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One of the best and least appreciated shows in town...and there's no entrance fee. And if you're looking to kill some afternoon time, you can watch them set it up. (4-6 p.m. is prime time viewing)

Taken 3 December

From Bangkok Post Prayut urges ‘spending in dollars’ Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the nation has to think about expenditure in dollars to help weaken its currency. "We have to think how we will spend in dollars in many ways to help weaken the baht," Gen Prayut said in a speech Monday, adding the private sector needs to help with that process. A current-account surplus, capital inflows and high foreign reserves are among the causes of baht strength, he said. The comments in Bangkok could be a reiteration of earlier government entreaties for more imports, which require converting baht to spend in dollars, economists said. Calls to a prime minister’s aide for more clarity weren’t immediately answered. "The premier may be urging people to spend more by converting baht into dollars,” said Kampon Adireksombat, head of economic and financial market research at Siam Commercial Bank. "He wants people to import more and invest more. If we spend more, that will also help reduce our trade surplus." https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1807164#cxrecs_s

From Bangkok Post More than two decades ago, the baht suffered heavy devaluation as a result of speculation, forcing Thailand's central bank to de-link the local currency from the US dollar and adopt a managed floating exchange rate. Fast-forward to the present and the baht's value has become a challenge for the trade-reliant economy. This time the local currency's strength is the issue, as opposed to drastic depreciation during the 1997 financial crisis. The last time the baht's value against the greenback touched 29 was in 2013. The currency appreciation irked many businesses and policymakers to the point that there was a public rift between Finance Minister Kittiratt NI a-Ranong and former central bank governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul, as the latter did not acquiesce to the former's demand to cut the policy interest rate to curb the appreciation. The strong baht in 2019 is a result of Thailand's massive current account surplus. The surplus, worth US$26.4 billion (797 billion baht) on a year-to-date basis as of September, stems from lower import value compared with export value, inflows of tourism revenue and near-record foreign reserves of about $222 billion. Ample foreign reserves have made Thailand stand out as a safe haven to park capital, either for actual investment or speculation, amid the US dollar's significant retreat, rattled by the shaky future of the global economy, the Federal Reserve's monetary easing and a tit-for-tat trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies. The baht is projected to reach 28.70 against the dollar next year on assumptions that exports will start to rebound and the number of inbound tourists will outpace outbound volume. The local currency is estimated to hover narrowly at 30-30.30 to the dollar for the remainder of this year on anticipation that no trade deal is confirmed between China and the US. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1806469#cxrecs_s

+1

Agree. Some may indeed think differently but I suspected that most don’t appreciate the longer-term implications of having their younger history trailing them into future. I think that most Thai guys live in the moment.

A few observations: (1) never had a dud from Freshboys; (2) this was among the best trip report segments I’ve read. If there was a TR Hall of Fame, Numazu and a handful of others would be enshrined (and we all know who they are). The scene just before closing in the bar was vivid in its description. The last chance for an off yet they all rallied to the mamasan’s clarion call while knowing the odds were against them. Just another reason why these guys are all special and the “model” category becomes increasingly meaningless as the night goes on.

From Bangkok Post Hotel business in Pattaya has begun to feel the pinch of the strong baht and the economic slowdown, with reports of declining occupancy rates. Under normal circumstances, most hotels in the popular beach city would be fully booked during the high season, but this year the overall occupancy rate is 80%, said Pattaya deputy governor Manoj Nongyai The surging local currency has made foreign travellers more price-conscious, he said. The city is a first-night stay for many foreigners visiting Thailand, according to a study. They then choose to stay the other nights on Koh Samet in Rayong or in Bangkok before flying home. The slowdown in hotel business also stems from changes in behaviour, especially by Chinese tourists, who tend to travel independently in small groups instead of buying tour packages. These travellers prefer walk-in booking when they arrive at a destination, or they use a sharing-economy platform to enjoy lower costs for accommodation, Mr Manoj said. Pattaya continues to attract some 450,000 visitors daily. The top three tourist groups this year are Chinese, Indians and Russians. The Indian market has shown strong potential, with visitors still travelling in groups of 20-30 people, particularly for incentives, bachelor parties and weddings. Bollywood productions use Pattaya as a shooting location, inspiring Indians to visit Thailand. Average spending for Indian tourists is 10,000 baht per person per day, compared with 5,000 baht for Chinese visitors. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1802659/slowdown-hits-pattaya-hoteliers

No one can say you won’t go to any height to get an artfully composed photo. And totally unidentifiable. Unless the stems are permanently attached.

From Bangkok Post The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to turn Silom, Yaowarat and Khao San roads into pedestrian-only zones on certain hours next month, as a part of its bid to boost tourist numbers and the local economy. Deputy Bangkok governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul said that Silom Road will be turned into a "walking street" between noon and 10pm on the third Sunday of each month. The trial period will begin on Dec 15 and will run until May next year, when it will be reviewed by relevant authorities. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1803454#cxrecs_s

Look through recent pages of posts and you’ll see many trip and off reports from veterans and newbies alike. None, of course, from you.

Gee, Hanan, so sorry to hear that you’re disappointed because enough members aren’t filling your need for titillation by posting salacious photos of their offs. Since this was the main reason you joined the board I figured surely that you must be now contributing half naked pics of your offs. But guess what, it seems to be a one-way street with you. You’re content to leave the heavy lifting to others. If you are really serious about viewing sexually stimulating pics, there’s a members only forum on the board that contains some quality stuff. Not good enough? You might consider actually offing some guys yourself and posting about your adventures instead of living vicariously through the efforts of others. You say you want explicit details of what members do with their offs along with photos. Fair enough. So I assume it’s OK with you if a boy posted your photo and described what you did along with details of your body.

Freedom of expression is not a license to write a post that could haunt a young man in perpetuity. At best you demonstrated poor judgement. At worst, you showed wanton disregard for his future. As a poster in your thread about Watt observed, you remain anonymous while your off is exposed by name, workplace, photo and personal sexual information. Please tell us—in the pursuit of freedom of expression—did you tell Watt you intended to tell the public that he was a great cocksucker? Hope you find that sufficiently constructive, 12.

The Bangkok City Administration is making a noticeable effort to raise awareness of crosswalks on Silom. In the three or four days the new bright blue and white markings have gone down in the vicinity of Patpong 1, it actually seems to be having a bit of an effect. DISCLAIMER: you still need to exercise all due caution.

It may very well succeed in increasing the frequency of his offs in the near term. But there also could certainly be longer term, unintended consequences that could affect the rest of his life.

I sometimes feel bad for the guys that have the most intimate details of their private sessions with a member broadcast on a public forum. It’s one thing say things in a private message, or to make a “general” recommendation of some who provided good service in a post. However, when you post a guy’s photo (with or without his alleged consent) you’re creating a public record that will never go away. In this case the poster may have received his permission to use his photo but I doubt anyone would give their consent to publishing observations like these that appear above: ”Might be the best sucker I remember.” ”...and I totally agree with y, best sucker...” I doubt either poster told Watt that they planned to say what a truly great cocksucker he is. Here’s a young man studying for a specific job. The OP identifies him with a photo and very intimate details. With Google’s facial recognition search technology, a prospective employer could easily find it. Daydreamer, if you really want to feel sorry for someone I respectfully suggest you consider the young man.

So “chemistry” in this case was the compensator. I get it. But it’s still clear that the OP believed something had to make up for his small dick. Watt sounds like a great find and I’m sure the publicity will help him. Just don’t think it was necessary to remark in a public forum about him having a small dick. He’s fine just as he is.

No question. But it illustrates the absurdity of the big dick obsession and the idea that guys with small ones are somehow deficient and need to (as the poster implied) “compensate.”

Odd, but I never thought that a small dick was something that necessitated compensation. Or an amenities bag. However I did note with interest that members who supposedly only take guys with big dicks are effusive in their praise of a guy with a little one. The ranks of closet twink lovers is ever expanding.

A mamsan like that is a control freak. They can damage a venue’s reputation that can be difficult to repair in the near term.

Echo what Ggobkk and Vinapu said about IconSiam. Since it has best stage and most performers, Luckyboys should be seen to be appreciated. Unlike Dreamboy, it has a wider gene pool. If you’re on Soi 4, I’d duck into Banana bar upstairs. Some friendly hot guys to be found.

From CNBC US imports from China shrank more than 13% — but imports from Vietnam are popping Nobody expects Vietnam to replace China as the world’s major exporter, but the Southeast Asian country certainly appears to be taking some of China’s business with the United States. In the first nine months of this year, U.S. imports from Vietnam jumped 34.8% year on year, accelerating from a 5.8% gain in all of 2018, according to a Thursday note by consultancy IHS Markit. In comparison, U.S. imports from mainland China shrank 13.4% year on year in the January-to-September period, the note said. Tariffs were a major reason behind the decline in U.S. imports from China, said Michael Ryan, IHS Markit’s associate director of comparative industry service, who wrote the note. He added that Vietnam’s fastest growing export categories to the U.S. are computers, telephone equipment and other machinery. Those products were among the U.S.’s top imports from mainland China, Mongolia and Taiwan in 2018, according to the United States Trade Representative. That suggests that Vietnamese exports of those goods to the U.S. may have replaced the reduction in flows between China and America. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/22/vietnam-exporting-more-to-us-but-still-isnt-a-full-china-substitute.html

Since you’re already aware of the charms of Moonlight an Jupiter, I’ll limit my suggestions to Patpong 2 which is the new center of gravity. since your last trip, just about all the old Twlight venues have—in one form or another—successfully migrated across Surawong. Some have consolidated like Classic Boys and Xboys into Luckyboys that now boasts of having the largest venue with the largest stage and most (50 is not unusual on weekends) boys. I’d start there. There are two cubs (Hot Male and Freshboys) that are located on the second floor on the opposite side of the soi. HM has the raunchiest show and there’s no entrance fee. FB’s usually has three dozen boys of all shapes and sizes and a classic ladyboy act you’ll recall from its Twlight days. The bar that has changed least—and operating in the same location as before—is Screwboys. As before, it’s the starting point if you like Viet guys—and many do. Then you have the new Dreamboy that is proud that it promotes only the men of Thailand. They tend to be a older and bigger. If you like slapstick Ladyboy acts, this is where to find them. Nearby is Dreamboy Paradisio, a small venue which shanres some performers with Dreamboy but on a smaller stage. Given the sheer numbers at you disposal, you can probably find your type at any of these stops. Happy Ending massage places. You’re better off with brand names like Prince (even if you’re short changed on the clock) and Senso given the body type you favor.

You’re right, Andy. The museum is focused on the historical aspect of Patpong at the moment. I did, however, have a discussion with my tour guide about recent developments on the Surawong end of Patpong 2. Although he acknowledged that he was well aware of the clubs that migrated over from Twlight, he’s still trying to figure out how they’ll affect the zone going forward. He was surprised to hear that so many females were drawn to the male venues. I told him that I viewed it as a transition of Patpong that’s definitely bringing more foot traffic that benefits all tenants. Since, like all museums, its looking to broaden its appeal to residents as well as tourists, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it planned an event that looked at the changing face of Patpong.

It baffles the imagination yet another successful shopping mall has opened in a new high rise diagonally opposite the Samyan MRT station. Samyan Mirtown Features a hotel, condos and offices with a five-level mall on the lowest floors. It’s connected to the MRT station via a circular tunnel that has become a very popular location with photographers. The ground floor of the mall is open 24/7 with a food court. If you arrive in the Silom area and it’s too early to check into your hotel, or you need to kill some time before a late night departure, this may be an attractive option. It’s one stop beyond Silom on the MRT. On the fifth level there’s a large, two-sided outdoor observation deck (photo below). https://www.samyan-mitrtown.com/