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From Today on line BANGKOK — Thailand’s biggest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, is to roll out state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technologies, including facial and gesture recognition and behaviour analysis of customers and employees, at the chain’s 11,000 stores. The ubiquitous retailer, whose Thai stores are operated by a unit of the Bangkok-based conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP), is to work with Remark Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed AI company with operations in China and the United States. Remark will deploy its KanKan technology, which uses gesture recognition to collect and analyse data points on traffic in stores, staff activities, how long customers linger at specific shelves and even their emotions as they pass through stores. It can identify members of 7-Eleven’s loyalty programme, allowing managers to single them out for promotions. Continues https://www.todayonline.com/world/thai-7-eleven-stores-adopt-facial-recognition-technology

I have to agree with your bottom ranking. In post #69 above, I listed three shops where I had good experiences but did not mention the shop where I had a disappointing experience because I considered the fault to be that of management and not that of the boys. As soon as I was taken to the massage room at Bangkok massage, I noticed a strong smell of stale body odor. I should have asked for a different room on the spot but didn't so I have to assume some of the blame. Although the oil used could have been transmission fluid, the massage itself was satisfactory. But after the shower, the foul odor returned as I toweled off. The towel had not been washed, just dried out after the previous user(s). I immediately returned to the hotel and scrubbed away to remove the lingering odor. The experience left me with a greater appreciation for Divine Madman's attention to those locations that place an emphasis on hygiene. And the lesson learned: if I suspect a problem in this area, raise it immediately. As in all other matters of massage, communications is critical to ultimate satisfaction.

Not exclusively VN guys but a fair number were.

Definitely...and twice on Sundays!

Excerpts from Phuket Gazette The Tourism Authority of Thailand has released a projection which indicates an 18 percent growth in tourism income for the holiday period. The holiday is becoming more popular, not only among foreign tourists, but also among the locals who, with Government endorsement, are extending the annual break either side of the actual April 13 Thai New Year date. The tourism authority says both Thai and foreign tourists are expected to spend nearly 20 billion baht between April 12 to April 16 this year, with domestic tourism set to rise by about 3 million people – a 12 percent increase from last year. Foreign tourists will see more than half a million additional arrivals in comparison to 2017, a growth of 13 percent, according to the TaT. The TAT says the projected growth is due to longer holidays announced by the government, tax rebates for tourists, better confidence in the economy and growth in domestic flights. Forward incoming flight booking growth has come from France, Taiwan, South Korea, Russia, Australia, India, the United States and Japan. ---------------------- NOTE -- A quick check of availability of hotels in Silom area on Agoda website reflects price increases in vicinity of 25-30% over normal during Songkran period.

I would think easiest way would be to go to Jupiter. Member also reports at least one stunner at Moonlight and more likely to follow as they staff up. Dream Boy, according to reports of others, has history of guys you seek.

Massage report from my most recent trip Adam Massage, Soi 4. This place continues to provide consistent service from a group of somewhat older guys, many of whom have been there for several years. The boys, including one who has moved on top another shop, says the owner takes good care of them and they seem to be a happy group. The facilities are well maintained and you can be assured of clean sheets and fresh towels. Never been short changed on the clock. This is a place you should feel free to discuss, in advance, what you're looking for. If the guy you approach can't meet your your needs, he'll recommend a colleague who can. I customarily tip 1200 for one hour. You are offered a small bottle of water and a cup of very good herbal tea after. Nakarat Massage, Soi 4. A somewhat newer entry, the facilities a cut below Adam but nonetheless clean and you can also be assured of fresh sheets and towels. I enjoyed three excellent massages here and tipped 1200 for one hour and 1700 for 90 min. But there's a disappointing backstory. All three massages were performed by Vietnamese guys. But on the evening of March 13, police raided the place and arrested four Viet guys (all since released) and the shop shut down for employing illegal workers. It is now reopened but staffed only by Thais. Best Massage, Silom Plaza (same building as Arena Message). Arrived mid-afternoon and no guys outside. Assigned next guy in rotation who was a hunky Lao guy. He got out of his clothes in a blink of the eye and provided a satisfactory massage. But I became aware of his equipment preparing for afters as he did my back. He followed through with finesse and I left happy. Tipped 1200 for the hour. As i left, noted five guys now outside. No queens here. Overall comments: I can recommend all of the above without reservation. I'll note that I enjoy reversing roles, for 15-20 minutes, and massage the guy. In all messages at all of the above, my efforts were enthusiastically received. I really like that in a masseur and guarantees that I'll return. Now that i'm back home for a few days, I still recall the thrills. We're indeed lucky, lads. At home we may well be considered roadkill. Not so here. Get busy planning your next adventure.

This was the first trip that I spent many evenings with the same guy, a 24-year-old Vietnam guy I had come to know on my previous trip. We became very comfortable with the other's company. Having said that, I still frequented the massage shops I enjoyed in the past plus a new one. (I'll be posting my massage comments in Divine Madman's excellent massage thread in this forum) This was also the first trip where I enjoyed the opportunity to meet three other members: Paulsf, Divine Madman and ggobkk. All are old Bangkok hands and wonderful companions. I spent many evenings with Paul, watching the fascinating comings and goings on Soi Twilight from his regular perch at Maxis. Thanks, Paul, for the memories. Just hope the soi will be there on my next visit. Also hung out at Telephone on Soi 4 where the waiters may not know my name but certainly know what I drink. Great guys all and a good place to meet my favorite guy after he get off work. Since I'm not really a show guy, I leave it up to others comment on that front. However I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the drag queen who appears outside Fresh Boys before the shows in the most extravagant costumes. And she looked remarkably convincing in all of them. And since I was observing her from Paul's table at Maxis, I began to look forward to her nightly excursion across the soi to put hands on a young our waiter who returned the gesture. I can assure readers that's it's still possible to have a great time in Bangkok. Yes, if Twilight becomes a memory, we'll have to worker harder in pursuit of it. but I can't see myself not returning. I very much want to leave this report on a hopeful note so allow me to quote from "One Night in Bangkok": One night in Bangkok makes the hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company I can feel the devil walking next to me

Time used in pursuit of massage never wasted, just invested. Patience rewards the virtuous........and all other intentions.

You have a very sharp eye for talent, Vinapu.

Found the place OK today a little after 3p.m. but was not open. Will be on top of list for next trip. With a new start up, better to heed DM's advice and call ahead. Good landmark to identify private road: look for small blue "taxi" sign and turn left. As DM says, nearly at very end.

Simply because my posting frequency tended to dominate the posts. I felt that my particular style of posting was better suited to a board that generated more posts. My posts were about Thailand were more Bangkok centered where the posts in GB are more Pattaya centric. I have nothing but respect for the contributions GB's board makes to the gay Thai scene. The more boards the better, in my opinion.

The visibility of the gay "scene" has changed all over the globe during the past few decades. Some of it has moved on line but gays now feel more free to congregate in venues that are not exclusive to them. I see no evidence to support the claim that gay tourists are abandoning Bangkok. I do, however, agree that the age of visitors is constantly increasing. Unless you've discovered the fountain of youth, I don't know how this can be avoided. But perhaps you're unique and actually growing younger. I've had the pleasure of meeting three board members during this trip. All are in my age range and are wonderful companions to spend time with at a lively bar. We discuss the guys around us, places we go and things we do. That's something that I've been doing with friends for half a century and counting. The significant influx of Chinese gays, the majority of whom are exercising their freedom at a much younger age than many of us did, are supporting the bars and massage shops. They represent a healthy influence that bodes well for the future of gay Bangkok. This is my 16th year (I've lost count of number of trips) of coming here and this has been one of my most memorable. I regret that you seem to have had different experiences. (And I don't believe that any one of us has missed your point)

Gaybutton posts here on topics of interest to most members. In the Thailand section section of GB's board (which DThump conveniently omitted from his post), I frequently find worthwhile reading.

There were some earlier posts in thread about boys asking 2,000 tip for one hour. Few days ago I was quoted 2,000 before massage began. I told him I pay 1200 for hour. After a bit of discussion it turned out he was asking an all-in price of 2,000 (500 shop fee plus 1500 tip). However, he quickly accepted 1200. I mention this because it's indeed posssible for misunderstanding between what the boy is thinking and what we are assuming. Both are at a language disadvantage unless you speak Thai or he English.

If you're attempting to "copy and paste" a pic directly from some browsers, the "paste" may be rejected due to copyright protection In this case, try explorer.

Being here in Bkk for the past week, can report that Twilight is alive and doing OK. No secret that the Chinese are a big boost to the show bars along with other foreigners. Maxi's has a strong following of locals, expats and visitors, serving up food and drink at reasonable prices. Bonny and Bangkok massage shops chugging along with good selection of guys for every taste. Despite all the various rumors in circulation about its ultimate demise, what impresses me most is that all who work the Soi are proceeding with business as usual attitude. No.guarantees what particular rumor is closest to bring on the money, but it continues to have that certain magic that has kept guys like myself coming back for more. Actually, I'm enjoying it more now than I ever had in the past. It's like pausing to appreciate what has now become an endangered species: all the qualities and beauty you took for granted suddenly come into focus.

Denny59, Your ability to contribute seems limited to criticizing those who do.

Even if I told you it's guaranteed to improve you're already sexy legs?

....odds are that you'll enjoy this episode of a popular US cooking show. The host visits Chiang Mai and explores the local cuisine, including what he consider the best charcoal-roasted chicken he's ever had. Then he shows you how you can make it at home. Enjoy! https://www.177milkstreet.com/tv/from-thailand-with-love

From The Nation U-TAPAO International Airport passenger numbers are expected to double this year and new investment of Bt200 billion to expand the airport’s capacity under the Eastern Economic Corridor Initiative (EEC) is expected to start next year, government authorities say. Last year, passenger arrivals at the airport were one million, up from 700,000 from the year before, U-Tapao Airport Authority director Rear Admiral Luechai Sri-Eamgool said yesterday. This year the number of arrivals would reach two million. In the first four months of the current fiscal year (October-January) the number of arrivals were about 700,000, he said. Terms of reference are being drafted for a new investment plan to expand the capacity from three million passengers to 15 million, and they will be completed by the end of this year. The investment is estimated to cost Bt200 billion and government will use the public-private partnership (PPP) mode in order to reduce its budget burden. A master plan for the development of the whole airport is expected to be completed early next year. Then, international bidding will begin for construction. The project will include a new runway, air-cargo facilities, an aviation training centre, and an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul centre, with combined land use of up to 6,500 rai (1040 hectares). It will take about five years for construction to be completed. The new airport will be connected by high-speed rail to the two international airports in Bangkok – Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi – said Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC office. In the long term, the airport could expand its capacity to accommodate 60 million passengers a year, equivalent to Suvarnabhumi’s capacity, he said. The new investment is expected to ease air traffic congestion in Bangkok amid the tourism boom. Better rail transport in the EEC would also ease road traffic. Travelling by high-speed rail from Bangkok to the EEC would take only 45 minutes, down from two-and-a-half hours by road, he said. The government would upgrade these to be able produce 6,000 technicians a year. It would also allow foreign investors to bring in highly skilled labourers to close the gap, he added.He conceded that there were shortages of technicians, as investors would need to employ more than 50,000 qualified people and local vocational institutions could currently produce only 300 a year. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30339117

From Coconuts Bangkok Near the top of Soi 7, which has been dubbed “Soi Public Toilet,” there’s a vacant lot behind a scary corrugated tin wall. In front of it is a bougie, white people wedding-style chalkboard sign proclaiming that, if you walk through a break in the wall, you can experience the “Vacant Lot Restaurant — Bangkok’s Most Unique Dining Experience.” Never being a news team to walk away from a challenge, we headed into the lot on Wednesday afternoon. The setting was as promised — a vacant lot dotted with rubble and a weird patchwork of tiled floors left behind by the businesses that occupied the space before being demolished two years ago, according to Vacant Lot Restaurant owner Suda Chumpang, 55, who said it was formerly a complex housing bars, karaoke rooms, snooker halls, and massage parlors. Red steel tables sit in one corner of the large lot, near an outdoor kitchen, big blue ice cooler, and somtam stand. The mostly empty space provides a view of random debris and the JW Marriott Hotel in the distance. A few Thai women in short dresses were eating while one older white guy nursed a warm Chang while giving off forgotten farang husband vibes. The humble al fresco dining option seems to be popular among all types of people from tourists, to local Nana girls, to Thai laborers. Nampeung, the restaurant’s waitress, quickly greeted Coconuts staff with a smile. She spoke English fairly well and got us started with a couple of small local beers for THB100 each and waters for THB30 each. Compared to the cost of eating elsewhere in the tourist area, Suda’s restaurant offered a tempting deal. We got a shrimp pad thai for THB50 and stir-fried morning glory for THB40. No dual pricing here. Suda had much to say about foreigners and Thai food. As someone who has been in the F&B trade for many years — she used to have a restaurant in Ayutthaya — she said that farangs know much more about Thai food than they did just a few years ago. They used to stick to pad thai and fried rice, but now they can handle spice, eating larb with aplomb and ordering krapow like a local. “They even eat somtam with plara (super-stinky fermented fish)!” she said with delight. Continues with pics https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/vacant-lot-restaurant-bangkoks-unique-dining-experience/

From The Nation The once tightly guarded banknote-printing plant is now open for all to see – and to use THAILAND’S ORIGINAL Note Printing Facility, sitting alongside the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, used to be a highly restricted facility enclosed within walls, its windows reinforced with thick iron bars. Now it’s welcoming visitors as the Learning Centre, with glass walls and open spaces, housing the Bank of Thailand Museum, a hi-tech library, and one of those new-fashioned “co-working spaces”. Opposite Bank of Thailand headquarters on Samsen Road next to Rama VIII Bridge, the 49-year-old building, designed by ML Santhaya Israsena and Dr Ratchata Kanjanavit, ceded its 12,900 square metres to the Learning Centre, which opened earlier this year to commemorate the central bank’s 75th anniversary. BANK ON LEARNING The Bank of Thailand Learning Centre on Samsen Road of Bangkok is open daily except Monday from 9.30am. The museum closes at 4.30pm and the library and co-working space at 8pm. Admission to the museum is free until June. Guided tours are conducted six times a day, at 9.30, 10, 10.30, 1.30, 2 and 2.30. The tour lasts an hour and 45 minutes. Find out more at (02) 356 7766 or visit www.Botlc.or.th.

Regardless of the time frame in which the fate of Twilight unfolds, can't imagine any conditions that would prompt a Bangkok bar operator to shift his operation to Pattaya. Those venues already established there are doing well just to maintain current business levels. And as others have mentioned, I don't see customers who enjoy the Bangkok scene inclined to shift to Pattaya. Nor do I see boys accustomed to the advantages of Bangkok moving south. Think it's safe to assume that something is going to happen. But whatever it is, odds are heavy that it will all play out in BKK.

From Bloomberg News Rising prices are more of a threat to the global economy this year than joblessness, according to Bloomberg’s Misery Index, which sums inflation and unemployment outlooks for 66 economies. Venezuela marks its fourth year as the world’s most miserable economy, with a score that’s more than three times what it was in 2017. Thailand again claimed “least miserable” status, though the nation’s unique way of calculating unemployment makes No. 2 Singapore worth noting. Elsewhere, Mexico looks to make big strides this year as inflation becomes more manageable, while Romania absorbs more misery for the opposite reason. The Bloomberg Misery Index relies on the age-old concept that low inflation and unemployment generally illustrate how good an economy’s residents should feel. Sometimes, of course, a low tally can be misleading in either category: Persistently low prices can be a sign of poor demand, and too-low joblessness shackles workers who want to switch to better jobs, for instance. The results largely signal a global economic outlook that remains bright overall: Economists are penciling in 3.7 percent year-on-year growth for the world in 2018, matching last year’s pace that was the best since 2011, according to the Bloomberg survey median. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-14/most-miserable-economies-of-2018-stay-haunted-by-inflation-beast -------------------------------- ....But not all is rosy From Aljazeera Bangkok is a mix of modern urban bustle and ancient tradition, but a new problem is casting a shadow over the entire city - some of the worst air pollution in its history. Thailand's capital and its ten million residents are enduring extreme levels of air pollution. There are accusations the government is not giving proper warnings about the health risks. Continues with video https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/bangkok-facing-weeks-extreme-air-pollution-180216114832979.html