Info on a bunch of BKK Massage Shops

[fedssocr]

I couldn't figure out where to post this, but this thread seems like the best place. I stopped by Nakarat for a massage yesterday. It was one of the worst massages I have had. I didn't get the masseur's name, but he was probably late 20s, fairly muscular, handsome guy. His massage technique was really terrible. He started out straddling my back but was sitting basically in the middle of my back and since he was a fairly heavy guy he basically made it hard for me to breathe. It also didn't help that the table had no face well. Once I flipped to my back and he started massaging my front he did this weird thing I've never encountered before where he was basically choking me. I don't understand how he could possibly have thought that was in any way relaxing. Obviously any massage place you go to it's somewhat a luck of the draw. But they should at least provide some basic training to these guys.

[hank75]

17 minutes ago, fedssocr said:

I couldn't figure out where to post this, but this thread seems like the best place. I stopped by Nakarat for a massage yesterday. It was one of the worst massages I have had. I didn't get the masseur's name, but he was probably late 20s, fairly muscular, handsome guy. His massage technique was really terrible. He started out straddling my back but was sitting basically in the middle of my back and since he was a fairly heavy guy he basically made it hard for me to breathe. It also didn't help that the table had no face well. Once I flipped to my back and he started massaging my front he did this weird thing I've never encountered before where he was basically choking me. I don't understand how he could possibly have thought that was in any way relaxing. Obviously any massage place you go to it's somewhat a luck of the draw. But they should at least provide some basic training to these guys.

That sounds truly horrific. I hope you asked him to stop and pointed out he was hurting you??

[spoon]

Maybe he is into domination and SnM

[DivineMadman]

9 hours ago, fedssocr said:

I couldn't figure out where to post this, but this thread seems like the best place. I stopped by Nakarat for a massage yesterday. It was one of the worst massages I have had. I didn't get the masseur's name, but he was probably late 20s, fairly muscular, handsome guy. His massage technique was really terrible. He started out straddling my back but was sitting basically in the middle of my back and since he was a fairly heavy guy he basically made it hard for me to breathe. It also didn't help that the table had no face well. Once I flipped to my back and he started massaging my front he did this weird thing I've never encountered before where he was basically choking me. I don't understand how he could possibly have thought that was in any way relaxing. Obviously any massage place you go to it's somewhat a luck of the draw. But they should at least provide some basic training to these guys.

Sorry you had a bad experience and thanks for posting this.  Poorly trained masseurs (and yoga instructors) can be a real danger.  Some of these guys say they learn by watching youtube videos.  !!!  These places with high turn-over (including Nakarat) just can't be training or recruiting qualified guys.  At least that's my opinion, and why I usually steer clear.

I recently had a massage at a very highly regarded place that boasts about training.  A while back they had started a practice where if you are lying on your stomach they put a  small rolled up towel right at the ankle (between ankle/top of the foot and the table).  As a result the top of your foot isn't stretched out too much.  My regular guy wasn't working and I had a different guy who clearly hadn't pay attention in class, so he put the support under my toes, which resulted in MORE strain.  

I would worry that what your guy did could injure your lower back.  The choking bit was probably him attempting to give you some sort of a neck massage, but missing the point.  I think lower back, knee or other joint risks it's 100% fair to give real-time feed back, but I'll admit I find that difficult.  

I am relatively tall (187) so even tables that have a face cutout usually don't work because my feet would hang over the end too far.  That's why I was so pleasantly surprised by AEC - the new place on Suan Phlu.  The tables are extra-wide and extra-long.  I was able to use the face cut out and my feet didn't even reach the end of the table.  It does seem the face cut out takes some pressure off neck and lower (back for me).

 

[jason1975]

Where is this new shop AEC? Any line account with pics of their massage boys?

[DivineMadman]

7 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

Where is this new shop AEC? Any line account with pics of their massage boys?

 

[jason1975]

Thanks DivineMadman! I didn’t realise you wrote a post in Bangkok businesses section. Very informative. Shall visit in March.

[DivineMadman]

7 minutes ago, jason1975 said:

Thanks DivineMadman! I didn’t realise you wrote a post in Bangkok businesses section. Very informative. Shall visit in March.

[martinsen]

On 12/31/2017 at 4:27 PM, DivineMadman said:

Some years ago Shamelessmack put a blog out with lots of info on massage shops in Bangkok, which I found very helpful.  A while back I put together a spreadsheet with some updated information.  For various reasons that format hasn't really worked for me.  Instead, I've updated the information and put it on a blog, which for a few reasons is easier for me.  Experienced readers/users can ignore most of it.  Actually all are free to ignore all of it.  But for the newbies might be some useful info.  Happy 2018

 

https://bkkmassages.wordpress.com/shop-specifics/

I find it somewhat incredible that you have failed to put Banana Massage on you list.  It is located on Sukhumvit 23 and is certainly one of the nicer and cleaner of the massage places.

[DivineMadman]

2 hours ago, martinsen said:

I find it somewhat incredible that you have failed to put Banana Massage on you list.  It is located on Sukhumvit 23 and is certainly one of the nicer and cleaner of the massage places.

I'ld be interested in reports of your recent visits, because there have been several reports that it was no longer a "full service" massage shop.  

As to your incredulity - in the tiresome wordy bits of the blog I think I made it clear that it's my list with my choices.  I even specifically called out why I didn't put Banana Club on the list.  In the section titled "Deliberate Omissions" -- did you check there, by the way?? -- I wrote:

Banana Club (Asoke) has a lot of fans, but there have been too many reports of theft.  I recommend it for foot massages at the ground floor level, but there should never be any reports of theft.  Plus I don’t like the common shower/changing area and found the selection not so great last couple of times I went there.  But as I said, it has its fans.

Fine with me if you disagree.  De Gustibus and all that.

At least I gave you the chance to experience the incredible.  That's nice, isn't it?  I think there's a line from Alice in Wonderland about six impossible things before breakfast.  So you're one-sixth of the way there today.  

Please do give us a report of your recent visit, because that would be the best thing of all, and it would correct all those statements out there that it's closed for funny business.  

And of course the graciousness of your post is most touching.  

    

[pong]

On 2/24/2019 at 9:30 AM, martinsen said:

I find it somewhat incredible that you have failed to put Banana Massage on you list.  It is located on Sukhumvit 23 and is certainly one of the nicer and cleaner of the massage places.

AND besides that, several recent reports tell that either owner-that SIN guy Calvin, or others have barred entry and told regular old customers that they do NOT do the special service anymore. In fact another quite good shop is also not listed at all-lets keep it that way.

For those wanting to explore and have enough knowledge of Thai: check the ads on gboysiam69.com

Was in the outer regions of Nonthburi recently and old HiClub also seems to have drawn the curtains-all signs removed and porter at entry gate of moobaan also confirmed this to me.

[DivineMadman]

32 minutes ago, pong said:

 In fact another quite good shop is also not listed at all-lets keep it that way.

For those wanting to explore and have enough knowledge of Thai: check the ads on gboysiam69.com

Good advice all. I've tried to make it clear that the info I put out isn't even intended to be complete or exhaustive, and only occasionally up-to-date.  I figure the guys who are inclined to go explore some of the different parts of Bangkok will figure that out on their own.  I try to get to places a few times before posting a meaningful write-up.   I may have a good time at DM Spa but I'm not getting back there this year, just because I'm busy.  Lat Prao is such a traffic nightmare these days I'm just not even thinking about going over there.  I get the shakes just thinking about going near Don Muang, which means what looks to be a nice new place like Orchid is going to be left for someone else to report on.  

I'm not sure some places really even care much about the farang crowd.   And it's really about the guys there at that particular day  (as Crystal Relax points out now), so how much can you really plan.  Personally, there are some guys at Koonpaan (rough transliteration) who I think are really sexy, but I'm not sure they're everybody's type and it's not convenient, so, again, why bother.  There are some places that I just ignore for other reasons.  One place was discussed on a Thai board and I thought the owner's responses were off-putting, so forget it (as far as I'm concerned).  A new place that started being active on Line posted pics of two guys that seemed rather young and put "17-18" as the caption.  Delete block and move on.  

If you have found a good place that you want to give some advertising - post about here.  I wanted to get AEC some visibility to support a nice small new business and I took a shine to a couple of the guys.  Bantai is still in business.  Somedbody have time to go there and update??

Or if you have favorite place that you want keep secret (like Pong), fine.  Up to you. 

gboysiam and if you want to go through the hoops tmmsociety are good sources of info.  I've found out about places from other members here (thank you 1moRussian  ).  I've also found out about places by facebook suggestions and similar random connections.

[Guest]

On 2/20/2019 at 9:54 PM, fedssocr said:

I stopped by Nakarat for a massage yesterday. It was one of the worst massages I have had. .

I walked past Nakarat about 2 weeks ago and was tempted by a very cute slim twink outside the premises, but didn't want a massage right then.

Later I considered going back but had a quick look at the reviews on Google maps. These are quite negative, with comments like 1 hour massages lasting 30 minutes, poor technique & so on.   So naturally I gave it a miss.

[reader]

I don’t believe DivineMadman intended this to be a list of the best gay male-to-male shops in Bangkok. Instead it’s just what the title implies:  information about a bunch of massage shops. And he  took the effort to arrange it in logical order. 

And it’s just that. He relates his experiences and encourages others to do the same. Information helps us pick and choose but isn’t a substitute for actually going out there and trying it ourselves.

Since every massage experience is a unique  activity between the parties involved, variation in outcomes is inevitable. But if we dither and fret over every decision, we begin to preclude spontaneity. 

What distinguishes this thread is that it’s started by an established member who has proven experience in the subject. This, to me, is much more valueable than information gleaned from annonymous sources on commercial sites. I simply wouldn’t trust the latter.

 

[fedssocr]

given the sheer number of massage places I don't think anyone could possibly review them all.

[ggobkk]

100& agree with Reader!

During my August visit in 2018, I had two excellent massages at Nakarat.

 

[dozzie]

great compilation... heading to bkk soon and will refer to this list, can't wait!

[pong]

On 2/25/2019 at 7:55 PM, fedssocr said:

given the sheer number of massage places I don't think anyone could possibly review them all.

Depends how you define them. There are just a few more as gay sauna's here in BKK and well-known christian has reviewed these about all and makes periodically overveiws. However, the changes of opening/closure of these m2m shops are far, far more as for sauna's and thats the challenge. But it would not be impossible for someone who lives more or less permanently here in BKK and knows the city (or is prepared to shell out for grab etc.) to at least visit the main 40/50 (thats about the nr of those actively advertising and certain of giving the required extra's as selfevident) in say 3-4 monthes. But there are at least the same nr of places that are ''maybe/perhaps'' or just by some of the workers, who may work only part-time.

In my personal listing, Ive been to slightly over 40 by now, of which near 20 are closed already. And that still misses out nearly all in the Silom area.

Sources that also list them-advertising: gboysiam69, thaimassageboy, tmmsociety, gthai.net. Unless someone known more. Problem is nowadays, that many only do fb-accounts and many also now only open for prebooked clients, via LINE. Those for unannounced walk-ins are slimmer by the day.

[reader]

On 2/26/2019 at 6:27 AM, ggobkk said:

During my August visit in 2018, I had two excellent massages at Nakarat.

I began posting about Nakarat sometime in late 2017, I believe. And today I’m posting about my experience there this week.

For those new to the shop, it’s easy to find at the entrance to silom soi 4. The shop itself is on third floor above restaurant but you’ll find most of the guys (many from VN) on Silom and perhaps a few more around the corner on 4. 

The rooms are adequate with tables but only one has and en-suite shower. There are two small showers down the hall with soap, shampoo and hw. There are some separate, very cramped rooms for Thai massage with mats on floor (these are not well suited for anything else). One hour oil is 450, 90 min. 600.

Most guys will begin by automatically asking 2k. I counter with 1.3 (this is what I usually pay in Silom for one hour). I did so again this time and it was agreed to.

When he leaned in against my hand, the massage took the usual course to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties.

Have lost count of how many times I’ve used Nakarat but I’m sure it’s in double figures. I appreciate the selection and convenience of the location. There’s been, I estimate, a 20-25% turnover since my last visit.

 

[vinapu]

A agree about good word about Nakarat. Used them few times , always engaged the same guy (Art)  and without any doubt my 1.5 hr session with him  was best 90 minutes of my short 8 days trip  to LOS last October 

[kentop]

Great experience at sabaidee spa. Prebook with Line . Very responsive and honest about the boys and their preferences 

[DivineMadman]

1 hour ago, kentop said:

Great experience at sabaidee spa. Prebook with Line . Very responsive and honest about the boys and their preferences 

+1   I've been using Sabaidee Spa more this year than other shops.  Very professional.  Lots of handsome men.  For my tastes, tend to be a bit better looking than Arena.  Seems to be a core group of regular guys working most days and always some new guys popping up on the Line updates from time to time, so a nice mix.

[kentop]

DivineMadman - Thank you so much for your  Sabaidee spa recommendation. The somewhat hidden entrance and cozy feel of the place just gave me a relaxed and non-intimidating vibe.

The person who manages Line was also spot on and honest in the assessment of the guys. A few other centers simply ignored my initial Line contact. So for someone shy like me  who likes the idea of prebooking  rather than taking a chance and choosing from a fish aquarium,  this place is great ! The place also has a “discreet” feel to it. Definitely a return for me for next visit to Bangkok in June 

[Wynter11]

10 hours ago, kentop said:

Great experience at sabaidee spa. Prebook with Line . Very responsive and honest about the boys and their preferences 

Good to know. 

 

8 hours ago, DivineMadman said:

+1   I've been using Sabaidee Spa more this year than other shops.  Very professional.  Lots of handsome men.  For my tastes, tend to be a bit better looking than Arena.  Seems to be a core group of regular guys working most days and always some new guys popping up on the Line updates from time to time, so a nice mix.

I had a look on Line, some very cute guys. Is this a full service sort of place?

[DivineMadman]

19 minutes ago, Wynter11 said:

Good to know. 

 

I had a look on Line, some very cute guys. Is this a full service sort of place?

yes as long as you confirm that your Line choice will do what you want (or ask the manager(s) via Line to tell you who does what you want).