fedssocr

a total coincidence!

Definitely a much more mature vibe - sort of like the ThaiBL version of Skins. Sort of like that one with the super hot motorcycle-riding architect and his cute protege. GMM sure has a lot of pretty boys in their stable. I think the genre really needs some more variety. I watched this video running down all of the things that are out now or will be soon. The glut of shows is back again

I just saw a piece on BBC World that the barge holding refugees has been listed on booking.com It's very weird. They really need to get their act together

I think there's probably a lot of psychology. The younger generation in Western countries seem to be much more likely to be on the medications and they are more sexually active generally. Those of us in older generations may not be as likely to be on those drugs or to be sexually active except when we're in Thailand. How well is SWING able to advertise their services in the bars and spas to the boys who work there? Is there any barrier with respect to the many boys who are not Thai that work in the business?

Seems like there have been lots of stories of young Kuwaiti men racing motorbikes around Pattaya lately.

it's easy enough to report it so YT will take it down

I stayed at View Talay 6 last time I was in Pattaya. It was a few years ago now. There were several real estate agencies on the first floor so it took me a while to find the correct one. I had a big corner apartment. It's right next to the Central Festival mall and the Hilton hotel. So it's a short-ish walk to Boystown. If you want to go to Jomtien you'd have to jump on a baht bus. Overall I liked the location because I enjoy killing time at the mall during the day so it was convenient for that and if you like to walk along the beach it's right across Beach Road. The apartment building was OK but a little dated. It's quite big, so sometimes it took a little while to get a lift. I wouldn't call it quiet as it's pretty much right in town and there was often music playing from the surrounding bars and other venues.

booking.com and agoda have apartment listings. The place I stayed when I was last in Pattaya was managed by a real estate company but booked via booking.com. I was only there for a short time but I would guess that longer term rentals could be done through a real estate agency. They would likely require at least a 6 month lease though in that case.

I agree. A very interesting place to visit.

Fish Upon the Sky

I have used Klook for tours and bought my Japan Rail pass via them several months ago. Legit company for sure. I am sad to hear this news about Booking. I didn't realize all of those other companies were part of them. I wonder why. I suppose they all had some name recognition from before Booking took them over. Generally I like to book directly with the hotel but if the rate is a lot cheaper at Agoda I will use them instead.

Not sure why those first videos from Al Jazeera were removed. But this story seems to be making a lot of waves. Josh Gates' Discovery Channel show Expedition Unknown had a several part series on it. And here's one from ABC Australia

probably depends on your budget. I stayed at the Sedona Suites. Beautiful apartment on something like the 40th floor. Short walk to the pedestrian plaza which was nice in the evenings. On top of a shipping mall with food options and a grocery. I also walked from there to the city museum which wasn't too far.

apparently the place in Osaka closed

the most fascinating story is the king's son from his second wife- who's been exiled for over 25 years - has returned to the kingdom for the first time in all those years. As commentators have noted, the media has not been prohibited from reporting on his return and what he's been doing around Bangkok. https://apnews.com/article/thailand-vajiralongkorn-king-son-returns-24599d730e7b3ebe2a054baee1a0dc6b https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2625693/kings-second-son-back-in-thailand-after-27-years

doesn't she have some pre-existing conditions as well?

I used to arrange long layovers of just about 24 hours in HKG to enjoy the city and a massage on my way home from Asia. But for the reasons you mention I don't expect to ever return. Given the big economic downturn in China is continuing to spiral downwards I'm not sure how many mainland tourists will be able to keep CX afloat. The reports I am seeing say everyone in China is saving as much money as they possibly can so discretionary spending like travel would seem to be one of the first things to stop.

I see they just posted today that they are "rebranding" (again) and changing the staff and concept. I have no idea what any of that means. "This August we are change our image Big time both the team and the service... Focus on standardized massage service Quality masseur Peaceful place Towards 5-star experience"

I think you have to buy the more expensive "experience" to get more than that. When I did the superboy package (I think it was called) on my first visit there was more on offer. Might depend on the masseur as well I suppose. I think I'd take the train a little farther to Apollo instead. I'd also venture out to House98 perhaps but it's a 15 minutes walk from the MRT yellow line Lad Prao 83 station. Or just go to JeySpa

I only ever had a guest once, but didn't have any issues. Hospitality is excellent so I wouldn't expect any trouble.

I think unrealistic expectations are hurting everyone these days, not just the gays. The apps with their swiping left and right reduces everyone to a first impression of a photo

I stayed at Dickman several years ago. Room was huge. It's a fairly low-key place and serves a mixed clientele. But I did have a "massage" with one of the guys on staff. It was fine for a basic sex massage. Overall it was quite laid back. Sri Lanka is a beautiful place with very nice people. I've been twice and did trips around the island with a guide/driver. There's lots to see if you are interested in history and/or nature. Last time I was there was just as everything was getting shut down due to covid so I had to cut my trip short by a few days and race to the airport.

the age-restricted trailer for Playboyy the Series. Quite erotic. No idea where it will be streaming though...

I thought he already did a deal with Anutin in Dubai recently. But I guess not. I have to say that this whole 112 dust up seems like an excuse to me. Even if they were all in the coalition none of these people would be required to vote for any 112 amendments. And if PT has the PM spot such a thing would never come up for a vote in the first place.

I agree that 2 or 3 days is good for a Khao Yai break. I have the impression that it's a popular weekend trip for Bangkokians. I did it with a tour guide friend of mine who organized a private car and driver, etc. For 2 or 3 days I think Hua Hin is fine. But I can see where a week would get pretty boring unless you're there with some friends. I liked the night market which has many good food stalls and the one next door has lots of art and crafts for sale. I stayed at the D2 which was not ideal for visiting the beach. I think picking one of the places nearer the beach would be a better choice for sure. There are a few beach resorts that looked very cushy when we walked past on an evening beach stroll. I'd have to look at a map to remember names. If you haven't been out to Isaan there are some pretty interesting places out in that direction. I'm always fascinated by old temples, etc so I like Phimai quite a bit as well as Phnom Rung. I did that part of the country as a little 3 day trip where we based on Khorat and did day trips out from there. Lots if big national parks in the north if you're interested in that. Or even Chiang Rai. You might want to have a look at Paddy Doyle's YT channel for ideas of places to visit. He went to every province. https://www.youtube.com/@PaddyDoyle./playlists