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When I was a younger man I knew I couldn't (wouldn't) pay the price to stay even a night in these places. But I could afford breakfast or a drink at the bar. From the list above, a can still recall breakfast at the Bel Air coffee shop (doubt it survived renovations). It served the best coffee I've ever had and the pancakes were great. People watching was fun. The Carlyle on upper East Side used to put out a wonderful buffet. And a Manhattan at Bemelmans bar was an affordable--at least then--indulgement. And once listened to jazz at the Mandarin Oriental.

Can assure you that the local clientele take good advantage of the promotions. On a few occasions, I recognized some repeat customers going to of from showers so it appears the savings does make a difference. Although some of the SK guys could hold their own vs the tonier spas, the majority fall into guy-next-door category and that suits me just fine. I think at least half of the bars do a good job of posting photos and particulars. I usually come for two-month visits so the discounts I found useful. On last trip purchased three promotions at Phetboy alone. Very satisfied with results and savings.

Both Phetboy and KK Massage are offering new promotions. Phetboy: 3, one-hour sessions, 900 baht. KK 4, one-hour sessions, 1,000 baht ✅ถามมาเยอะเราก็จัดให้✅ รอบ2ไปต่อไม่รอจ้า 🎉🎉🎉 คูปอง คูใจ 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ บาท…. คอร์ส 1️⃣ชั่วโมง 4️⃣ครั้ง เปิดขาย 17-18 กันยายน 67 ใช้ได้ถึง 3️⃣0️⃣ตุลาคม 67 ถูกและดี รอทุกคนอยู่นะค้าบบ น้องๆมีเพิ่มเติมเรื่อยๆ จับและจองได้เลยคับ 📞0967796428 @bkk23

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The Interior Ministry has issued fresh guidelines for the much-discussed Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the boost for visa-exempt tourists from 30 to 60 days. The DTV is seen as groundbreaking as it frees remote workers from needing a work permit as long as their employment is with overseas companies or contractors. The ministry has now doubled-down by insisting that “such work must not impinge in any way on the Thai economy”, a very broad restriction. Meanwhile, those tourists entering Thailand with a visa-exempt 60 days – the vast majority – must watch their step when they are not sightseeing. An initial announcement by the Tourist Authority of Thailand last July mentioned that “ad hoc or urgent work” could be undertaken for up to 15 days provided the tourist had notified the Department of Labor. Examples given were attending conferences or meetings and – more surprisingly – repairing machinery, auditing accounts or inspecting products. The Interior Ministry now states that, whilst attending occasional meetings is ok, temporary work permits (maximum of two for 15 days each) will be needed for the more weighty stuff mentioned above. Answering complaints that the ruling is a tad ambiguous, the ministry said that more detailed rulings would be available in due course. This is likely a timely reflection of the 10 Pheu Thai governmental priorities for the next year, announced on September 14, which include an “overhaul of visa processing”. This projected overhaul is likely to encompass a great deal more. Government spokespeople last July pointed out that the types of non-immigrant visas should be reduced as functions such as medical tourism, family visas and permission to make movies in Thailand might be subsumed by the new DTV. Not to mention the different rules for retirees under the OA and O extension of stay regulations. Also awaiting clarification is the ETA, or electronic travel authorization, which next year will require all visa-exempt travellers to seek permission in advance of their journey. Once this data base is integrated with that overseeing the issuing of visas, a stated government aim, there will be no significant difference. Everyone will be checked on the same data base for past criminal convictions and/or deportation from Thailand as well as for Interpol warrants. The visa overhaul also gives an opportunity for the immigration bureau to influence the upcoming bureaucracy. There are so many agencies involved in publicity about visas – Tourist Authority of Thailand, Board of Investment, The Cabinet, Department of Labor etc – that it’s often forgotten that the actual implementation is performed by immigration officers at airports and borders. So far, the bureau has been strictly silent.

Very likely wise decision. 🙂

I'd be surprised if any of us were in a position to know.

I wasn't delegitimizing bisexuality. I was dispensing with the ridiculous notion that straight men who have sex with men are "either liars, lousy lays, or both."

Thankfully, sexuality is fluid. That fluidity makes it possible for otherwise straight men to dominate the bars and massage shops readers here patronize. Without them, many--if not most--venues would be unable to keep the doors open.

From Bangkok Post Members of the tourism sector welcome the government's policy on integrated entertainment complex development in the hope it will stimulate the economy, suggesting that some laws and regulations be amended to support the cause. Some, however, doubt whether the project will be worth the impact. Weerawit Krueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) in Phuket, said he believes it is a good idea to have an integrated complex that includes a casino in a major tourist city. Such a complex should be developed on a full scale with all matters considered, including tax regulation, to draw in investors and increase money circulating in the country, he said. He sees Phuket's suburban areas, such as Thalang district near Phuket Airport, as potential sites instead of a downtown zone. Bring it on Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said his serene resort town is also ready to support the development of an entertainment complex, part of the government's man-made tourism policy. However, if Hua Hin is selected as a location for the megaproject the government should consider expanding the airport to take international flights to attract more foreign tourists, he said. Mr Nopporn said the economic slowdown has affected the town's man-made attractions such as water parks and amusement parks, causing business operators to suffer financial difficulties. He urged the government to help push Hua Hin as a key tourism destination and bring in more visitors, suggesting the town could house a sports complex and be a perfect venue for international sports competitions. Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association in Bangkok, said he supports the government's policy to promote tourism via an entertainment complex with a casino, as it could generate huge income for the country. "If the casino is properly regulated by law, Thailand could become a perfect choice for tourists due to its natural attractions and various entertainment options offering an all-inclusive tourism experience," Mr Sa-nga said. He said he believes the entertainment complex would be more beneficial if it is built in a secondary city rather than a popular tourist destination which is already beset by international tourists as it would distribute income more thoroughly. He said revenue from the project could be allocated to help develop other areas of the country, such as education. Boonanan Pattanasin, president of the Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association, said joint ventures between Thai and foreign investors are common in Pattaya. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved. Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved. Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

By all means. You’ll find them among bathroom fixtures in rest room.

From Pattaya News Photo Tour: GLAM PATTAYA BY TODD BAR Officially Opens at Walking Street Entrance On the evening of September 15th, 2024, the highly anticipated GLAM PATTAYA BY TODD BAR officially opened its doors at the entrance to Walking Street in Pattaya. The grand opening event was a lively affair, attracting both Thai and foreign tourists, along with a host of famous influencers. GLAM PATTAYA BY TODD BAR offers a luxurious club-lounge experience designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere. The venue features soft furniture, warm color tones, and perfectly arranged lighting, creating an ideal setting for those who enjoy romantic privacy. Guests can indulge in a variety of food and drinks while enjoying music from a DJ who plays records all night long. A standout feature of the bar is its professional bartender, renowned for his unique and special cocktail-making skills. The bar caters to both Thai and international customers, with staff on hand to ensure a seamless experience. GLAM PATTAYA BY TODD BAR operates from 7:00 PM to 3:30 AM, and the upper floor of the venue is also available to accommodate additional guests. https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/16/photo-tour-glam-pattaya-by-todd-bar-officially-opens-at-walking-street-entrance/

This definitely was a former straight night club/hotel complex in its earlier incarnation, as noted above.

From Pattaya Mail On September 14, Chonburi Immigration Police, in collaboration with Pattaya Tourist Police, conducted a surprise raid at a well-known cannabis club on Soi 6, Phra Tamnak Hill Road in South Pattaya. The venue, hosting a lively party with more than 50 Thai and foreign tourists, was found to be in violation of several laws. The raid disrupted an event where patrons were observed partying, drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis, and dancing to a DJ’s music. The operation was triggered by a tip-off suggesting illegal drug activities were occurring. Authorities immediately halted the festivities and began their inspection. During the raid, a Thai woman who identified herself as the club’s manager became agitated and demanded to see a search warrant. However, her objections were quickly overshadowed when officers discovered a suspicious white powder resembling ketamine in a plastic bag. The police proceeded to check the passports of foreign tourists and ID cards of Thai patrons to identify individuals overstaying their visas. Drug tests were also administered to everyone present at the venue. Several individuals were arrested during the raid including David, a 41-year-old Canadian DJ, for working without a valid work permit. Zico, a 23-year-old British tourist, was arrested for carrying a knife inside the club and attempted to flee but was apprehended about 800 meters away, hiding in a banana grove. Ms Suwan, a 26-year-old Thai woman and the club’s owner, was also arrested. Daniel, a 32-year-old British national, was detained for working without proper authorization.

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Pattaya doomsayers will tell you Sin City is all but finished. A combination of gentifrication (posh buildings replacing bars and clubs) and diversification (people now bring their kids on holiday here) has all but decimated the old Pattaya. The number of western expats, especially retirees, has dropped thanks to repatriation or liver disease. “Things are not what they used to be,” bewails a British pensioner sipping beer with his mates as they watch the traffic jams unfold on Soi Buakhao. Yet the pessimism is by no means the whole picture. In a few days, according to Dave the Rave’s insider web page, the new Shark gogo club will be opening on Walking Street and will occupy most of Soi Diamond. It’s a three-storey facade, three shophouses long and five shophouses deep, with a downstairs floorspace of 230 sq meters. Over 100 young ladies will make sure the customers – who are just as likely to be South Koreans and Singaporeans as Americans or passport holders of the European Union – are comfortable and free of hassle. For example, if you take your time ogling the gogo dancers, you won’t be told to order another drink before you are ready. Meanwhile, Pattaya’s leading Gentlemen’s Clubs operation is continuing its expansion. It’s a consortium of local bars and clubs offering visitors who join a retreat where they can relax in style and enjoy discounts such as cheap beer, menu choices and weekly pub crawls all announced on regular email newsletters. Gentlemen’s Clubs has recently announced that a 28-room, adult-themed resort with a club will be opening in Jomtien as early as January next year. Based 700 meters from Jomtien Beach, it will replace the current ISOL residential block and the facilities will include small kitchens in the rooms, an onsite restaurant, a coin-operated laundry and a large swimming pool. Pattaya’s gay scene can’t compete with these macro developments. The two main venues remain the Jomtien Complex Super Town and Pattaya’s Boyztown in the center of the city. The main attractions in both districts are the very glitzy and professional cabaret shows, though the audiences remain stubbornly western and elderly in appearance. Where all the gay Russians, Chinese and Indians hang out remains a bit of a mystery according to local bar owners. But, in a break with tradition, a gay bar has opened in the staunchly heterosexual Walking Street. It’s Secrets in Soi 14, formerly a straight club. That’s certainly a first, at any rate for many years.

Although not on Patpong, parent company of nearby Texas Chicken on Silom has disclosed that it is closing all of its shops in Thailand.

Is there a way to become a volunteer researcher in this project? 🙂

Although not directly related to photography, this warning was issued by the FBI regarding dangers posed by commercial phone charging ports: The FBI issued a warning against using free public phone charges, saying they could give hackers direct access to phones, tablets, or computers. The bureau warned that “bad actors” could use the charging portals to install malware and tracking software onto electronic devices. “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers,” FBI tweeted. “Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”

Before attempting to kiss a guy, I always try a kiss on the neck. To me, it's about proximity. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It was at least a dozen years ago at Babylon. While wandering the halls I was invited to a cabin by an attractive Thai guy who appeared to be in his early 30's. His soft penis must have been the smallest I've seen before or since. But he was passionate and it grew more than I anticipated. We serviced each other orally and satisfactorily. After our affair I went to have a beer in the bar and thought about the guy. At first I thought I might feel sorry for him but realized it was the best sex I'd had in several days. Why? Because he didn't feel sorry for himself and was focused on having fun. Have never forgotten him. I'd be inclined to follow Vinapu's advice above. As for the hyaluronic acid injection, here's a study from the National Institutes of Health entitled "Efficacy and Safety of Penile Girth Enhancement Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler and the Clinical Impact on Ejaculation: A Multi-Center, Patient/Evaluator-Blinded, Randomized Active-Controlled Trial." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8987147/

From Bangkok Post Thailand's Department of Land Transport (DLT) has introduced a QR Licence mobile app to provide convenience to motorists who will no longer need to carry a driver’s licence. Seksom Akraphand, director-general of the DLT, said the app allows people to display their digital driving licence on electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. The app is programmed to show a driver’s personal information, such as blood type and drug allergy history, as well as notify the drivers when their licence is about to expire. It also allows users to share their travel routes, location and vehicle registration number with others and send emergency messages via phone or SMS in the event of accidents. The app, compatible with both Android and iOS systems, can be downloaded from official stores such as Google Play Store or App Store, Mr Seksom said. Driver’s licences that are compatible with the app must be one of the newer types with a QR code on the back.

The Wine Connection restaurant and Wine shop in lower level of Silom Complex would definitely be my first choice. He can peruse the bottles in the wine shop and select one to be brought to your table. No corkage charge and you pay the same retail price in the store (no restaurant make up). Very good Italian, French and Australian offerings. The food (especially pizza) is fine. Food and wine prices are reasonable. https://wineconnection.co.th/

+1 Agree with Saphan Kai observation. I never ask about kissing in massage shops. If it happens, it happens. Since I like to spend 10 minutes or so massaging my masseur, it usually occurs during that time, and only if the guy seems comfortable with me.

Perhaps you'll meet J.D. Vance there. He likes masculine daddy. And cats...he likes cats.

From MSN Erika Lee, a woman from Springfield, Ohio, who initially made a Facebook post alleging that local Haitian immigrants were "eating pets," leading to significant national attention on the small city, has confessed she had no direct evidence supporting such a claim. Amid the 2024 presidential election where immigration is a hot topic issue, city officials have consistently debunked these rumors, but the claims gained even more prominence when former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, repeated them during the televised presidential debate on Tuesday night. "It just exploded into something I didn't mean to happen," Lee told NBC News on Friday. Lee said the incident has left her ridden with guilt and anxiety due to the controversy it generated. Her post detailed the disappearance of a neighbor's cat and included her neighbor's suspicions that their Haitian residents were involved in the incident. According to NewsGuard, an organization dedicated to combating internet misinformation, Lee was one of the first to spread the baseless rumor on social media, the screenshots of which were widely shared. The neighbor, identified as Kimberly Newton, reportedly got the information about the alleged incident from a third party, as per NewsGuard's findings and reported by NBC News. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/woman-behind-springfield-haitian-immigrants-eating-pets-rumor-speaks-out/ar-AA1qA7ez

Up until three years ago I was paying $135 per month for a storage bin. Finally cut the cord and disposed of just about everything (some through donations and others through consignment shop). Hardest things initially to part ways with were books but they'd served their purpose and are easily recycled. Agree it was liberating as Vinapu and Fedssocr describe above.