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I'm sure you'll see several responses from others stating what they pay. But something I've never fully understood is why Bangkok boys should be more expensive than anywhere else. Perhaps a few people can give us their thoughts about that as well.

Do you realize what you're saying? The question suggests that every gay who comes to Thailand spends all of his time in the bars and taking boys off. I know you didn't mean it that way, but there is a hell of a lot more to Thailand than only sex and booze.

Yes, we can, but my hopes are fading. Abhisit is going to have to be a hell of a good juggler if this is going to work. The PAD is raising hell about the proposals and is also demanding martial law. The PAD is the Yellow-Shirts. Remember them? And the Multicolor-Shirts are raising hell about November elections. Somehow, I'm not ready to say the crisis is over just yet. Maybe I'm wrong, but it looks to me that while the Red-Shirts seem willing to accept the proposals, the other factions are not and a whole new crisis could flare up. So, assuming the Red-Shirts do accept the proposals and start going home by Monday, what happens next? Are the other shirts going to start up new protests? I hope I'm being overly pessimistic about this, but I was completely wrong when I thought the Red-Shirt rallies were going to amount to nothing. I can only hope my pessimism will make me completely wrong again.

How about Pattaya? Are there any restaurants in Pattaya you can recommend? I'm always on the lookout for a good prime rib, which I loved at Manhattans when the original manager, Tom, was there. But ever since Tom left, in my opinion the quality I enjoyed left with him. It just was never the same after that.

Looking at this morning's news, indications are that virtually all sides are dissatisfied with Abhisit's peace proposals and the whole thing may already be coming apart at the seams. The PAD dislikes the plan. The Red Shirt demonstrators say their leadership might find the plan acceptable, but they do not. CRES is again threatening to use force to disperse the demonstrators. ____________________ PAD Rejects Road Map Abhisit denies claims of hidden agenda Published: 7/05/2010 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has run into opposition to his reconciliation plan from the People's Alliance for Democracy and multi-coloured protesters. The groups oppose the road map to bring an end to the political crisis by seeking a reconciliation with the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship. Mr Abhisit began drumming up support for his plan yesterday by meeting for two hours at parliament with Panthep Puapongpan and Pibhop Dhongchai of the PAD. Today he will talk with representatives of the multi-coloured group. The meeting with the PAD was called after the group came out this week to criticise the prime minister and suggest there was a hidden agenda behind his five-point plan to end the political stand-off. After talks with the PAD, the prime minister dismissed allegations his initiative was aimed at protecting the Democrat Party, reaching a compromise with wrongdoers involved in the red shirt protests, and allowing his party to form a coalition government with the Puea Thai Party. PAD rejects road map ____________________ Protesters Unhappy with PM's Grand Plan Published: 7/05/2010 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's proposed road map might have drawn tentative support from red shirt leaders but it is seen as a failure by many of those scattered around the rally ground. At Ratchaprasong intersection, where anti-government protesters are rallying for an immediate dissolution of the lower house, the five-point proposal is not what they had been bargaining for. Some of the protesters are said to be upset with the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leaders' "unexpected" support for the road map. "We are not achieving much if you take into consideration our losses," said Manit In-amkha, referring to the April 10 clashes between the protesters and government forces. Mr Manit, who travelled from Udon Thani, said some of the "radicals" he had been talking to had rejected the prime minister's road map outright and demanded all-out changes in the government. He said the red shirts' efforts were not in vain as Mr Abhisit had finally softened his stance. He also noted more efforts and pressure might bring about a dissolution earlier than September. Mr Manit said the plight of red shirt demonstrators could be successfully tackled only when there was a change of government. "Northeastern people face a lot of problems: land, injustice, mistreatment and the practice of double standards by authorities," he said. "Changes will come only when there is a change to the government." Protesters unhappy with PM's grand plan

Apparently the water situation is destined to become quite serious unless we get a lot of rain in the right places, and soon. Photos and full article: Hot Weather Causing Pattaya's Reservoir to Run Dry Hot Weather Causing Pattaya’s Reservoir to Run Dry Pattaya is slowly but surely running low on water as the hot weather looks set to stay causing reservoirs to dry up and water services to be cut resulting in supplies at night only. Pattaya 5th May 2010 [PDN] Reports regarding the affects of the exceedingly hot weather in April this year states that the water in Mabprachan reservoir is getting lower with each day, with the water for supplying production found to be lacking in Banglamung and Pattaya City area.

I received information today that Manhattans Restaurant has changed ownership. The latest Pattaya Pride dinner was scheduled to take place at Manhattans on Sunday, May 16. I understand the new owners have canceled the dinner. I have not been told the reason why the dinner has been canceled. It has also come to my attention that the manager, Hugh Millar, who many of you may remember from the Ambiance, Symphony Brasserie, and the Poseidon Restaurant, has been fired. I have not been told the reason why he was fired. Those are, to the best of my knowledge, the facts. I will stick strictly to the facts and leave my personal opinion out of it.

After yesterday's announcements that the Red-Shirts have accepted the Prime Minister's peace proposals, many of us breathed a big sigh of relief. Unfortunately, the first thing I'm seeing in the morning news is that sigh of relief turns out to be somewhat premature. The Red-Shirts have set conditions for full acceptance and have made it clear that the protests will continue until the Red-Shirt leadership is satisfied. ____________________ Acceptable if... By The Nation Published on May 5, 2010 Leaders of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) appear ready to accept Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's five-point road map for national reconciliation, but have set the following conditions: DAAD CHAIRMAN VEERA MUSIGAPONG  The government must set a clear date for the dissolution of Parliament. The November 14 elections, as set by Abhisit, might not be correct because polls come under the authority of the Election Commission.  To show its sincerity, the government must stop making threats.  Red-shirt leaders do not need an amnesty for terrorism and lese majeste charges.  The government must stop dragging the monarchy into political conflicts. DAAD SECRETARY-GENERAL NATTHAWUT SAIKUA  The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) must take over all cases involving incidents on April 10, 22 and 28.  If arrest warrants are issued for red-shirt leaders over charges of terrorism and lese majeste, the DSI should also issue warrants for those who killed protesters in the three bloody incidents, because "equality is the beginning of reconciliation".  The government should return basic rights to the citizens such as the freedom of movement, expression and the right to know. It was unfair that the government had the armed forces and the freedom to distort information, while the red shirts had nothing. PROTEST LEADER JATUPORN PROMPHAN  The DSI should also charge the yellow-shirt group, which had earlier closed Bangkok airports, on counts of terrorism and lese majeste.  The red-shirt protesters reserve the right to continue their rally in the heart of the capital until Abhisit announces the date for House dissolution. ARISMAN PONGRUANRONG  The government should reopen all red-shirt media outlets and give the movement freedom of communication. Acceptable if...

Good question. I've wondered about that too. I think, but am not sure by any means, that they mean with use of poppers. I've never used poppers. I don't even know if it's legal in Thailand, but I'm guessing probably not.

I don't think Avalon is much less expensive, but it doesn't hurt to check. You're not going to get bargain prices where there are only two beachfront hotels in the gay beach area that also have swimming pools.

PM proposes Nov 14 poll date Red shirt leaders push case for an amnesty Published: 4/05/2010 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has offered to hold a general election on Nov 14 as part of a plan to achieve national reconciliation. Mr Abhisit said in a television appearance last night for the first time a general election would be held on Nov14 - but only if five objectives underpinning a national conciliation were achieved. They are: the monarchy must not be used as a tool in political conflicts; the country must be reformed by tackling economic disparities and inequality; the media must refrain from reports which exacerbate social or political conflicts; an independent fact-finding panel must be appointed to review fatal incidents involving security forces and protesters; and the reconciliation process must be carried out with the cooperation of all sides. PM proposes Nov 14 poll date ____________________ Last Chance for Peace By TULSATHIT TAPTIM The Nation Published on May 4, 2010 PM urges reds to accept his offer to hold election on Nov 14 to avoid more bloodshed; red shirts to respond to govt's road map today and decide on future of Ratchaprasong protest Is the light at the end of the tunnel that of a train coming our way? The answer depends on how the red shirts, who have been tired, dispirited and discredited, respond today to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's unexpected offer to hold a general election on November 14. Whether the 30-minute national address last night is a game-changing moment will be known soon. As of now, the ball is squarely in the red shirts' court. The roars of the crowds at the Rajprasong intersection at the end of Abhisit's statements could mean anything, but from day one the protesters have never been the ones making decisions. Optimists say the Rajprasong occupation may even end in a day or two. They see Abhisit's offer as a carrot being dangled before demoralised red leaders who have had their personal well-being threatened by possibly serious legal action and their image smeared by the Chulalongkorn Hospital invasion, arms seizures, as well as alleged links with armed militants. The real "stick" is yet to come. On Sunday, an emergency Cabinet meeting was called to approve the possibility of an armed crackdown, which would almost surely be accompanied by terrorism charges against key leaders, who already face lesser accusations of violating the state of emergency law. It was thus a good psychological moment for Abhisit to lay down his five-point "road map" on the table. "This is your graceful exit," was his unspoken message. Take it, or you will see armoured vehicles moving in through the other door. Now, it's a matter of whether common sense prevails among the red shirts. They poured into Bangkok on March 12 knowing that the political calendar at that time tentatively set the general election for late next year. Abhisit virtually told the movement to think about it, now that he had agreed to reduce the waiting period by half. Last chance for peace

Actress Lynn Redgrave Dies at 67 By Alan Duke, CNN (CNN) -- Actress Lynn Redgrave died Sunday after a seven-year battle with breast cancer, according to her family. Redgrave, 67, was surrounded by her children at her Connecticut home when she died, the family said in a statement Monday morning. The star of stage, film and television was twice nominated for an Academy Award: for best actress in 1966 for her role in "Georgy Girl" and for best supporting actress in the 1998 film "Gods and Monsters." Actress Lynn Redgrave dies at 67 - CNN.com

If that, plus a pool are your requirements, then there are only two gay area hotels in all of Pattaya that can offer what you want - The Rabbit Resort and the Avalon. If you don't have to be in the gay area or in a hotel designed to be gay-friendly, there are several other hotels. One of the newest and best would be the Centara Mirage in Naklua.

I agree. I've made the same observation.

A friend of mine who posts intermittently on this board stayed there a couple months ago and he loved it. He said next time he comes to Pattaya, that's where he's going to stay.

Yes, it is. Their office is in that same shopping location where Food Mart is.

I wonder if it really will end it. I can also see how the whole thing could backfire and provoke even further hostilities. ____________________ Armoured cars, plus a roadmap Published: 3/05/2010 Armoured vehicles are being readied for use in the dispersal of the prolonged anti-government rally at Bangkok's Ratchaprasong commercial district, spokesman for the government's Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Monday. The armoured vehicles would protect soldiers from attack by the protesters, who could be armed, and would help avoid violence, Col Sansern said. The vehicles had not reached Bangkok yet. Armoured cars, plus a roadmap

Not me. I'm thinking very seriously about going. I believe I know what you mean, though. The odor of durians is not exactly in the background. It can be overpowering. But I think I can handle it.

I'm afraid not. You can only get a Thai driver's license if you are here on a non-immigrant visa. A 60-day visa is a tourist visa, so you are not eligible. However, you can still drive legally in Thailand. Before coming to Thailand get an International Driving Permit. Despite the fact that it is good for a year, Thailand honors it for a maximum of 90 days upon entry to Thailand. You must also have your home country driving license with you as well. If you intend to drive both a car and a motorcycle, you must have a permit that specifies both. Yes. Thailand issues separate licenses for each. And as I said above, you must also have International driving permits for each.

Looking for something different to do, and in precisely the opposite direction of the Red-Shirt demonstrations? You might be interested in the Chanthaburi Durian Festival: _____ World Durian Festival 2010 to Be Held in Chanthaburi in May Chanthaburi is recognized as the only province in Thailand, and in the world, where the majority of farmers are engaged in durian production. The province organizes a World Durian Festival each year to promote durian consumption and introduce its tourist attractions and local products. The 2010 World Durian Festival will be held from May 1 to 9 at Thung Na Choei Lagoon and Chanthaburi Stadium. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 2 at 5:00 p.m. Visitors to this area will see rafts decorated with fruit and locally made products that make a name for Chanthaburi. They will have a chance to buy fruit, seafood, and other agricultural products of high quality directly from farmers. The festival will feature a food fair, a demonstration of making durian jam, a bazaar of local products under the One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) program, an exhibition on fruit production, a durian-eating competition, and cultural shows. It will also include various contests, such as food preparation from fruit and fruit decorations. The fruit contest focuses on five varieties of fruit, namely durian, rambutan, mangosteen, longgong, and zalacca. There will be a top-quality gems and jewelry fair, as well. Dubbed the

Cabinet Acknowledges Need for Army Move Against Red-Shirt Demonstrators By PIYANART SRIVALO THE NATION Published on May 3, 2010 The Cabinet yesterday acknowledged the need for the use of Army force against red-shirt pro-testers occupying the Rajprasong intersection, as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva grimly warned the public in his weekly address to expect undesired results from future government action. A closed-door Cabinet meeting accepted a bigger role for armed troops who, since the "Black Saturday" drama on April 10, have still played mostly a secondary role to police commandos. "The government's action from now on will carry the risk of clashes or losses which could affect the feeling of the general public," Abhisit said. "But the government has its duty and will have to do what needs to be done." It was Abhisit's first such public statement. He and other top officials yesterday reiterated the government's determination to reclaim the Rajprasong intersection from the protesters. An SMS campaign will be launched to persuade as many demonstrators as possible to leave the area. Abhisit said the government had made significant progress in inquiries into a series of incidents, which he said confirmed suspicion that some were acts of terrorism. Yesterday's emergency Cabinet meeting followed an invasion of Chulalongkorn Hospital by some protesters that increased pressure on the government to deal with the pro-longed rally. "We want the operation to take place as soon as possible so we will do everything we can to ensure the least losses and maxi-mum safety for people involved," said acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn. Panitan denied that the Cabinet discussed the possibility of imposing martial law in the area. Cabinet acknowledges need for Army move against red-shirt demonstrators

I voted for car, mainly because that's what I drive. When I first came to Thailand I saw no need for personal transportation at all. One thing available just about anywhere in Thailand is public transportation. Then when we graduated to a motorcycle I didn't know how we ever lived without one. Later when we graduated to a car, I didn't know how we ever lived without one. I can certainly see driving a motorcycle for local transportation. After all, it's far less expensive for everything ranging from fuel to maintenance to insurance, etc. But having a car allows me to go anywhere I want in Thailand any time I want, by any route I want, with stops anywhere I want for however long I want in air conditioned comfort and in any kind of weather. I am also able to do shopping much easier and am stopped by cops far less often. Also, there seems to be much more motorcycle theft than car theft. Aside from the obvious difference in expense, the disadvantages I've encountered with a car are mainly difficulties finding a place to park, navigating narrow sois, and getting stuck in traffic while watching motorcycles breezing right on by. For me, obviously I prefer a car.

Since this thread is about what it takes to purchase a motorcycle, if there is to be a debate about whether it is better to have a car or motorcycle, I would like to suggest starting a new thread so that this thread doesn't end up going off on a tangent.

You seem to have covered everything. So, just one more question. Do you have a particular shop from which you recommend buying?

There is no conflict. GT is the boss around here and anything he says overrides anything I say. Very simple. Sorry if the rules don't cover every imaginable circumstance, especially the ones that should be perfectly obvious. If you are confused about what we will or will not accept, then you have the option of submitting what you wish to post to us by PM to see if it is something we can accept. Your other option is to just go ahead and post something we may not accept and hope for the best. Unless you wish to be someone who causes problems here, I suggest just leaving the monarchy out of it. If you want to place your own freedom at risk for the sake of a post that few readers are going to really give a shit about in the first place, that's up to you, but don't even think about risking mine.