baobao

Thanks for the tip, Michael. I might be in the market for a new phone next time and have (so far) had decent luck with electronics at Tuk.Com. Didn't know about this shop, though.

Yes, thanks for the link, bottomdad! Time doesn't allow me to even keep up with the forums, let alone individual blogs, so I'd missed this post a month or more ago. I wish Gay Pattaya the best of luck. Rogie is spot on about the time it takes to keep up with a blog, too. Sharing one's own photos and experiences on your own site is a pleasure - most of the time - but composing a post that will inform/entertain a broader audience four or five days a week isn't as easy as some may think. Even the most prolific posters tend to fall back on "borrowing" images, other articles and post ideas from other sites to fill a week here and there, I'm told; something far easier than composing an actual post. I hope Gay Pattaya will share more of their day to day experiences there, like TOQ does on his blog. That's entertaining For a couple sites it's all about the statistic numbers, for me it's about the sharing. There's room for all, and personally I'm happy with the folks who drop in regularly to read my stuff whenever they land there. http://khunbaobao.blogspot.com

I believe jaafar may live in Chiang Mai - I do not - and we're two different people. Lovely place, though. Thanks for the photo, Rogie. Seems most anything over a Sunday is a reason for a beauty contest in Thailand LOL

Christian - since he's said he doesn't drink (and I think that's true, myself) consider the possibility that there are others involved helping him sometimes. No offense intended here... that's what friends are for. If you look, "jinks" isn't the only moderator now, too.

It seemed to me as though it was a good thought that maybe wasn't communicated clearly enough to get the point across that (in my opinion, anyway) it was an offer to those who had served their country and not something crass like raffling off the company of a younger man. I think it was an unfortunate misunderstanding. Had it been my club I would have thought it a better idea to buy a drink up front for a veteran, but that could get expensive for a club owner there! As for the Sawatdee Gay Thailand forum it's been common knowledge for some time that the board was bought from Elephantspike. While I wish no ill will on the new owner and wish this new money-making venture the best of luck, he hasn't come out and identified himself yet... and I think some would have a little more respect him more if he did. He's certainly dropped enough hints via his posts as "member" and "owner" to allow many to already have figured it out.

Although it's a mess throughout the Bangkok area I still wanted to take a moment during this festival for the spirit mother of water to send my best thoughts to everyone there who has had to deal with the problems. It's a sad state of affairs all around, and if I were there I'd wish for the situation to come to a decent resolution soon. I took the somewhat blurry photo below one year at the zoo in Bangkok. If anyone has a story of a time they were in Thailand for Loy Krathong, I'd love to read it.

I'm not so sure as it's the rice-based diet as much as it is the increased chicken and fish eaten in Asia. One of the tips I'd heard before my first visit to Asia was to avoid eating red meat for a week or two beforehand to cut down on body odor. It seemed to help, but I was also showering there several times a day because of the heat and humidity so that's just an opinion. Something else to consider is the lower count of the specific sweat glands in the armpits and groins of Asians that secrete the liquid which works with bacteria to create odor in the first place (it's the Aprocrine sweat glands, if anyone wants to look it up). They have less than whites or blacks. Naturally, better personal hygiene overall helps, too.

Getting input from other forum owners isn't a bad idea at all, and I didn't get the feeling from what he said here that PattayaMale is looking to copy an existing site. I enjoy Gaybutton's site, but there are those who don't care for it because he doesn't want to allow abuse (which is a good thing, I think) or because he comments himself too often. Nothing wrong with that, either, to my way of thinking - it keeps the discussion moving. I'd hope PattayaMale would also prevent flooders, flamers and the likes from spoiling things yet again. Keeping advertising off the site also allows it to remain independent and not bogged down by the owner's club or his friend's clubs or comments that may be made by a member and raising that "just because they pay for an ad" nonsense. I didn't see PattayaMale saying anywhere that he wanted the #1 board, only that there might be room for another - and I certainly agree. I got sick of the nonsense on the forums and started my own blog. It's smaller, but like some other things it's not the size, it's how you can use it. As far as a name goes I'd suggest something like Gay Asia Forum, to be inclusive of Cambodia, Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and the rest. Gaybutton himself wishes more posts would be made about something away from the immediate Pattaya area, and there IS room for that space on a forum. PattayaMale, best of luck to you.

Thank you for mentioning the link, Rogie. I'm not compulsive about it, but I don't ever get to be in Thailand as long as I'd like and it bothers me to be sick there and see time slipping by. I had a good friend eat shrimp in Bangkok the night before he got on a flight back to the USA, and he had a similar flight - mainly in the toilet - but it's often difficult to know where we pick the bugs up. The meal Michael ate was definitely within the "window" for botulism - and having had that myself I agree: it's horrible.

My reaction would be to write a letter to the airlines, too - giving them full details to make it credible (flight number, seat number, maybe even a copy of my boarding pass) and tell them what happened. A copy of a doctor's report would be good documentation, too. That gives them an opportunity to make it right, one way or another. I'd also make sure to have the names of witnesses on the flight (such as cabin stewards) who knew I was so violently ill. I'm sure sorry you had that experience, Michael. I've spent the night in ER as a result of bad shellfish in the past, myself, and it's a horrible experience. I was living in an upstairs flat at the time, and after getting home from the hospital I was still so weak I had to crawl up the stairs.

Normally just around town for a fare of less around Bt50 I round up to the next 10, so 46 becomes 50 - something I learned from my Thai friends who scold me if I try to tip more than that. If it's just me in the cab the driver will usually get a bit more, but don't tell my friends. If it's an airport run or a longer distance I tend to base it on what the total will be. Arriving from Suvarnabhumi and being excited to be back in Thailand the driver usually gets the benefit of that and I tip better. Driving me into a congested place where they're likely to have to crawl a while burning gas to get back out or find a fare I try to show some compassion, too, and will over-tip, based on circumstances - i.e. time of day, weather, where I've asked to go. If I accept a flat fare it's because I'm burned out or desperate and then I almost always figure they've taken me for a tip and almost never tip anything on top of their overcharged rate... with one exception: one time that I grossly over-tipped a guy just to get the reaction. I posted that story last April, but you can read it here if you're interested.

I found this thread while doing a search for overnight or getaway trips as a break for friends (and myself) away from Bangkok. A while back a friend took me to Amphawa for a few days, and it was such a refreshing break from not only the hustle and bustle (and just plain "hustling") of the city that I give him free reign to plan another such trip on my next visit. Amphawa is about 2 hours outside of Bangkok by car, so to not arrive back the same day more tired than you left I'd suggest staying overnight. Besides, their floating market runs through the evening, and is pleasantly free of too many other Westerners, giving you more of a chance to see something a tad more truly Thai. The Thai themselves go there for getaways, if that gives you a hint. If anyone has suggestions with websites or stories of places they've been, I'd love to hear them. I'm in the middle of a series about my trip on the blog, and you can see that here, if you want. I'm looking forward to any suggestions folks might have. Thanks!

While there are undoubtedly many, many worthwhile charities worldwide, the Pattaya Street Kids Support Project is the one near and dear to my heart, takeaway77. At the risk of sounding like a fund raiser (although I've been called far worse!) here's the link to a piece I posted about it last April: "The Gift Of A Lifetime, A Lifetime Gift" When people ask why I'm involved with them I like to say "We can't save the world, but we can save little pieces of it". If you sponsor a student, don't miss the opportunity for a chaperoned visit to meet them. It does wonders for their self-esteem to know someone from far away cares.

I spent four days visiting the sites in Cambodia on my last trip and only scratched the surface of the 40+ places the guidebooks list. Traveling with a knowledgeable guide that can tell the stories in your language brings far more of the history alive, but there's no right or wrong way to visit; some go to take photos, some go for spiritual reasons and some go just to stand in awe and observe and walk around these magnificent sites. A guide can walk you along 100 feet of an extensive carved wall mural and point out the story line details you'd probably miss, even with a good printed guide. When I was there one book all of the kids seemed to have was "Ancient Angkor" by Claude Jacques, with photos by Michael Freeman. It's generously illustrated with maps, reference photos and stories on its own, but I prefer to have someone tell the tales at the site than spend time reading about it there - or trying to carve out the time to do detailed research before going there. My guide was personable enough that we've remained in contact and I've had the opportunity to learn more about his life, family and hobbies. As was mentioned, there IS a lot of climbing involved to really see the sites, so be prepared. They're often multi-leveled with steep stairs, and railings are rare. Eventually I'll get around to posting my Cambodian adventures on the blog.

I'm in agreement with Bob on this. It's probably because of common usage of regional terms than anything else. Most tourists wouldn't know the Thai words for brother and sister, anyway, and at least the guy is making an attempt to communicate who the person is.

It's my hope that life has just been too busy for Mack to post as regularly has in the past and not that he's wrestling with a case of blog burn-out, which has happened often enough with otherwise enjoyable sites. Mine is closing in on 400 posts, and while it has a wider range of subject matter to work with it's still somewhat of a challenge to compose, prepare and assemble images and get a piece posted that might be of interest to a general audience. Naturally, there are always critics - it's far easier to bitch from the sidelines than it is to come up with regular original content - but they're entitled to their opinions, and people have been kind enough to send positive feedback, too. I haven't agreed with everything Mack's posted, but I still checked it regularly for something new. I hope he (and Rice Queen) re-activate their sites, and if Mack sees this, I hope he'll share info about invites if that's the direction he's finding it necessary to go.

My conscience would never allow me to spend that kind of money or a hotel room, either - but what a view! You mentioned a restaurant; did you happen to notice what the prices were like for drinks or a meal up there? I'd be up there for a drink and to get some pictures in a heartbeat!

As the new school terms begin this month this would not only be a fine tribute to Richard but a timely donation for the Pattaya Street Kids Support Project. I've personally been involved with the charity for the last few years myself and have found them to be the best I've ever seen at actually getting the funds to where they're supposed to go instead of being lost to the black hole of "administrative" costs. I like to say we can't save the world, but we can save little pieces of it. GWM4asian did his part, and I'll continue to do mine. If you're curious, the link's below. Rest in peace, Richard. Pattaya Street Kids

It looks magnificent! There's so much of Asia I have yet to explore - and I've yet to cross walking the Great Wall in the early morning off of my "bucket list." Perhaps next year... Thanks so much for the trip report. I'll make reference notes and explore more about it online.

Thanks for the kind words, folks. I don't claim to be any sort of expert on Thailand, but I learned long ago that the sharing of thoughts, ideas and opinions in a respectful way is the most entertaining - for this old pup, anyway. Probably just the aging process! For those who could use a smile or two, here's a video clip I put together of children I've photographed while out and about there. If there's a way to embed the clip here I don't know how to do it, so here's the link:

I appreciated both "the facts" and "the best guesses." I sincerely hope that the vast quantity of information, references, referrals stories (and yes, even some of the self-deprecating replies and teasing) aren't lost to some far corner of the web. If the Sawatdee forum is gone, I will miss it. A deep and heartfelt *Sigh*

I think most of us could just put folks on "ignore" or skim over the vicious comments and vitriol, so I personally think it's a shame to lose the old forum - as well as all of the valuable content it held. I'm still holding hope that it will become active again so those who want to can continue there. bao-bao