can't hold the event. All other PGF events are still expected to proceed as previously announced.

The Avalon is literally on the gay beach. You would simply exit the hotel, turn right, walk about 50 yards, and there's the gay beach area. I do not recommend staying there. It's nowhere near the main gay areas and again, you're looking at a 15 to 20 minute bus ride to get to the gay area. Also, that hotel caters primarily to European families. I don't know how kindly they would look at you bringing boys in. Stay in town. You're much better off in town. If you want to stay in the Boyztown area, then stay at either the Ambiance or Le Cafe Royale. If you want to stay near Sunee Plaza, then stay at Howard's. Those are your best choices, in my opinion, and those are the most popular gay hotels. At any of those three you'll have excellent, helpful staff, a hotel at which not only are you allowed to bring in boys, but it is expected, and easy access to everywhere you'll want to go. Again, you're a first time visitor. Stay in the established places near the action.

No, I don't. In Pattaya I can help you myself. If I'm not available, if you post a message here I'll bet you will get responses from several people who would be willing to show you around. Failing that, why not simply take a boy off from one of the bars and pay him to show you around? If it were me, that's how I'd do it. I really see no need for a hired guide at all. As far as the hotels are concerned, I have never heard a complaint about the Ambiance. If you're reluctant to stay there, then I suggest staying across the street at Le Cafe Royale.