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We've clearly had very different experiences in message shops. "Reputable" and "questionable" are very subjective terms. I can say that the massages I receive at places I frequent are performed skillfully. I think, however, that I understand the source of your dissatisfaction. You're expecting "full sex service." Massage shops are not--and should not be--brothels. Going in and anticipating that the guy you pick is your whore for 60 or 90 minutes is a sure fire way to a disappointing experience. Some of the fun--for me anyway--is discovering how each guy differs and what he can do that provides each us with a mutually satisfactory outcome. It begins with basic respect for him as an individual and goes from there. It's not rocket science. But I think you've settled on a way that works best for you and I wish you well.

Where's the rip off. You get to choose a guy of your choice; you're provided with a private room; you have an opportunity to shower before and after massage. And you get to see the guy in person before committing. And there's no time wasted on line. I'll take that deal any day and twice on Sundays.

ATM card issued in conjunction with State Farm Money Market account reimburses all foreign and domestic ATM fees if you have an automatic monthly deposit (i.e., social security, pension, etc.) made into your account.

Credit card and ATM questions arise from time to time. Thought it might be helpful if members post info on cards they find good deals for travelers. Benefits associated with the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (issued by Chase Bank, USA): - No annual fee - No international transaction fees - 3% back on Amazon purchases - 2% back on restaurant, drugstore and gas station purchases - 1% back on all other purchases

Perfectly acceptable practice. You can be assured that you haven't offended them unless they refuse to accept it.

If the guy who comes to your door for $60 is an attractive Asian, you may have found the sweet spot. But I'd be more concerned that it's someone between fixes who's desperate for quick cash.

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My first arrival in BKK (16 years ago next month) was on a Northwest 747. After marveling at the golf course situated between the parallel runways of Don Mueang, the aircraft parked at a bus gate. The stairs were rolled up, doors opened and the unique scent of charcoal fires and faint food odors drifted into the cabin. After clearing immigration, found a taxi and the rest is history. There are indeed many 747's still in active service. Since 1996, 1,539 have been delivered in various versions. There are 14 more on the order book, all in the stretched 747-800 configuration. The 747-800 may not be the largest aircraft in commercial use (those bragging rights go to the jumbo Airbus 380) but it is the longest at 250 ft., about a dozen feet beyond the 380. Lufthansa is the larger operator with 19 in service. Although I've yet to fly one, I have observed one shortly after take off. For a plane its size, it's remarkably quiet. The US Air Force has acquired two that are now being fitted out to serve as presidential aircraft, replacing the old 747-400's.

To step back from the argument for a moment, massage shops are my favorite venue for many reasons (including the above statement). There's one set of prices that apply to all and all are admitted as customers. What occurs in the privacy of the room is between you and the guy you selected. It's all very democratic. The secret to the success of the enterprise is in keeping their customers satisfied.

Pants fall and cocks grow....and often vice versa.

According to the news account in the OP, the deceptive prices were posted. Can't agree. This was a deliberate attempt to over charge foreigners. Among the definitions of cheating is "deception" which this clearly was. In these above two cases you cite, market forces are in play and the customers is aware of it. These are very different in character than the dual food pricing which is undisclosed to the customer. In the first situation, the buyer is aware that the price is negotiable. So they are forewarned. In the second situation, buyer is aware that ticket prices are subject to change at any moment and that the price they agree to pay may be more or less than other fliers pay. No harm, no foul. (to wit: I purchased ticket for my next trip three weeks ago but since then it has gone down $140. Not happy about it but I knew it was a possibility that that three things could happen after I purchased it: it could go up, go down or remain unchanged). No matter what angle you examine this from, you can't escape the fact the vendor deliberately set out to deceive foreigners. To try to justify it by citing disparities in perceived wealth is to start down a slippery slope that can be used to justify deceptions in any other situation: posting price on items in a supermarket or department store that applies only to foreigners. Selecting a class of people for deceptive practice by nationality, race, religion, color, age, gender or sexual preference is on its face discrimination. Excusing it only serves to encourage others to embrace it.

You can get good interior bar views on top floor of Dusit Thani and 23rd floor of Crowne Plaza. Also good views (toward river) from roof-top pool of Amara Hotel on Suriwong.

Great report on all counts. You sensed you had the right guy to spend some quality time with. It's clear you won't soon be forgetting him or he you. Loved the hand signal routine you guys worked out. LOL.

From NY Times MARANA, Ariz. — There may be no airliner as recognizable as the Boeing 747, the world’s first jumbo jet, with its iconic hump of an upper deck. For aviation fans, the introduction of the “Queen of the Skies” was a triumph of engineering and grace: unprecedented size and speed with spiral-staircase international glamour. But the airline business has changed, and the giant plane has become more expensive to operate. A couple of weeks ago, the final 747 flight by any commercial United States airline took to the sky. Like so many others before it, the plane was heading to the Southwest to retire. Continues with pics https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/19/business/747-airlines-final-flight.html

I assume that you're referring to what you pay above and beyond whatever minimum tip structure applies at that particular shop. The tips I posted above represent the total tip I pay, inclusive of any minimum.

Fortunately there are enough reputable restaurants and food vendors that do just fine by not resorting to cheating foreigners. Many of them are mentioned in this forum. Thailand's largest food retailer (7-11) makes no exceptions for nationality. Cheating is wrong regardless where it occurs or what the rationale behind it is.

My massage tipping practice over the last few years, irrespective of nationality: One hour oil: 1000-1200 (1200 if he showers with me after or if he provided above-average service) 90-min. oil: 1500-1700 (based on same factors above). Can't recall an incident where it wasn't gladly accepted. Have tipped less for below average massage (600-700) for 1 hr. But that happened only twice. Regarding their expectations, it doesn't affect what I offer. They are free accept or reject. I don't take a rejection personally but I would not choose them in future.

Not long after writing (in post #41) "Having never knowingly taken a Vietnamese, I can't comment on that count," I met one and ended up spending more time with him than I did with any other guy during the trip. I found him to be honest, fun and always on time. He has a clear plan for his time in BKK and I was impressed with the self discipline he demonstrated in pursuit of it. Underscored for me that the pitfalls of prejudging individuals based on where they're from. Although we all read with interest the reviews posted here, the only ones that really count are the ones we actually have.

Bangkok firemen are the go-to guys and they removed 35,000 from around town last year. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20180119202950238/

Tell me about it! One of nature's cruelest tricks but counter balanced by that apparition when you open the door. Brought to mind John Rechy's 1967 novel, Numbers, in which no trick is repeated.

You considerate tease, you.

For the sake of clarity, let's see if I've got your status straight (sorry). Since you're bisexual, you must still be swinging from both sides of the plate, correct?

Must have been magic, married to you. You do, after all, frequently remind us that you were once married--to a woman.

Yes indeed. I very much like two guys who work at the same place. They both know it because I've told them so individually and I usually see them on an alternating basis. I'm careful, however, to pay them the same. if I didn't, then I could see a problem in the making.