KhorTose

I think it may have to do with the fact that the BIB does not get paid very much and to be a member of the BIB you must pay someone else off. The way they make a living is to enforce the laws, especially on those who can pay the fines, and to shake down the businesses that are engaged in things that are technically against the law like prostitution. They are not the only country in the world where the police operate this way. Close to home we have Mexico doing much of the same.

Not quite the same thing as above, but I get your point and agree. Anything is possible, and I have been expressing my worries on other boards, and have done a lot of thinking about it. As long as a certain gentleman is living, I can't see it spreading much beyond Bangkok, as the army and this gentleman are still the most powerful combination in Thailand. However, a serious miscalculation of their part---well you may very well see a country wide fight. That miscalculation could be him taking back power without given the present government some kind of bone, If he does that, then all bets are off. Want an interesting comparison? Goggle the Nika riots that almost dethroned Justinian. Also, if you know Thai history, even when there was a real revolution in 1935 after three years of unrest, there was no countrywide violence.

I am sure everything is okay, but if you send me your info I will pay for a life insurance policy on you. Of course, I will be the beneficary I am worried also, but if the worst happens and it becomes a civil war, I believe it will be confined to Bangkok, and you will probably be safe anywhere else in Thailand. Nothing is going to take place in Pattaya except a giant influx of cute bar boys fleeing Bangkok. You shouldn't have any problem dealing with that. It could be the best time you've ever had. If I turn out to be wrong, my real name is GayButton and I will send you home on my private jet.

Okay, I got a lot of smiles at my last BDay party.

Well said, but on the other hand, I miss the connection and usually end up with just one guy when I come to Thailand. Now I am in a LTR and MonkeySee is correct, it is very hard. Nevertheless, any thing worth having is worth working hard for.

Yes, I like their ends also.

And for those still stuck out of country, the pictures are where???

Good question, but I would never attempt to answer for others. Have I become blasé about what is proper and what is not proper behavior since I have been coming to Thailand? In my own mind I would say, "no". If anything I have endeavored to learn Thai behaviors just so I do not do something in public that would embarrass my Thai friends. In learning Thai customs, I think that I have become even more proper then I would be in my own country. When in doubt, I ask my friends--both Thai and Farang---as they have a more detached opinion of reality then I might have.

Perfect, I know where that is. Thank you.

I've heard that Paske is well worth a visit, as it is still unspoiled. It can be reached by Lao Air, Cambodian air(?) and Siem Reap air. Never been there but people who have seemed to like it. Many gays (I've been told), but you have to search faces.

I am amazed at how you Pattayans can keep track of who is who, and who is where, Reading the boards and seeing the openings, closings, and movings makes me want to get a wall chart and start diagraming. Thanks for the info.

BOB, TOQ, Oogie all of your pictures are great, and I love to see the smiling children. How in the hell is an amateur going to be able to complete. I have already seen a couple that I would give the award to. You three are very intimidating.

I've already been to Pascals twice with a member of this board and I could not agree more. I have enjoyed a special after dinner drink both times, but otherwise I am very plebian preferring Grappe to Remy any day.

Your relationship sounds incredibly complicated, but your love of Chiang Mai shows me you definitely have good taste.

I will be in bangkok that night. Is there somewhere we could go to launch a candle?

That was you I saw last night outside Euro boys.

"Veal Liver in Port Wine Sauce and light Potato Roeschti" Hmmmmmmmmm, I will be in bangkok on the 10th. Does he take orders to go??

My report came from a friend at a Thai University, not the newspapers, and he is starting to get worried. This is the #1 topic on the campuses and gives every appearance--according to him---of spreading and growing into a true revolution with the supporters of the government fighting the supporters of the king. I really hope you two are correct, but him being worried is getting me worried.

When I get settled in you are invited to visit us in Chiang Mai. However, I have to warn you, once you try it you will never go back.

I am surprised also. I grew up in California and a 2 hour commute is not at all that uncommon. I suspect the survey for America was done in the mid-west , and not either the west or the east coast.

You mean all three toursit in Bangkok are presently safe. My friend who attends a Bangkok University for his MBA tells me that it is starting to spread to the Universities. This does not appear to be going away and I, for one, have noticed a steady escalation of the protests and violence. I am stuck in the USA so my information is second hand, but even as a Thailand regular I am beginning to wonder how far is this going to go?

It depends on where in Laos you are going. If you wish to see Vientiane, Gaybutton's advice is very good. If you wish to go to Laung Pabang then I would suggest Lao Air, as the roads are just not that good, in spite of what you have read. Vietiane is a French city with an Asian touch and gay life is very underground. Having been to France, I was not terribly impressed with Vientiane, and would recommend Lao Pabang. It used to be unspoiled with some delightfull boys, but sadly the secret is out. It is still a far better place for a gay man then Vientiane. Several inexpensive guest houses and two very nice gay friendly hotels. Prices are lower, but I do not know your budget. Suggest three Nagas for a nice and gay friendly hotel, but check around. Unlimited budget try La Residence, a five star hotel. If I was in Chiang Mai I could find out the name of some good low priced guest houses, but can only remember the Aspara, okay accomodations, great location--very basic. However, a gay bar is near-by.

It depends on what you call great. There are three very good hotels that are gay friendly, but you must be a little discrete as technically same sex relations are discouraged in Laos. At one end of town is the Don Chan Plaza, new modern, with gay friendly Disco, at the other end is the Novotel (where I stayed) that also has a gay disco near by, but I did not like the hotel. There is also the Setha Palace a wonderfully old restored French colonial mansion (gay friendly). In the middle of town is the Lao Plaza which has the most convenient location of the modern hotels, but may not be gay friendly. There is one other five star hotel, (The Mekong) but they seem to cater only to Chinese. However, I highly recommend their restaulrant, and don't let the neon lights discourage you. First class Chinese food, and every table has an attenative but unobtrusive waitress. I assume you have been to France. Well Vientiane is just another French city with an Asian touch. One nice touch is that they do obey the traffic rules, and it is a fun and safe city to drive in. Hope this helps. Lao Pabang is more interesting and the boys are great. No passport for Thais and book early.

NOW I see the attraction of Rio. More please.

GayThailand, you are planning to take a camera along with you, Yes? Having never been to Rio, pictures will be appreciated.