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Coming from you, Stevie, I'll take that as a compliment.

I posted news accounts, without comment, of a story that is now being carried in the international media. You posted an opinion of those news items. I disagreed with your opinion and posted my response. I certainly wasn't upset but actually welcomed the opportunity to point out your flawed thinking. No attack there, Stevie, just an exchange of opinions.

It probably made them vomit. Whitening ruins the penis. Declaring that your Thai sex partners don't meet your uniform color standard may be the most idiotic of your many trademark idiotic postings. I think you're better off saving your money and remaining ensconced in your David Duke world of Lilly-white boys in the USA. Now there must be a clan meeting you're scheduled to attend. I understand they'll be screening "Snow White".

And those gorgeous Thais preferred that they had sex with anyone else. But they weren't being prejudiced, mind you. Just objective.

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — An iconic five-star hotel in Bangkok postponed its date of closure until next January. The Dusit Thani Bangkok will remain open until 2pm of Jan. 5, 2019, said hotel developers Dusit Thani Group. The hotel was formerly scheduled to operate through April 16 before being demolished in July. The group said the postponed closing date will allow people more time to visit the hotel and for developers to plan the replacement project: a mixed-use complex consisting of a hotel, residences, office spaces and a shopping mall. The nearly 37-billion baht project is a partnership deal between the hotel group and Central Pattana. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2018/01/04/dusit-thani-bangkok-postpones-closure-january-2019/

From The Nation Irresponsible tourist-boat operators have been blamed for dumping their rubbish into the sea, resulting in a large amount of garbage being washed ashore onto one beach in particular in Pattaya and harming both tourism and the environment in Pattaya Bay more generally. A large volume of garbage has reportedly been washing up on Cozy Beach, with plastic waste – mainly empty bottles and discarded cutlery items – seen littering both the beach and the sea. Cozy Beach beach-bed hiring operator Uthai Pengphan yesterday said the garbage problem on his stretch of sand was not new, as rubbish washed up on the beach throughout the year. However, at this time of year, when there is strong wind, more waste tends to find its way ashore. “I suspect that this [extra] garbage is from the tourist boats, because the rubbish is tied up in big garbage bags. But when the rubbish bags float in the sea, the waves often break them open, causing smaller pieces of trash to float around Pattaya Bay,” Uthai explained. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/around_thailand/30335244

From Thai PBS The cabinet yesterday (Jan 3) approved the increase of tolls on Highway 7 or known as Bangkok-Pattaya motorway from 60 baht to 105 for cars, effective from April 19. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the approval came after the Special Highway Department has finished the construction of nine new toll booths on the Bangkok-Pattaya motorway under the closed tolling system, or which it’s entry and exit will be under control. He said that under the closed system, toll booths will be increased from five to nine. They are located in Lat Krabang, Bang Bo, Bang Pakong, Phanas Nikhom, Ban Bung, Bang Phra, Nongkham, Pong, and Pattaya. http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bangkok-pattaya-motorway-toll-increase-60-baht-105-baht-beginning-april-19/

BANGKOK, Thailand – A Bangkok clinic that has drawn 100 men a month to its penis whitening service has caused a stir in Thailand, with social media users both baffled and alarmed by the phallic fad. The Lelux Hospital, renowned for its body whitening expertise in a country obsessed with skin color, began offering the unconventional treatment six months ago after a male customer complained of "dark parts" on his groin. "These days a lot of people are asking about it. We get around 100 clients a month, three to four clients a day," Bunthita Wattanasiri, a manager for the Skin and Laser department at Lelux Hospital told AFP. The procedure, which uses laser whitening, got wide play on Thai television and social media on Thursday, January 4, after the hospital released images of a man undergoing the treatment. "We have to be careful because it's a sensitive part of the body," Bunthita said, adding most clients were aged between 22 and 55-years-old with many from Thailand's LGBTQ community. The same hospital stirred controversy last year for touting beautification treatment called a "3D Vagina" in which the customer's own body fat is used to make genitalia more plump. The whitening service costs around $650 for five sessions. https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/192919-penis-whitening-thailand-social-media-nuts Excerpts from Coconuts Bangkok Lelux Hospital advertised the laser on Facebook as, “The most talked-about treatment right now. [To achieve] pink, white Pikachu. End the problems caused by dark penises. It doesn’t hurt or require recovery. Ready to score right after it.” In a live video, Lelux Hospital also interviewed the man in the viral post who is said to have been lasered. This patient, who was not named, said the difference is noticeable after the first treatment, “It was much lighter. I’ve had three treatments and now feel better.” “I’m much more confident to wear swimsuits now when I travel.” https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/whiter-wang-thai-men-can-now-get-laser-treatment-lighten-penises/

As of early December, the newest shop on Soi 4 (right-hand side as you enter from Silom) is Nakarat. The boys gather both on Silom near the corner of of the soi and others just after the the restaurant (opposite Sunrise Taco). They wear black T shirts. All facilities are located on the third floor above restaurant (you pass through two floors of the restaurant to get there). Room and shower stalls are on the small side but there are many cute guys. One hour oil was baht 450. You can negotiate tip and expectations beforehand.

This forum is the single best repository for information on massage shops I'm aware of. DM's addition puts it over the top. Just about all the questions I see come up relate to shops that have previously been mentioned by members, although not all in the topic's title so a little detective work is necessary. Fortunately there's a good search function to rely on. But like all search functions, it may not spit out exactly what your looking because rarely a few days passes without some new post that mentions "massage." I just tried searching for "Surawong massage" and "Silom massage' and received lots of hits. Those prepared to dedicate a little time in scanning through the results stand a decent chance of finding their objective. Christianpfc's blog has much massage info but it's harder to find because it lacks the ability to search. Your best bet there is to check the titles of his past posts. Add the willingness of members to respond to specific queries, it's rare not to get a question resolved. If a poster seeks and gets his question on any topic answered, a follow-up post (trip report, venue review) is always good form and appreciated. Have seen too many situations where one or more members reply to an inquiry and you never hear again from the guy who sought the assistance. Happy hunting!

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/