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Sounds like a plan! Regarding polluted beaches I mentioned, came across this on Pattaya One. Shamed into action by social media – Pattaya authorities and soldiers in hurried beach clean-up operation After damning reports that Pattaya beaches were an “environmental disaster zone” the local authority and soldiers swooped on the resort. But concerns remain that the action is little more than sticking a plaster on a gaping wound. Social media had been abuzz on Thursday with ghastly pictures of black water, sludge and mountains of rubbish across a large swathe of South Pattaya. One foreigner posted a damning footage of pipes spewing effluent directly into the sea. Yesterday it was all action as dozens of cleaners and soldiers moved to restore some pride to the beaches. Tnews reported that after the clean-up operation there was much less rubbish and the sea was “a better color than the previous day”. Local council representative Wirat Jirasriphaithoon said that the authorities had acted swiftly. He blamed overflow from the drainage system released into the sea to save the city from flooding. He also blamed storms. However, Thaivisa notes that Pattaya residents are unlikely to be convinced that this is anything more than sticking a plaster on a large wound. Many would like to see the underlying problems of dirty, untreated water flowing into the sea being properly addressed. http://pattayaone.news/en/shamed-action-social-media/

Although I rarely get to Pattaya, disappointed to hear that Winner Boys--after a strong start--seems to be suffering the same fate of its neighbors. The owner followed a formula many here and on GBT applauded. The real test will come when high season rolls along. If it doesn't provide the necessary lift it's hard to see how these places can remain above water. In the final analysis, the tipping point may well have less to do the annoyance factors than the dwindling numbers of expats and farangs who have traditionally been the area's bread and butter. And as others above point out, influential local developers continue to envision Pattaya as an altogether different destination. Personally, I don't see how that's possible with the existing transportation infrastructure and the decade or more it would take to upgrade it. Or the pollution of the water on its beaches.

From Bangkok Post Teetering on the line that differentiates a tourist or long-term visitor from an expat is a wealth of knowledge, information and experiences. Being a foreigner who lives and works in Bangkok may make you an expat, but by literary definition only! There are many boxes to tick if you want to become a bona fide Bangkok expat. Here are 25 things you can do or see to earn your legit expat stripes. (continues at) http://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/social-and-lifestyle/1287003/rites-of-passage-bangkok-style

While checking fares i came across a notice on the EVA website, announcing new regulations regarding electronic devices that will come into effect on July 17. An article with more details was published in the Taiwan News. Although I don't know if this is specific to Taiwan or will be implemented world-wide for US-bound flights, I suspect the latter. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Passengers bound to the U.S. from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport who are carrying electronic devices in their carry-on bags will be subject to tougher screening starting July 17, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) which announced the new measures on Thursday. The CAA said that the new restrictions are being implemented to be in compliance with heightened security measures adopted by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Thursday. The TSA launched the measures in response to reports by US intelligence agencies that believe ISIS and other terrorist groups have developed new methods of placing explosives in electronic devices which can evade standard screening techniques. In line with the new TSA guidelines, electronic devices larger than a smartphone such as tablet computers, laptops, e-books, DVD players, digital cameras and video game consoles that are being taken aboard aircraft cabins will be subject to stricter screening. This, however, does not mean that such devices are banned from being carried on board, rather it means that passengers need to prepare to have their devices screened, said the CAA. Starting on July 17, passengers planning to carry such devices on board the plane will be subject to random spot checks at the departure gates, which in some cases could be quite time consuming, as the inspection of each devices could take more than three minutes, according to the CAA. Security officers will be equipped at boarding gates with specialized screening detectors to examine electronic devices for explosive material. The CAA recommends stowing such devices in their check-in luggage to save boarding time. http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3200181

At least we don't have to deal with this dilemma: a contributor to the July 2 Stickman blog complains that some Thai ladies not only wear two pair of panties but even resort to two bras.

From CNN Evidence from a mass vaccination campaign for an outbreak of bacterial meningitis in New Zealand had unexpected results: reduced rates of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, a study published Monday a in the journal The Lancet finds. It is the first time a vaccine has shown any protection against gonorrhea. Scientists say the results provide fresh inspiration for developing a specific vaccine against the STD, which causes about 78 million new cases worldwide each year. In recent years, gonorrhea has shown increasing antibiotic resistance, with some patients unable to be treated with any available drug. Because of this, the World Health Organization includes gonorrhea in its list of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/10/health/gonorrhea-vaccine-study/index.html

The massage guys or offs with a some English will frequently make conversation. I always respond by asking about where they're from and about their families. Some from outside of Thailand describe fears of getting caught working there without a permit. Now, in light of the current crackdown on illegal workers, I'm wondering how much this may have played into MonBoy's decision to return home. I'm inclined to believe that although it factors into the boys' thinking, the resourceful will continue to take their chances and seek their fortunes in BKK and Pattaya. It may not be their ideal life choice, but it's a life that may make it possible to eventually return home for good with the resources to build a new home and get a head start that would otherwise elude them. This, to me, is part of the attraction of getting to know these guys on more than a one-off basis. Sure, I risk getting pulled into their day-to-day existence and likely to be more generous to those who make that special connection. But since I travel half-way around the world to be be among them, I'd be a fool not to take the very risks I seek--with all the due caution I can muster while lying with the naked incarnation of my dreams a short reach away..

From Pattayaone A former Muay Thai champion, once convicted for stabbing a Russian tourist, has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill a British man who refused to buy an imitation watch from him in Pattaya. Phayu Sisaeng, 35, was arrested late Sunday night after David Bruce Cowperthwaite, 52, filed a complaint with Pattaya police at about 10pm on Sunday. The Briton owns a sandwich shop in Pattaya and he was accompanied by one of his employees, Chanthana Nupaengtha, 39, in filing the complaint. Chanthana, who works in the shop’s kitchen, told police Phayu came to the sandwich shop at about 11pm on Saturday July 8th and tried to sell the imitation watch to Cowperthwaite but the Brit refused and asked him to leave. Chanthana alleged Phayu became angry and engaged in a fist fight with the shop owner before he left. He alleged that after the shop was closed that night, Phayu returned and shouted outside the shop that he would kill the Briton. Chanthana alleged Phayu returned on Sunday evening and again threatened to kill the Briton, terrifying female staff at the shop. http://pattayaone.news/en/threatening-kill-british-man/

And perhaps it will work for me. Indeed, time will tell.

It's not possible, namazu, for me to come away from your writings without recollections of my own experiences I now feel compelled to relive--and examine--under the lens that your adventures impose. You easily rekindle memories I was content to leave compartmented in the past. You force me to confront unresolved emotions. I find myself recalling faces of those I met over 15 years of visits. How many have returned to the farms, the villages, the families they described to me? How many did not? How did they survive? I don't think it possible to sleep with someone, awake to their smile and then totally erase them from my life. We really don't possess a delete button. My second trip was the first and only time I agreed to be seen off at the airport. It was a week into my last trip when one of my new guys said "I go to airport with you" after asking what day I was leaving. I gently but firmly discouraged him. How much are they pursuing their game plan? How much are we pursuing our's? In the end it probably doesn't matter because we're both destined to repeat the scenario with other players. Some of these guys we may well see again while others simply disappear from our lives. What I'm becoming more aware of is the need to let them know I appreciate the time they shared with me. I hope I treated each with with respect and left them their innate dignity. These, namazu, are the reflections of a much older man who is indebted to you not simply for the entertainment you provide but for the issues you bring forward. And after I finish reading the forum today I'll begin planning my next trip--as I hope you, too, are doing!

From Pattayaone The newly appointed head of the Chonburi Immigration Office said anyone applying for long-term visas would be thoroughly investigated. Pol. Col. Songprode Siri­sukha was introduced as the new Pattaya area immigration chief June 27. Pol. Maj. Satawat Srirattanapong was named deputy in the annual reshuffle. Songprode told his new staff he intends to dedicate his work and commitments toward the security of visitors to Pattaya and the surrounding areas. Part of that will be ensuring that those on long-term visas are safe to have in the country. Therefore, people who are requesting a long-stay permit will be thoroughly investigated for the safety of the community and the nation, he said. He added that illegal immigrants and international criminals will also be a priority. Songprode is said to be a laid-back person with a friendly personality. His policy will be to provide services and welcome visitors with open arms as if they were family, staffers said. Source: Thai Visa http://pattayaone.news/en/immigration-boss-investigation-expats/

Super A, GC and NB's--like just about all other venues of this type--remind me of that boiler plate language oft cited in the investment industry: past performance is no guarantee of future results. My recent visits to all three places met were with immediate attention as I was the only customer. But I acknowledge that much depends on what boys are available on a given night, the position of the moon in its orbit and the hairs on the back of my neck. Looking back on my trip, I'm reminded what a rare experience Thailand presents. The people who read this forum fly in from points all over the globe or have chosen to work or retire there because of its rarity. The boys accept us as we are. That's usually quite different how we're treated at home. If I find myself losing cite of this fact, I hope someone gives me a swift kick in the ass.

Could well be (doing this from memory without notes). Encouraging to hear that Myanmar boys can now be found at Scorpion.

All the Suriwong shops were 500 for an hour. And with the exception of the massage I prematurely ended, always got a full hour of service. Since there are so many in a compact area, it keeps them competitive. Although I didn't patronize it, Indra massage (opposite Tawan) had a load of guys. Went there four years ago was not impressed by the experience. But there's a whole group of new faces there now. Jupiter will be visited next time.

MASSAGE There was so shortage of guys in the shops. Although I'd guess that at least half are straight, that certainly doesn't mean they don't know how to satisfy. Only had one dud in that department. Granted it's low season but I was the only westerner I saw upstairs in any of the shops I visited. ARENA AND BANANA CLUB -- They never disappointed in the past and this was no exception. Banana provided me with my first guy who appeared to be Thai-Japanese mix. He was new but had learned quickly. SURIWONG STRIP -- There's a half dozen shops in the area between Soi Tarntawan (soi where Tawan is located) and the Family Mart, all on same side of Suriwong. I managed to sample three this time. These places don't get a lot of mention so here's what I found. My favorite turned out to be Tarntawan Massage (closest to Family Mart) where they wear white polo shirts with green trim. I was walking by my first night and a guy stood up, touched my arm and asked: "body massage, sir?" This qualifies as the Vinapu approach is spades. He was hunky with a killer smile. Think I said "yes" but who the hell knows. Ten seconds later I was removing my shoes and a minute later I was on the second floor. Facilities: all rooms are second floor and have in-suite showers. Standard massage table without hole. My guy was from Issan, 22, and had a body hardened by labor and not the weight room. Sure, he liked girls and asked if I minded if he used his phone to complete the mission, and I know I said "no problem." Must have enjoyed myself because I repeated this episode four times with my Roi-et accomplice during my stay. He showered with me after and was really attentive. Also had a pretty good experience at Urban Thai Massage nearest the 7-11 at the other end of strip. Again, it was the guy who smiled at me and said, "Massage?" The guys here wear lime green tops with high collar. Room he took me to was on third floor with a large shower. Massage table with whole. He was 21, not a muscle guy but could perform without aid of a device. Good massage skills and and responsive to requests. Only downside: I showered alone. Also tried Green Massage (oddly they wear orange polo shirts). Mistake I made here was responding to the female mamasan outside who inquired whether I wanted a male or female? "I have profiles on ipad" she assured me. I went inside and was invited to sit while she went off to get her ipad. Meanwhile, about 16 Chinese were getting leg massages. Shortly after an entire family (including three girls) entered and took seats to await their foot and leg pleasures. Finally, mamasan returned and showed me pics of six guys who'd be available. None stood out so I just chose the last one. Massage started OK but he remained fully clothed. When I asked if he could do body-to-body, he responded "no can." Oh, well, I figured I see how it went. Unfortunately, he must have thought that the application of more oil would compensate. It didn't. When I began to feel like a basted turkey, I told him enough oil but he didn't seem get the message. I brought it to an end when he asked me to flip over on my back. Cut my losses and showered alone. Tipped accordingly. Having said that, I'd still give this another try but only if I make the right connection outside. On my last night, I was walking along Suriwong in direction of Patpong (same side) and there's an area where there's a tailor's dummy on sidewalk. There's usually a few ladies outside, offering massage but this night there was a really eager guy who physically stopped me, promised the world but I was on my way to meet a friend at Telephone and had to take a pass. Maybe he'll be there next trip. SOI TWILIGHT -- Unless you're a show guy (I'm not) you can enjoy a beer in the vicinity of bht 120 at most of the outside bars. Maxi's has good food and a great for crowd watching. Dick's is also good and beers are 110. If the Chinese suddenly abandon Dream Boy, it will rapidly cease to exist. There were also some cute guys in a new outside bar located just after Dick's who are eager to keep you entertained if you're buying the drinks. SOI FOUR -- Spent most of my time there at Telephone. Like the waiters and the burgers. They have a low-season Happy Hour between 6 and 9:30 with cheap drinks. A shot of bourbon is bht 59. Although I didn't visit Jupiter, most of those I saw going in were Chinese. Four was definitely busier than Twilight. SUPER A, GOLDEN COCK AND NATURE BOYS -- These holes in the wall deserve our support because they represent an alternative to the standard fare. I hope they can hold out. Super A had 8 guys the night I stopped in, including a cute Lao guy. Drinks bht 130 and off fee 500. GC had five guys, two of whom were uninhibited, very well-equipped Issan guys. Drinks 140 and 400 off. Good idea to keep close count of number of drinks you agree to so you and bartender have same count when it's time to settle up. Nature Boys -- There were two attentive guys who made passing the time enjoyable. Beers were 150 if I recall correctly. MISC. Arrived about 7p.m. and took train to Petchaburi and transferred to MRT for quick ride to Silom. Cost about 60 bht. Reversed process for an 8 p.m. departure. USING AN ATM -- Made a stupid mistake while using Thanachart Bank. I failed to notice (or it wasn't displayed on screen) the following message: "I have chosen not to use the Mastercard currency coversion process." It was, however, printed on the receipt. The result was an exchange rate a full baht below what I should have received. The devil is in the details! Currency exchange -- Super Rich location in Silom complex continues to offer most competitive rates but you can do a little better at its other location further down Silom located next to the building where Arena is located. KFC has opened a new store a short distance away from its old location on Silom.

From The Independent (K) By Elaine Dickinson "Amazing Thailand" - so the slogan goes. But while Thailand shines brightly on many fronts – its exhuberant capital, mesmerising beaches, bucolic countryside, lip-smacking food – it is mirrored by a dark side, a far cry from the tourism authority's vision of paradise. During my years living in the Land of Smiles, I heard almost daily tales of horrific motorbike, car, boat and bus accidents, scams and property frauds, drownings and diving incidents, stabbings, suicides and highly-suspicious deaths. Most distressing among them were the murders of British youngsters Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, who were brutally killed on the southern island of Koh Tao in 2014. At the time of the event, I was asked by an international news agency to gather some quotes from foreigners living on the island. Resting in the Gulf of Thailand, a two-hour ferry ride north of Koh Samui, Koh Tao is best known for its incredible marine life, which over the years has attracted a small but buoyant expat community of around 2,000 people, many of whom run dive centres, restaurants and B&Bs. But my requests to long-time residents and business owners were met with fear, as they made it quite clear they felt their lives would be in danger if they spoke on the record. Off the record, however, they told of an island held in the iron grip of a mafia family, who demanded protection money, controlled the local police force and were not above attacking or burning down the homes and businesses of people that crossed them. Continues: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/koh-tao-thailand-dark-side-car-crash-murders-mafia-suspicious-deaths-a7824171.html

Have had same experience. They want to get out of street clothes and get more comfortable. And, as Spoon points out, it keeps their jeans cleaner longer.

This is a time-proven rule that has failed me only once (and in that case, it was mostly due to inability to communicate effectively). The same premise applies to massage shops. At Arena, where you can find 20 guys smiling at you, it's hard to make a mistake.

Banana Club and My Hero to name a few.

I'm inclined to say TIT but somehow that falls short. There must be a lucrative business in destroying what nature has bestowed.

I found myself in a similar situation seven years ago and also used Bangkok Christian Hospital. Excellent service and treatment and I don't think the tab exceeded a thousand baht. Highly recommened.

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya has confirmed new rules for beach chair vendors that will see them kicked off the sand two days a week and confined to smaller spaces the rest of the time. Pattaya City Council Chairman Anan Ankanawisan and other board members informed the unhappy umbrella dealers of the final rules promulgated on military orders June 1. Vendors now will be limited one 63-sq.-meter block of sand – instead of renting multiple 49-sq.-meter parcels – on both Pattaya and Jomtien beaches. Whether those vendors will be subject to annual lottery draws to keep their spaces – as proposed earlier – was not announced. To keep the beach tidy, vendors will be barred from putting out chairs until requested by a customer. They also will have to remove all their chairs, umbrellas and other property from the beach Tuesday night and bring it back Friday morning. http://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-confirms-big-changes-beach-chair-vendors-177207

Indeed there are and on any given day can be found patrolling the Garden of Earthy Delights

To be honest, I don't mind if a guy I'm attracted to has a bit of a belly. I've met guys who describe themselves on GR as "belly" but look damn good to me in person. It tells me they're comfortable with themselves and IMHO tend to be easy going and fun. Bottom line: they're still offable in my book.

The following article describes a chain of inexpensive hotels known as "Hop Inn." Being completely unfamiliar with them, I spot checked some Trip Advisor reviews and they seem to rate fairly well among guests. They appear to have numerous locations in the north and northeast regions and other locations around LOS in the price range of $16 US or less with current promotion. From The Nation Book soon and you can stay at any of the 25 Hop Inns across the country for Bt99 per night. The hotel chain is offering the low rate to celebrate the opening of the 25th outlet. Rooms can be booked from June 12 to 14 for stays anytime before October 31. Hop Inns boast consistently high quality and standards based on the brand’s “4 Points Promise” – cleanliness, convenience, comfort and safety. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, every room has a comfortable bed, air-conditioning, TV set, work desk and refrigerator. The hotels have secure parking, CCTV, key-card room access and a coffee corner. The 25 great locations include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Udon Thai, Khon Kaen, Krabi and Had Yai. Learn more at www.HopInnHotel.com. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/travel/tourism_hotel/30317489