First Trip Report: Bangkok September 2023

[CallMeLee]

7 hours ago, PeterRS said:

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.

Thanks for such an informative post! ☺️ Words and meanings do evolve. I know of a few mates who refer to dinner/supper as "tea". Could be an extension of the high tea you wrote about? Imagine the confusion on this Asian guy's face when invited for tea and was served a full dinner!

Many years ago, I was invited to come over for tea. Long story short ,we went straight to the bedroom, got rid of our clothes and was served something else. Perhaps another evolution of the meaning of afternoon tea? 😂

 

[CallMeLee]

13 hours ago, vinapu said:

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.

 

And some guys go ------- just being "territorial" and wants to maximise the amount of offs they can squeeze out of you.  

[scott456]

15 hours ago, vinapu said:

 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.

Some will go because it's free to them, farlang pay for everything, high tea, low tea, foods, boy bars, cocktails, boy tips, so why not.  OP pays everything for this Filipino tourist. 

[Department_Of_Agriculture]

On 10/4/2023 at 11:43 AM, PeterRS said:

...the wonderful actor Dame Edith Evans

Did she have a penis? Was she a ladyboy?

[PeterRS]

5 hours ago, Department_Of_Agriculture said:

Did she have a penis? Was she a ladyboy?

Silly question. I guess you are not aware that now all actors are called actors, including those we used to call actresses.

[moistmango]

On 10/2/2023 at 7:40 AM, floridarob said:

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 😉

Just curious: where do you go for similar pleasures in Indonesia? 

[floridarob]

2 hours ago, moistmango said:

Just curious: where do you go for similar pleasures in Indonesia? 

Bali and Jakarta, there used to be a gay disco in Jakarta that was fun, but they didn't survive Covid. The apps will keep you busy enough, there's no need to leave your hotel room, lol

I'm going to try Surabaya on this trip as well for the first time.

Side note, I met someone in Jakarta about 4 yrs ago that was def bf material and he arrived in NYC to study the same day I landed in Bali in Sept.. I'll see him in NYC next week though. I'm sure he'll have no problem finding a bf in NYC, he's cute, smart and dedicated to doing well in life.

[neil]

Thank you for the report. I am going to BKK next week. Quite useful info.

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, neil said:

Thank you for the report. I am going to BKK next week. Quite useful info.

welcome to the forum and hope you will share your impressions with us, no pressure, just hope

[moistmango]

22 hours ago, floridarob said:

Bali and Jakarta, there used to be a gay disco in Jakarta that was fun, but they didn't survive Covid. The apps will keep you busy enough, there's no need to leave your hotel room, lol

I'm going to try Surabaya on this trip as well for the first time.

Surabaya's a bit off the beaten path for Western tourists (which I'm assuming you are - apologies otherwise). What are your plans there, if I'm not being nosy? 

[floridarob]

1 hour ago, moistmango said:

Surabaya's a bit off the beaten path for Western tourists (which I'm assuming you are - apologies otherwise). What are your plans there, if I'm not being nosy? 

I have a German friend that lives in BKK, he says the more "conservative" or religious these places are the more activity on the apps...he likes Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also....

[fedssocr]

I would imagine you have to be more careful in those types of ultra-religious places though

[floridarob]

5 hours ago, fedssocr said:

I would imagine you have to be more careful in those types of ultra-religious places though

It's not Afghanistan 😉

[scott456]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

It's not Afghanistan 😉

Try North Korea.

[moistmango]

9 hours ago, floridarob said:

I have a German friend that lives in BKK, he says the more "conservative" or religious these places are the more activity on the apps...he likes Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also....

Good luck! If you *really* want conservative, there's always Aceh .. 

[fedssocr]

Exactly, that's more of what I had in mind. I haven't seen any reports recently of gays being dragged out of their bedrooms though

[vinapu]

8 minutes ago, fedssocr said:

Exactly, that's more of what I had in mind. I haven't seen any reports recently of gays being dragged out of their bedrooms though

wait until flordarob goes there

[CallMeLee]

Day 10

It might be too early to be stressing out on small things but while having breakfast in my apartment, I'm having a dilemma with how much tip should I be giving Jake. I'm blaming myself for not having that conversation sorted prior ------ the original plan was just to meet up for an innocent coffee but it has since evolved to him staying for the night (20+ hours).

I took a stab in the dark and decided on an amount and handed it to him before he left. He casually placed the bills inside his wallet without counting. Half an hour later, I received a text from him thanking me for the tip and how he will save it for next time he's in Thailand. The message felt weird but at least he's ok with the tip.

Moving on with my day, I decided to do something touristy for a change. I have never been to MahaNakhon so I booked a ticket via app and headed to Chong Nonsi and see what the fuss is all about.

To put it bluntly, while the view is amazing, the experience and routine is kinda similar to other skyscrapers I visited (Taiwan, Singapore, Tokyo, KL etc ). Although for some reason, everyone who wants to walk on the glass bottom bit is required to wear shoe coversand to have all loose items including mobile phones secured in a bag. I guess this is to prevent scratches to the glass? There's also a bar at the top floor. I can hear some saying that the drinks are expensive but looking at the menu, it's cheaper than boy bar drinks. I had a couple of decent Rosé before making my way down the building and head straight to Arena.

Mek (?), the masseur I chose was surprisingly good. Massage quality in Arena has always been a hit and miss for me but the extras have been consistently enjoyable - hence, my constant visits. Mek have that rough manly look balanced out by his mischievous smile. His body is well proportioned and he's very generous with it. At one point I asked him to lie down on the massage bed and just admired his physique while giving him a massage. The bonus for me this time was he joined me in the shower before and after the massage. 

Come night time, ignoring temptations from apps and Line, I taxi-ed to Surawong, loaded up on caffeine in Starbucks Montien and when the time was ripe, marched towards Hotmale. There's a good contingent of guys up on the stage but the number of customers show that it's still lean season. Halfway through the first show, the volume of patrons improved which was a good sign for the guys.

Ae was already seated with a customer which was good as I have the chance to off someone else without having that awkward chat with him. I quickly invited a hunky lad to get off the stage and join me. He introduced himself as Tee and he's from Isan. A few moments later, Ae came to our table, shook my hands and gave me a hug. Before walking away, Ae whispered that I made a good choice and that Tee is his friend.

After the usual exchange of info (where you from, how long you stay, first time in Bangkok?), the conversation kinda dried up. I started to look around for any other potential offs as the connection wasn't there. He then excused himself as they have to prepare for their performance.

I tried to distract myself from leaving and going to another club by trying to enjoy the performance. With eye candies up on the stage, I realised staying put will be both cost and time efficient.

Now the performance itself was something else, while some are rehashed from the last time I was there, there's a new one I saw that I felt so conflicted about. There's a dance performance where Shakira's This Time's for Africa (Waka Waka) is playing and the guys are wearing nothing but what seems to be an epic failed attempt to an Indian headdress. I felt conflicted because while I know how incorrect the performance is in so many levels, I can't keep my eyes off the stage given what they chose not to cover down there. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm in a boy bar in Bangkok where political correctness may not be their priority nor hiring a cultural consultant for their performance! 😂

Tee came back and I was pleasantly surprised that his mood changed. He suddenly became attentive and engaging. Either the night is progressing and I'm his most likely chance for an off or my most likely suspicion is he had a chat with Ae backstage about our session a few nights ago. Whatever the reason is, I am delighted that we both started feeling comfortable. He's really chatty when relaxed and I'm glad to have chosen patience that night.

A few minutes later, Ae passed by already dressed up to go out with his client. He shook both our hands and had a brief chat with Tee and went on his way. I can sense from Tee's expression that he would like to say something but is being hesitant. So I took the initiative and asked him if he would like to go with me tonight. He nodded and gave me a cheeky smile and wrapped his arms around me.

Outside the bar, I asked Tee if he's hungry and if he would like to eat something. His "up to you" response wasn't very helpful but we eventually settled with having food delivered via grab. I gave him my phone and let him choose and order for both of us which he did gleefully although a bit worried about my spice tolerance. 

After eating, we bonded over drinks and chatted for a bit. He showed me photos from his Facebook account - his hometown, mates and family. I smiled and commented politely but at the back of my jaded mind, I'm suspecting that this might be a prelude to possibly asking for financial help down the line? ---- fast forward to today, I haven't heard from him. Maybe he's just making conversations and sharing a bit about himself without ulterior motive? No one knows.

Afterwards, I switched on the telly and gave him the remote motioning I'm about to go to the shower. He must have misunderstood what I'm saying as we ended up in the shower together.

But who am I to complain? Sometimes, language barrier has its advantages!

[fedssocr]

Perhaps he was distracted by his stage performance beforehand

[scott456]

29 minutes ago, fedssocr said:

Perhaps he was distracted by his stage performance beforehand

Or perhaps he had some tequila?

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, CallMeLee said:

 

I decided to do something touristy for a change. I have never been to MahaNakhon ....

There's also a bar at the top floor. I can hear some saying that the drinks are expensive but looking at the menu, it's cheaper than boy bar drinks.

...............

Massage quality in Arena.......... The bonus for me this time was he joined me in the shower before and after the massage. 

 

keep in mind there are no boys on stage at Mahanakhon so it's right and just that drinks are cheaper that in boy bars.

One thing not to be missed there is toilet on the same level down elevators are, toilet with the view in best sense of it.

Next time you want do touristy thing up high is to visit top of Bayoke sky hotel. No glass but platform is moving. If one stays there admission is free for hotel residents.

............

from my experience Arena boys will join you in the shower before if you ask them and after massage always.

Another great report from full filled day, thank you

[moistmango]

8 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

I have never been to MahaNakhon so I booked a ticket via app and headed to Chong Nonsi and see what the fuss is all about.

Man, not for close to 1000 baht per pop. For that price, they better have a drink or a boy or some illicit substances waiting at the top ..

[CallMeLee]

20 minutes ago, moistmango said:

Man, not for close to 1000 baht per pop. For that price, they better have a drink or a boy or some illicit substances waiting at the top .

- They do have drinks - but you have to pay extra

- Plenty of guys and eye candies but not offable

- Nothing illicit. Just a natural high

Worth it? I would say give it a try at least once

[omega]

2 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

- They do have drinks - but you have to pay extra

- Plenty of guys and eye candies but not offable

- Nothing illicit. Just a natural high

Worth it? I would say give it a try at least once

I would agree. It's a fantastic view of Bangkok. Defintely worth doing at least once

[fedssocr]

6 hours ago, CallMeLee said:

- They do have drinks - but you have to pay extra

- Plenty of guys and eye candies but not offable

- Nothing illicit. Just a natural high

Worth it? I would say give it a try at least once

Maybe not "offable" in the traditional sense, but you never know.

I am a total sucker for tall building observation decks. On my last visit I chose an Airbnb at Ashton Chula partly for the high floor pool deck views which did not disappoint.