First Trip Report: Bangkok September 2023

[Ryanqqq]

Great report!! And you’re very witty. I’m definitely stealing ‘I’m a big fan of breathing’ 😂

[10tazione]

1 hour ago, CallMeLee said:

only a couple of Asian countries were mentioned 😜😜😜 ✌️

He must have been in a hurry!

[jason1975]

Thank you for your trip report @CallMeLee I enjoyed reading about your experiences. Lots of useful update for my trip to BKK next weekend.

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, jason1975 said:

 Lots of useful update for my trip to BKK next weekend.

some people have all luck in life

[floridarob]

5 hours ago, vinapu said:

some people have all luck in life

I was very let down on this last trip, but like I said, I knew it was slow season going in....but luckily missed the big rains.

So I booked the end of January-February to give it another go before writing it off for awhile... but doing some in Indonesia and some Manila to make it worth my while going that far again 😉

[CallMeLee]

Day 8

The problem with writing trip reports like this is the more that you write and reflect back on your experiences, the more the longing and temptation to go back becomes unbearable. 

With four "usable" days left in my trip (not counting the 12th one as its usually spent doing pre departure stuff), I decided to fuel the "non-red light" sector of the Bangkok economy. (Lol)

Given the generous baggage allowance from the airline, I planned to max it out by doing an early Christmas shopping. First stop is back to my usual - Platinum mall. This place is a favourite not just for the bargains but I also find the selection interesting and it feels more "compact" than MBK i.e. more shops and selections per square metres. As this is not the main reason for my trip, I want to be as time efficient as possible! More experienced bargain hunters might say that the Pratunam Market is much better price-wise but I would rather pay a bit more for the convenience and air-conditioning. 

After 3 hours of walking and hauling items around, I decided that I had enough and made my way to the 5th floor for a quick foot massage. I sat there and spent the next few minutes just being thankful for this kind of experience. When the massage was over, the masseuse pointed at my bulky shopping haul saying something around asking for my permission. Long story short, the sweet auntie reorganised the content of each shopping bags moving them around which resulted to less bags and a more manageable haul. I was so touched with her gesture and let my tip reflect my appreciation.

After dropping my stuff in the apartment, I rested a bit and browsed through Grindr over a cuppa. There are some interesting and potential meetups but I decided to soldier on and go to my spa appointment that I booked via app. Upon arriving there, I thought it Will be a good idea to soup up the package and add more from their menu. That took another 3 hours off my day (facial, massage, foot scrub, pedi). I marched out feeling rejuvenated and a few baht lighter. 

Dreamboys was tonight's destination. This will be my first time to visit since they moved to their new location. I'll say that this new location looks much better especially with the absence of that huge pillar in the middle of the stage. The place is quite full and I can see several tables with bottle service that the staff are focusing their attention to. This turn out to be positive as I was left to my own devices the whole time with no Mamasan pressuring me to make my selection and off a boy. 

Question: how do bottle service works and is it more cost effective? How much should I tip the guys who say with me helping to down the bottle?

One guy caught my attention since he looks like a twink version of this cute Thai actor named Papang (photo below). I smiled and motioned that he come join me which he immediately did. We had a good conversation as he can speak English reasonably - He mentioned that he will be moving to Australia soon. He's very personable and attractive but for some reason, I can't feel any spark. So after handing him his tip, I made my way out not really knowing where to go next.

Given my lack of direction, a tout from freshboys managed to get hold of me and dragged me inside without any resistance from my part.

I sat on a corner and realised that they are more than halfway through their show - the bit where they have to hit the pole with their dick. The sound the pole makes always make me cringe and can only imagine how painful it could be. Or is there a trick? 

I looked around and cant seem to find Nam around. Maybe he's on leave? I also saw a group of really youngish looking female Asian customers intently watching the big cock show. When they left a little while later, I noticed that they went to the bar straight from the shopping mall. A couple of their large transparent shopping bags contains all sorts of stuffed toys and other fluffy cutesy items. What can I say? Cock aficionados do come in different shapes and forms!

One guy approached me, introduced himself and asked if he can sit beside me. He's cute so I did not object and even offered to order a boy drink for him. The plot thickened when it turned out to be Nam serving the boy drink while playfully looking at me pretending to be heart broken. I continued chatting with my guy until it's time for him to do his stage rotations. Nam took this opportunity, sat beside me and with a hurt puppy look on his face asked "you don't like me anymore?" which I answered with a resounding "yes!" We both laughed it off and he took that as a signal to be clingy and have his hands wandering everywhere.

At that point, I started to feel that I am enjoying the night. While variety is good, I think there's a certain degree of comfort that familiarity can bring. So when Nam popped the question "I go home with you tonight?" I happily smiled, nodded and minutes later, were out in the street making our way to my apartment.

 

 

 

[Keithambrose]

Pole and cock is a trick. You can see that they hit the pole at the same time!

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, Keithambrose said:

Pole and cock is a trick. You can see that they hit the pole at the same time!

you wanted to say 'hit the pole with the knee and cock a the the same time "

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

 

Question: how do bottle service works and is it more cost effective? How much should I tip the guys who say with me helping to down the bottle?

.........

 While variety is good, I think there's a certain degree of comfort that familiarity can bring.

 

I never did the bottle thing but few times was invited , along with boys by members who order one. Advantage is you and your party don't need to finish. Bar will put your name on the bottle and in day or few you can and continue. Disadvantage is that you may get drunk fast if not careful.

I was told it's 3000 - 3500 baht , more if you order some imported treat. While it may sound a lot it may work well as it lasts longer, you save on boys drinks, usually they give you free chasers (coke , water etc. ) and on next visit you don't need to pay for drink to enter , you just tell them you have bottle opened and they let you and your party if any to enter free. As for tips I'd say the same like you invite boy and buy him a drink, depending of time they sat with you and how progressive you were with them (or they with you) 100-500  should be fair I guess. If you decide to off one of those boys I'd not be tipping him as he get his share in your room.

Hope somebody with more experience will chip in with better advice

.........

I agree with your statement  as repeat business  is better for both sides. Each one knows already what to expect and what is expected.  Usually subsequent meets are much better than initial one but there are exceptions to watch. Some guys are getting too comfortable and lazy unfortunately. Others may tend to take an ownership of you when you visit their bar inviting themselves immediately and asking for drink. 

Way I try to keep them on shorter leash if sense that is I tell them I'll be offing them again tonight but will be sitting and drinking with somebody else  - kind of what you did at Freshboys

[vinapu]

10 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

 

The problem with writing trip reports like this is the more that you write and reflect back on your experiences, the more the longing and temptation to go back becomes unbearable. 

 

agreed, it's why on quite a few occasions right after I finished writing report I booked my next trip , even if several months away. That soothed nerves a bit. 

[Lucky]

On 9/23/2023 at 10:12 AM, Keithambrose said:

One advantage of Le Meredien is plenty of towels. 4 bath towels in room!

I looked into booking the Le Meridien for the first week of January. It's $300 US a night including breakfast. Yet when I used the Marriott website to book it, they responded that I needed to choose another guarantee method. I have no idea what they are talking about.

[floridarob]

2 hours ago, Lucky said:

the Le Meridien for the first week of January. It's $300 US

Tarntawan has jumped to the 60-70usd range, going to price themselves out, it's still nice, but not for that price 😲

[scott456]

10 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Tarntawan has jumped to the 60-70usd range, going to price themselves out, it's still nice, but not for that price 😲

I think most hotels use some sort of computer software to update their price according to the market and demand.  That's why you see hotel price or airlines airfare fluctuate in unison with competitors.  If Tarntawan price is higher now, I bet other hotels are higher too.

[floridarob]

8 minutes ago, scott456 said:

I think most hotels use some sort of computer software to update their price according to the market and demand.  That's why you see hotel price or airlines airfare fluctuate in unison with competitors.  If Tarntawan price is higher now, I bet other hotels are higher too.

Revenue management, it fluctuates....if demand drops, so will prices.....I can't imagine Tarntawan using that software....more likely a dartboard 😆

[vinapu]

56 minutes ago, scott456 said:

.  If Tarntawan price is higher now, I bet other hotels are higher too.

for fun I checked some prioces in Silom in 2nd half of October and yes several places raised their prices quite a bit but by no means that is universal. Le Siam, Quarter Saladaeng or Raya seem to be holding up, Tarntawan , Baan silom and Furama silom went up a bit

Gone are covid days when  Crowne Plaza with breakfast over Christmas 2021 could be had for 60 $  and Quarter Silom without breakfast , just 20 $

[CallMeLee]

3 hours ago, floridarob said:

Revenue management, it fluctuates....if demand drops, so will prices.....I can't imagine Tarntawan using that software....more likely a dartboard 😆

Booking sites like Expedia provides a revenue management app to properties that lists under them. Logic is simple, if properties can maximise their pricing, then booking sites maximise their commission too.

Booking sites are like the Mamasans of the hotel world 😜

[CallMeLee]

13 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Pole and cock is a trick. You can see that they hit the pole at the same time!

This is helpful! Can't imagine a work where your job description include hitting a polite with your cock every night!

[scott456]

2 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

Booking sites are like the Mamasans of the hotel world 😜

Perfect analogy. 

[CallMeLee]

Day 9

After breakfast and bidding my temp boyfriend goodbye, I once again am embracing singleness and ready for my next adventure. But at this point of the trip, I surprisingly found myself clueless with what to do next. It's similar to the feeling of having done a number of trips in the buffet line ---- you're not full yet unsure what to eat next. 

I decided to give myself a detox and declared a "cock embargo" for today. Started with distracting myself with Netflix and catching up with my series. When I start feeling a bit lethargic, I went down the gym for a bit of a run.

By mid-day, the Filipino MB (Jake) I met previously (see Day 5) messaged asking if I'm still around. Turned out he'll fly out in a couple of days and wanting to know if I want to meet up. Banking on my previous positive experience, I agreed but warned him that my current mood and preference is just to go with the flow and walk around aimlessly.

With that disclaimer made, we met up in Terminal 21 and eventually found ourselves making our way to Iconsiam. Inside the mall, we chanced upon what looks like an English style tea house - which made me suddenly crave for a proper tea and scone. I dragged Jake who later confessed that it's his first time doing this style of afternoon tea.

Armed with this new information, I decided to give him the "full experience" and ordered the high tea set. His face lit up with excitement when the order was served. He took photos of the tiered cakes and savouries selection and asked me if I can take a photo of him with it as well. I was a bit embarrassed but encouraged by his excitement so I went for it and grabbed his mobile.

After tea, we walked for a bit and did some minor shopping before finding ourselves back to my apartment. We spent the early part of the evening talking, cuddled up and making out between conversations. Nothing extra spicy happened beyond that. When he mentioned that he haven't been to a male gogo bar before, I took it upon myself to introduce him to that world. After dinner (via grab) we made our way to Dreamboys. 

In my 7+ years of visiting Thailand, this is the first time that I went to a gogo club with a companion. It was a different experience but I enjoyed it overall. Jake was a bit taken aback with how much I am paying for the drinks and just nursed his "entry bottle" throughout the night. 

As the night progress, he started being more and more touchy and affectionate. Didn't help that I introduced him as my husband to make the Mamasans leave us alone. He particularly enjoyed the drag performance. I gave him a couple of 100 baht and told him to give it to the performer he likes the most. He hesitated at first but drew the courage to approach the stage to give his tip - and was ecstatic when rewarded by one performer with a peck on the cheek.

When the first show of the night ended and the guys are up in the stage, Jake asked me if I have selected who I will be taking home that night. When I said no, he responded saying "good, because you're taking me with you tonight."

And consistent with today's theme of going with the flow..... I did.

[PeterRS]

Merely as an aside, it's interesting that you mention both afernoon tea and high tea - I think meaning the same afternoon snack 'meal'. In fact they are not the same, although in many parts of the world the terms have become virtually interchangeable.

Afternoon tea is a quintissentialy British tradition originating in the 19th century by some duchess or countess. It was bascially a set of snacks to fill the gap between a heavy lunch and later cocktails and an equally heavy dinner. The latter would normally start to be served between 8:00 and 9:00 pm but the British aristocracy needed something to keep them going in the interim.  In addition to tea, scones with clotted cream and home-made jams were essential, as were delicately cut finger sandwiches (initially with thinly sliced cucumber filling), small savouries and a selection of small individual cakes. Anyone who has seen the 1950s movie of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest cannot help but recall the wonderful actor Dame Edith Evans discussing the cucumber sandwiches which had been prepared for Lady Bracknell's visit but all eaten prior to her arrival by her nephew and host. 

High tea was very much a meal for the working class. When men returned from a day's work in the factories and mines, work that had probably started around 6:00 am, not surprisingly they were hungry. So "high" tea was invented, this to include tea, thick sandwiches and always one full cooked dish to be served between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

Apart from the confusion of names, chefs nowadays like to put their own imprint on afternoon tea. Some years ago I had a dreadful one at the Dusit Thani hotel that had none of the traditional ingredients. Last month I was invited to afternoon tea at Bangkok's Okura Hotel. Perhaps not surprisingly most of the snack items were Japanese. Invited to the Sukhothai last week, I could not believe that the two scones (i.e. one each) were little more than a mouthful and the accompaniments so small they could not cover even 4 half scones. 

Ah well! Time marches on and traditions fall by the wayside. Time to return to @CallMeLee's excellent trip report and the much more important cocks and poles. Mention of poles reminds me of the old Bangkok My Way bar where young guys did the most fabulous pole dancing. Sadly no cocks in sight, though.

 

[scott456]

Where can I see fucking shows where animals are involved in Thailand?

[reader]

The zoo?

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, scott456 said:

Where can I see fucking shows where animals are involved in Thailand?

passing by the village you will see two dogs fucking on the roadside. Apparently dogs in Lampang and Yesothon provinces are particularly horny

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, PeterRS said:

The latter would normally start to be served between 8:00 and 9:00 pm but the British aristocracy needed something to keep them going in the interim.

like sucking blood out of working class was not enough

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

In my 7+ years of visiting Thailand, this is the first time that I went to a gogo club with a companion. It was a different experience but I enjoyed it overall. Jake was a bit taken aback with how much I am paying for the drinks and just nursed his "entry bottle" throughout the night

 I visited bars with working boys few times and most behave  like Jake but on few cases they abused fact that I'm paying for the drinks and not only gulped few but even asked their bar friends to join without clearing with me. One guy, veteran of quite a few previous offs ,  in the morning got the harsh lesson - when I gave him his tip,  it was 1000 less  than normal.

When asked why so little  ( !!! ) I told him I discounted those bar drinks he gulped last night with his friend. Now we back on good terms but on subsequent trip he did not even approach me when I visited his bar.

So in short , watch your boys and them spending your money.

Another general comment , not related to day 9 above. When you are taking boy to the bar make sure he actually wants to go. Some boys do, some will go only because they think it makes you happy. So if one senses they are bit apprehensive , don't press the issue. After all what attraction to bar boy is to see other bar boys ? Although some genuinely like shows.