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Just back from the Zoo and can report. Basically if one of their boys really catches your eye, be prepared to pay a very pretty penny, but you should get what you're looking for. The many promotions are fairly confusing, but I contacted them last evening via Line to set an appointment for today. I asked who would be on staff today and made my choice. And after asking a few questions I noted an ad for something called "Sleeping Angel" which has a very high price tag. The "regular" price is 8500 (!) but there is a promo of buy two get one, but it's really not, it's just 30% off the regular price. So 5950 (!) But I decided that I am not in Bangkok very much and who knows how much travel I will be able to do after this trip due to some family issues, so why not go big. I was informed that this price includes tip and everything so there is no extra to pay. Also it is a 2 hour scrub, oil and onsen program. He described is as a "model package". I believed I understood what that meant. I arrived shortly before the agreed time - thanks to the correspondents in this thread with respect to the location or I never would have found it. I sat in the waiting area until the boss showed up right around 2 and confirmed who I was. And then he told me that the guy I booked didn't come in today. But there is one other guy present "Neemo". He's cute enough so I was prepared to go ahead. Then he noticed that Vodka has also arrived. I am not sure what sort of animal Vodka is...some Russian thing, I suppose. Frankly Vodka doesn't photograph very well and even when he's dressed you would think he's probably 10 years older than I think he really is. I had said I would take Neemo but something got lost in translation and Vodka ended up doing the program. The boss gave me a further discount since the guy I booked was a no-show, so I appreciated that. The massage part was frankly a bit odd and nothing to write home about. He started with the salt scrub thing which wasn't bad and then told me to shower again to wash it off. Kinda tough when it's on your back - and he disappeared for a while. I laid back down on the bed thing which was another disappointment because I much prefer a proper massage table with a face cradle. He eventually came back and did a very basic oil massage on my legs and back before asking me to flip over. He massaged the front for a while and he was dressed in their uniform the whole time. Then he said the magic words "you want body to body?" Yes, I do. And then things went from there. He's a nice boy but I'm not sure massage is really his forte. If you're looking for a real, proper massage, search elsewhere. He does have impossibly smooth and soft skin though. I was satisfied in the end, but just, thanks to the extra discount. After we finished he told me to shower again (on my own) and then moved me to another room to soak in their "onsen" which is just a big wooden bathtub for one. So, mixed feelings really. I think maybe later in the day there are more guys there. There is one other boy I have had my eye on so I might blow another large chunk of change to spend a little time in his company as well. If you want more than a massage I think "Sleeping Angel" is what you basically need to go for. But yes, I acknowledge it is a crazy amount for this sort of thing, however if you get a promo rate it's not awful and it is a 2 hour program even if you spend the last 30 minutes of that soaking in the tub alone.

Unhealthy air... The forecast isn't great https://www.iqair.com/us/thailand/bangkok Outdoor activity limits urged by authorities https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/03/10/its-very-hard-for-me-to-breathe-lately-thick-smog-covers-bangkok-and-hospitalises-thousand

Thanks for all of this info. I arrive Tuesday for the first time in 4 years. Very excited.

Korean, Thai... I think the key is to not be afraid to stop watching if a show just doesn't grab you

Not sure how sensible this was, but it's an interesting look inside now

Pilot shortages are going to take a while to unwind. So - supply and demand. I think you're right that higher fares are likely to be around for a good while. Given general inflation that seems inevitable. I did manage to book a $240 flight between Washington and Tampa to visit family in the May/June time frame. That's less than I have paid for the last couple of years. As always shopping around and having flexible dates will get you the best options.

I really don't understand the media's obsession with this case

Calling your airline "Really Cool" doesn't give it much gravitas. Maybe they don't expect to be around for long. Good luck to them all.

I think the world is tough in lots of places these days. My tour guide in Sri Lanka who I spent a few weeks with going around the island asked me for money a couple of times. They've had a tough few years over there with their economy falling apart and tourism hitting the skids. He's got kids in school and a family to support so it wasn't a surprise when he contacted me asking for help. I did send him some money. Lots of desperate people in many countries. I don't begrudge anyone. It was clear to me that the Sri Lankan guy was really thankful and wouldn't have asked me if he wasn't really in bad shape.

This place runs lots of special deals. Today and tomorrow it's free massage for the first 50 people, you just pay the tip to the masseur (or 500 plus tip for 90 mins). They have a new Line: Zoo Spa Onnut They also have a second location that just opened near Talat Phlu BTS. The Line for the new place is Zoospa Wellness.

I think the inertia of these things will be difficult to change. Just like the "suspension" of the TM6 arrival/departure form

I think it's the music and sound effects

that's interesting. After the fire there was a large section that had to be redone. I suppose with so much competition in the Bangkok Mall World that you have to keep things constantly improving or at least changing. I love Central World. I can't wait to see it in a couple of weeks.

Blued was very interesting. All of those horny guys broadcasting their video getting shut down by the censors.

definitely prefer the dispensers

I think you only have to register if you want to be able to see your trip data.

as someone who is arriving in March, I'm not sure I like the sound of partial closure.

there are many View Talays (or is it Views Talay?) aren't there? The one I stayed in is next to Central Festival between Beach Rd and 2nd Rd. I think it's a real hodge podge of things. Several property management companies on the first floor renting out units so probably many are investment condos but I presume some have more permanent residents. I had a big corner unit with a nice balcony overlooking Pattaya beach. There was a second bedroom that was quite small off the kitchen so I guess your maid could live there. Gigantic bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Lots of dark wood all over. And an extra bed in the living room which I didn't love.

Booking.com has lots of condos for rent in Pattaya that are managed by various property companies. I had a nice big apartment overlooking the beach in View Talay 6 a couple of years ago

I'm staying at an Airbnb in a couple of weeks in Bangkok close to the boys at the Ashton Chula. There seem to be a few units in that building listed... and many units there on the longer term rental sites You can also search for apartments using Agoda or booking.com.

I thought pretty much any contactless enabled Visa or MC credit card worked. You would just want to make sure it's a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees https://metro.bemplc.co.th/EMV-Contactless

Sounds like a bullet dodged. I wonder if he has some sort of substance abuse issue.

I frequently listen to Cat Radio using their dedicated Android app. A little more indie/rock focused most of the time. Also available on their website https://www.thisiscat.com

and an update on some of the others https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-64648769