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It wasn't, I confess, all that considerate on my part. My main concern was not shelling out fees to both guys for an fantasy that was unlikely to materialize. But I think your agreeing to off the second guy was indeed considerate on your part. Turned out to be a good business decision to boot, judging by the results.

In my case, I had been with the two guys I had in mind individually twice. But I knew they were friends and Thai "straight." That, I figured, could prove problematic because neither want to do anything that might have a negative effect on that relationship. In any case, I have enough to do just trying to keep up with one

Came close on last trip to opting for my first 4-hand but recalled multiple reports here of unsatisfactory outcomes so I passed. It's like driving a car in reverse: many things can happen and only one of them is good.

You're correct, paulsf. Just looked back on some of the comments of those trolls and I can appreciate how they gave Namazu second thoughts about additional postings. Namazu took the time to respond to comments (including those of the trolls) and was generous with his advice to members who sent him PM's. I'll be taking advantage of one of those tips about places to stay in Silom on next trip. Glad to hear things are going well for him. Hope he knows that the overwhelming majority of us appreciate his contributions.

I think we all miss Namazu's engaging writing. He gave us great serial adventures with the gift to know what to include and what to omit. I really enjoyed his choice of partners and his willingness to be vulnerable. Some may be able to have intense relationships without some rending of the heart but he wasn't among them. But he also managed to keep things in perspective, not losing sight that our infatuations are almost always temporary and in the end each goes his separate way. Yes, our adventures are about money but the course the relationship runs from start to finish is rarely a straight line. Although decades younger than the average reader here, he opened us to the possibilities of getting to know these guys on an intimate level. And who knows? Perhaps he's still visiting Burboy and Monboy--and maybe some Mexicans. We don't have to know everything and that's why Namazu's legacy lives on.

I believe that your referring to Adam Massage on Soi 4. I reported on this shop in an earlier post: Also at the mouth of Soi 4 you'll find guys from Adam Massage that has been around for about seven years. It's located further down shortly before Stranger Bar. The oil massage rooms are fair size and located on the third floor. Showers down the hall. Used it several times and found it clean and always received full-time on the clock. Talk to boys here about your expectations before agreeing. All were friendly and most seemed to have some English. Small bottle of water and tea after. Baht 500 for 1 hour. The guys from Adam wear white or blue polo shirts. The shop opposite Tawan in Indra. Some cute guys there but the facilities are not the best. As with most massage places I'm visiting (particularly for first time), I'd keep an eye on my pants and bring them to the shower. When I last used the place, the guy I chose tried aggressively to bid up the tip once I was on the table. Be clear here beforehand about what you want and tip expected. Vinapu's advice to bring along not much more baht than you think you'll need for massage and tip is a good practice.

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — Expert expats with high salaries can apply for four-year professional visas starting in mid-January. That’s when a long-awaited program offering visas that can be extended by four years at a time will be made available to foreigners earning 200,000 baht per month and up. “More than any other type of visa, the Smart Visa will give the most benefits and privileges,” said Lt. Col. Thanarak Boonyaratkarin of the Immigration Bureau Police. “You will be able to stay for a long time and bring your family over.” Starting in January, foreigners who meet the Smart Visa’s requirements can apply for them at Thai Embassies in their respective countries or the One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits at Chamchuri Square in Bangkok. To be eligible for the Smart Visa, a foreigner must earn more than 200,000 baht a month in specialized industries such as tech, robotics, health care and more. The goal, Thanarak said, is to attract entrepreneurs and experts with technical know-how to stay in Thailand longer. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2017/12/27/4-year-professional-visas-arrive-next-month/

A community service of the first order in the area I most enjoy exploring. A few comments: - I believe that Bonny is now asking 600/600 for 60. min. (unsure about Bangkok). - Like your take on My Hero. Although I've only been there once, it has much potential that has yet to be realized and more guys could be just the ticket. - Glad to see mention of White House Spa. It got a lot of play when first discovered years ago but hadn't heard anything since. Thanks for the effort!

Excellent account. Definitely on my next trip's day 2 agenda. Liked the "wine list" rule. Did he shower after with you? Thanks for a great post.

The gibber god has your tongue again. Please get back on your meds. Think you guys should approach those weightlifters, sumo wrestlers and Turkish oil wrestlers and describe your affection, stressing just how much they remind you of ballet dancers. Then you should get a room.

Alexx, since you live in Krung Thep would you be willing to do the board a service a give us a product review of your choice of Bannok?

Guess I must be straight because I have no interest in ballet or ice skating. And I don't think any of the locals I spend time with ever expressed any interest in them either--but, then again, most of them are "straight," too.

Go into a 7-11 just before midnight and Leo, Chang and Singha are being pulled out of the coolers in the price range of 36-40 baht. I don't see your average Thai, expat or visitor paying 99 for Bannok. You can buy a microwave meal and chips with the difference in baht.

Grace, yes, but beauty isn't a necessary requirement for diving, ice skating or gymnastics. An uncoordinated guy--no matter how beautiful he might be--is not assured success in any of the sports you mention. Baseball players are rated on more than simply number of runs they score. They're rated also on their pitching, fielding abilities and runs batted in (RBI's) to name a few. Hint: a lot of gay men aren't all that big on ice skating and classical ballet either.

Think I'll stick with Leo but I've got to admire 7-11's willingness to innovate. You may recall its last attempt in beer (draft on tap) ended with a thud. From Khaosod English BANGKOK — For the first time, the shelves of the realm’s top convenience stores will be stocked with cans of Thai craft beer. Starting Thursday, Bannok Beer will be sold at 7-Eleven stores in Bangkok and a number of other provinces. It’s billed as the convenience chain’s first Thai craft beer for sale. Beers will sell in two low-alcohol content varieties: a wheat beer called Kiss Me Deadly and IPA Honey Bomb. Each is 4 percent alcohol by volume and costs 99 baht. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/food/2017/12/27/7-eleven-sell-cans-thai-craft-beer/

The issue of Hi-So pretensions brings to mind an incident that occurred on my last trip. I took a guy I was spending the day (and night) with to Siam Paragon, a place he rarely goes. Knowing he's interested in gyms and fitness centers, I took him to upper level where there's a high end health club just to look around. I went over to the reception desk and asked if it was possible to take a tour, as they pulled out a form to fill out I looked around and my guy was standing far back and was clearly uncomfortable. He knew how he would be treated by the hi-so staff. I quickly read the situation and told the receptionist perhaps another time. The list of things I don't like about Thailand is extremely short but the way many hi-so's treat those they consider "inferior" sits at the very top.

From Travel Gay Asia https://www.travelgayasia.com/event/white-party-bangkok/

Marriott Surawongese roof bar From Time Out Bangkok Lots of hotel openings (which means lots of opening deals). Bangkok can never have enough new hotel openings and 2018 won’t be an exception. Hyatt is leading the charge with the 273-room Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit in Nana. The hotel is now in its final stages of construction and will be opening very soon. You may have noticed there’s another structure being constructed on Surawong Road, slightly opposite Neilson Hays Library. This is the Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse, slated to open before Songkran. The five-star hotel is home to 197 guestrooms, and, on top of that, 107 one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments for long-staying guests. There will be meeting rooms, restaurants, and, of course, a rooftop bar. A few hundred meters away, Mahanakhon skyscraper will soon unveil Bangkok Edition, the latest addition to Marriott International’s boutique hotel chain, Edition, best known for its sophisticated and cutting- edge designs. Oh, and did we mention the Bangkok edition of uber-luxury hotel Waldorf Astoria? Watch this space for more details and opening deals to share with visiting friends. https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/news/four-new-hotels-are-anchored-in-central-bangkok-122617

Good luck back stage at the Houston ballet, Stevie. Stay confident and just keep telling yourself it's no different than tiptoeing though the Garden of Earthly Delights at Babs. I'm sure something will come your way.

Sorry, Vessey, but Santa's elves report that you've been much too naughty.

Stevie, have you ever done anything remotely athletic? For if you had, I think you'd appreciate the effort and the results. Catching a baseball or a football, maneuvering a soccer ball or diving from platform, all call for the athlete to use his body in graceful ways in order to achieve fluid movement. It's to be admired no less than the ballet dancer To be perfectly honest, however, I find myself in agreement with you on one count: With all good cheer intended, Merry Christmas, Stevie.

I don't believe that you have to be a sports fan to appreciate the current episode of "60 Minutes." It's about what could be the the first successor to Babe Ruth, the player who began his career as a pitcher but is better remembered for his slugging. The most followed baseball player in Japan has signed to play with the Los Angeles Angels. Many feel the personable but reserved dual threat may have an impact on the game unparalleled since the "The Bambino" (aka "The sultan of swat) played for the Yankees 82 years ago.. This 6-4, 22-year-old has graceful movements that rival anything you're likely to find on stage. It's simply a pleasure to watch him perform. For those who appreciate the best examples of the Asian male form, I give you Shohei Ohtani. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shohei-ohtani-babe-ruth-of-japan-60-minutes-1/

I particularly enjoy reading PH trip reports because I've often been tempted to divert some time from my LOS visits but have never been able to cut the cord. Wholly agree with you about flying. The older I get the bigger toll it takes on me when I return home. Finding the Chinese guy in the lobby of your condo must have been the highlight of the trip. That he had to be back in his dorm by midnight: priceless. Thanks for posting.

I follow same rule. It's just about impossible to get the oil off your back without another pair of hands. I think it may be a cultural thing for some guys (showering with another guy) while others have no problem showering with you (which is SOP at Banana Club--before and after) and have found that most Arena guys to shower with you after.