10 Lessons Learned by a Traveler to Gay Thailand

[Guest anonone]

Michael.

What a great thread you have started and every post continues to resonate with me. Thank you for sharing your insights.

 

Lesson 5: It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.

 

There are many travelers that come here late in life. Many have never been openly gay or had gay friends.

 

When you first land in gay Thailand and you go to your first bar and you realize that you are not in Kansas anymore, well, you know you have found Heaven on earth.

 

If you can't have fun with all the beautiful things that Thailand gives you, you are nuts and you should either get an attitude adjustment or go back to Kansas!

 

A perfect description of my experience here. While I wish I would have found this piece of heaven 20 years ago, I am adamant to not waste a single minute with regrets.

[TotallyOz]

Great stuff, Michael. Keep it coming. The more I read, the more I like. I think you have a great attitude about farangs, Thais and Thailand. I agree with almost all of it. Size doesn't really matter, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved, lies and trust, Thai/farang terminology, the quality of life, and exercise for the mind-- all good, sound stuff.

 

But I have a tendency to think I should be faithful to the bf. While I doubt this can ever be totally fulfilled, I'm just not thinking about that variety of guys right now. I don't see it as a good or bad thing, its just not right for me but may be just perfect for you or someone else. I want a big hug anyway. You're like the Werner Erhard of Gay Thailand.

 

Can you post an outline of the remaining lessons?

 

Thanks Thaiworthy. I am glad you like the thread. I understand about the faithful to the BF idea. I did that long ago. I just find for me it never lasts. Everyone has rules in their relationship for it to last long term. Some vacation apart and some just don't talk about their soirees. I tell every boy I meet in Thailand that I am a butterfly and I will never be with just one guy. But, I'll always be honest. I also give them the same latitude. I find it horrible to act one way and expect them to act another. All my exes had girlfriends or ladyboys and I was OK with that and even included them on many of our trips and outtings. As long as the relationship does not interfere with my good time, it is really OK with me.

 

As far as an outline, can't do it. I had over 30 of these little things in my diary and am trying to condense down to 10. Still a long way to go.

 

 

Some of my contributions have been pretty mediocre looking back, but I can think of only a few I regret making. Just as chatting with a group of friends, tossing ideas back and forth, or having a good old argument, is much better when done with humour and with respect for others, so I would argue the best results are obtained on message boards when you treat the contributions of others in a way you would like to be treated yourself.

 

I agreed with all you said but this passage really was important to me. I have a few posts I regret making and once written, they are hard to retract. But, like a group of friends, that happens as well. Spending a few years in law school in New York, my best friends today were the ones that I argued with 20 years ago. We all have different opinions and come to the table with a vastly different history. I love hearing from those whose experiences are different than mine and I hope that you and others will contribute more. A message board is a living breathing thing and I love this board.

 

Unfortunately "taking the plunge" can often result in being shit upon by certain posters. Having said that, this forum is the most benign of all and is the best for lurkers to get their feet wet.

 

I agree. Some of the best posters start out as lurkers. I never posted on boards until one day I started posting on the now defunct male4maleescorts.com board. I grew to love the board and I met tons of posters and today, many of my travel buddies came from that board. At first, I simply read the board to get information on escorts in NYC. Once I started posting, a new world opened up to me and I met some of the greatest guys on earth.

 

Michael.

What a great thread you have started and every post continues to resonate with me. Thank you for sharing your insights.

 

Thanks so much! Like you, I wish I had found this place 20 years before I did.

[Guest fountainhall]

Lesson 6: To live a long life in gay Thailand, be sure to challenge your brain on a daily basis.

 

a. I think one of the healthiest things to do in LOS is to meet different people.

 

b. For me, I love doing crossword puzzles. I do at least 2 every day and have for years.

 

c. I also love a good debate or conversation on the message boards. I find them stimulating and I find that actual discussion as opposed to lurking takes you to a different level.

 

d. It is easy to please your dick in sin city or in gay Thailand in general but in order to keep your dick happy for a long period of time, exercise your mind as well. Keep it active.

Fabulous posts, Michael. They're perceptive, illuminating, fascinating, challenging - keep them coming. In fact, why not keep this an open thread with '10' being similar to what a Thai might say - i.e. could be 12, 15 or a lot more!

 

I have taken the liberty of breaking down your post so I can respond to various points without always quoting.

 

a. Could not agree more. It's too easy to get stuck in a rut, especially as we grow older. The familiar is easy and comfortable; the unfamiliar challenging and uncertain. Take that little leap. There are some amazing people here in Thailand.

 

I am delighted that several friends I made when living for 20 years in Hong Kong remain good friends and we still meet up on my regular trips. But through them and the gay circle, I meet others. Friendships were harder to develop in Tokyo, but that was one of the worthwhile challenges of living in that incredible city. Now about to celebrate 10 years of living full -time in Bangkok, I find there seem to be more interesting guys here than either of the other two Asian cities I've lived in. I've got to know writers, musicians, a former stage director at the Vienna State Opera, a maker of avant garde interactive CD ROMs and more. It seems Bangkok attracts a wider diversity of expat than any other Asian cities - and that's before we talk about Thai friends.

 

b. I don't subscribe to on-ilne newspapers, but I need my 'fix' of the cryptic crossword in the Bangkok Post and the most difficult of the sudoku puzzles (in the Herald Tribune). I used to make up crosswords at University and I guess the fascination never left me. Mental fodder is as important a stimulus to life as our daily bread - and alcohol!

 

c. Writing on a Board is enjoyable and often stimulating whether or not others read the posts. But nothing beats 'talking heads' - especially over dinner with a bottle or two of nice wine.

 

d. "Keep everything up and fresh" should be our motto, I reckon. Fitness level (my quite desperate weakness at present), mental stimulus, friendships - and of course, sex life. The one area of my life that I feel I should expand is somehow doing something to help the local community. I don't mean charity donations, but doing actual work - perhaps helping once a week in one of the Klong Toey slum schools. The problem seems to be that any form of work here - even charitable and unpaid - requires a work permit. But then that's a challenge and so I should just face it head on, I guess

[TotallyOz]

Fabulous posts, Michael. They're perceptive, illuminating, fascinating, challenging - keep them coming. In fact, why not keep this an open thread with '10' being similar to what a Thai might say - i.e. could be 12, 15 or a lot more!

 

Thanks. I agree, no need to limit to 10.

 

b. I don't subscribe to on-ilne newspapers, but I need my 'fix' of the cryptic crossword in the Bangkok Post and the most difficult of the sudoku puzzles (in the Herald Tribune). I used to make up crosswords at University and I guess the fascination never left me. Mental fodder is as important a stimulus

 

There is a Crossword Puzzle app on the IPad that I use. I love it. It downloads 15-20 new crossword puzzles every day. It times you on how long it takes and offers hints in case you get stuck. I have used this more than any other app and I love it. If you like puzzles, the IPad is the best thing on earth to get access to hundreds of them.

 

The one area of my life that I feel I should expand is somehow doing something to help the local community. I don't mean charity donations, but doing actual work - perhaps helping once a week in one of the Klong Toey slum schools. The problem seems to be that any form of work here - even charitable and unpaid - requires a work permit. But then that's a challenge and so I should just face it head on, I guess

 

I totally agree. I have yet to found something like this in Thailand. When I was in NYC, I volunteered at God's Love We Deliver that made meals for shut ins with AIDS. I loved the group I was with and we met one day every week and spent many hours cooking and talking. Afterwards, we would go out for drinks and chatting more. On many days, my only job was to peel carrots or to break beans. It was kind of boring but with our group of crazy characters, it was the highlight of my week!

 

If I ever make Thailand my permanent home, I hope to find something similar.

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 7: Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato

 

It is so easy to get into a rut in gay Thailand. Sitting in the local beer bar chatting is great fun. I often do that and have plans to do other things but the chatting is fun and one hour turns into two and two turns into three.

 

Getting around in gay Pattaya or Thailand in general is so easy that one forgets that they can walk. Baht Buses and Motorcycle taxis are easy to find. Many live within walking distances of where they want to go and yet take a bike there. Hell, I use to live in Day Night 2 and take a bike to Sunee Plaza. It is only a 5 minute walk but I was too lazy to do the walk.

 

Walking is healthy and fun and you meet so many cute guys on the journey. Why waste a chance at passing up meeting Mr. Right because you wanted to get there 5 minutes faster?

 

Exercising is not about loosing weight (although for me that is a great benefit) but it makes you feel better and gives you more energy to do the naughty things in life we all enjoy so much.

 

There are so many ways in Thailand to get a bit of extra actively and it will keep you going stronger longer. Walk to the store to get your beer. Take a bicycle trip. Swim in the pool.

 

A few years back I took a trip from Chiang Mai to Phuket on a bicycle. Not only did it get my heart rate up and help with my constant struggle for weight loss, it was one hell of a fun trip. I got to see Thailand in a way few others ever well (more on that in the next Lesson).

 

I also took a great trip to Issan with 2 boyfriends a few years back. It was so much fun for all of us. We loved it and we got into shape doing it.

 

Getting a bit more physical actively will make you a better lover in bed (most important). It will keep you living longer and it takes just a little exertion on your part.

 

Whether it is a bike ride, a rock climbing trip, or just watching the sexy boys work out at California Wow or your local gym. You can have great fun while getting into shape. I guarantee you that the hottest boys are in the gyms! Get on an exercise bike or a treadmill and watch the hot boy toys pumping iron!

 

 

[Guest]

Good point about exercise. Try to walk for all the short trips. Anywhere within South Pattaya and maybe even all the way down to Jomtien Beach, if the sun's not too strong.

 

When staying in Boystown, that beach is just a few metres away, so an early morning run is quite tempting too.

[Guest anonone]

Good point about exercise. Try to walk for all the short trips. Anywhere within South Pattaya and maybe even all the way down to Jomtien Beach, if the sun's not too strong.

 

When staying in Boystown, that beach is just a few metres away, so an early morning run is quite tempting too.

 

Pattaya beach is a good place to run in the mornings. I made it out there 4 times during my last visit. Quite a few people waking or jogging up and down the beach. Don't have to stay in Boystown for it; walking back to Sunnee/DayNight is a good way to cool down.

 

Got harder toward the weekend when they were set up for some type of festival. Had to duck around all the tents and such.

 

The biggest impediment is the sun/heat as the day progresses. If I am not on the run by 7:30 or so, it just gets too hot for me. 7:30 can be pretty tough to make after some fun nights.

 

Has anyone used any type of gym while vacationing in Pattaya? Any recommendations or disappointments?

 

BTW: another great post Michael. If the stars ever align and it works out, I would love to grab a drink with you...

[TotallyOz]

The biggest impediment is the sun/heat as the day progresses. If I am not on the run by 7:30 or so, it just gets too hot for me. 7:30 can be pretty tough to make after some fun nights.

 

Has anyone used any type of gym while vacationing in Pattaya? Any recommendations or disappointments?

 

BTW: another great post Michael. If the stars ever align and it works out, I would love to grab a drink with you...

 

The beach sand is great for walking or jogging. It is easier on the joints and your heart rate is higher when exercising on sand. It is a win win.

 

But, get up and finished before 7:30 in the morning is not possible for me. I have tried and had little success. One day maybe I'll be able to do this!

 

There are lots of gyms in Pattaya. California Wow at the Avenue is great. Tony's is very good and has many locations. The Marriott also offers memberships. There is always a place to work out in any city. It takes a bit of research to find what you like. I like the Marriott as it is quite and small. California Wow is loud and I can't think when I'm there but I still go there when in Pattaya.

 

I hope our stars align one day are are able to meet up!

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 8: 10 Lessons Learned by a Traveler to Gay Thailand

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

 

There are many big things to see in Thailand that one must do. The King's Palace in Bangkok, the Tiger Farms, Elephant Rides, etc.

 

But, the way to truly experience Thailand is off the beaten path. Go with your boyfriend or a good Thai friend to their hometown and spend a weekend. Meet the family and get to know where the boys live. Eat food you have not eaten before, get drunk at Karaoke one night and let loose.

 

My bike trip from Chiang Mai to Phuket was amazing to me as I went through at least 100 places that most people that travel to Thailand never get to see. Not because they can't see it but only because it is not in the Trip Advisor guides. I hiked the highest peak in Thailand, went inside temples of vast beauty from ancient days and met people that rarely see someone white.

 

The Ubon Candle Festival is a must see if you are in Thailand at the right time. Experiencing Loy Krathong outside of the major tourist places is also quiet charming.

 

People that think Thailand is all about eating the Sunday Brunch at the Intercontinental or shopping at Siam Paragon are missing out on the true magic of Thailand. Don't get me wrong, I love the brunch at the Intercontinental and I love shopping at Siam Paragon but those are not things that are typical Thailand. As Thailand is becoming more and more westernized, there is still so much to see that has not been tarnished by our hands.

 

Take a train ride to Chiang Mai the next time you go as opposed to flying. When you go to Hua Hin, hire a bike tour guide to take you on a day trip around the area that is so full of beauty. When you go to Phuket, hire a long boat to take you to a deserted beach and spend the day relaxing and reading.

 

For those that are retired here, spend some time every year doing something you have never done before. Go on a trip to a city you have not been. The Thai people are amazing and they welcome you everywhere.

[KhorTose]

this forum is the most benign of all and is the best for lurkers to get their feet wet.

 

I'm not sure I could always have said that about this board, but completely agree now.

 

Great thread Michael. I'm afraid I've been lurking on this thread as it is hard to add anything as your posts have been very good. You would make a great travel writer for Thailand, and a good guru for newcomers to Thailand.

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 9 of 10 Lessons Learned by a Traveler to Gay Thailand

 

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.

 

I get so tired of people complaining about the boys in Thailand or there are too many ladyboys or not enough "man boys." We all have our preference and while I may not like the same type of boy that you like, there are those that will like that one boy on the stage you would never go with.

 

If you can't find a boy in the bars in Thailand, whether it be the Pattaya gay bars in Boyztown or in Sunee Plaza or in Bangkok's gay boy area, then you are too fucking picky and need to go back to Iowa. That is the same place where the leading Republican's in the next Presidential race are gaining ground when they talk anti-gay.

 

Thailand is paradise. There are tons of sexy boys out there. Get off your ass and find it. If you have gone through all the boys you like and you only like newbies, then rent a car and drive across the country. Don't complain that there are no virgins in town. Don't complain there are too many ladyboys in the bars.

 

It is OK to go to a bar and give a report that the place was slow, no cute boys on stage, etc. But, if you don't find what you want, go to another bar or jump on gayromeo or another hook up site. You will find a boy faster in Thailand than in any other place on earth. And, if you can't get the boys to go with you, perhaps you need to understand that perhaps you are just an asshole. The boys talk and the avoid the farangs that are cheap charlies or that treat the boys bad.

 

I agree that the quality of the boys in the bars have gone down. But, still, I have been out at least 100 times this year and there is not one time that I was unable to find a boy I would be happy with. But, I also don't limit myself to one bar or one area. If Boyztown doesn't have a boy I want, I'll head to Sunee. If I can't find one in the bars in Sunee, perhaps my diabetes is getting the better of my eyesight.

 

In order to keep the boys flocking to the bars, it is up to us to treat them like the true gems they are. Treat them well and be kind to them. In return, you will be introduced to their friends and family. Every time I have said to the boys I know, "there is no one here I want to go with." They always say, "I have a boy for you, you want me to call him and we meet him for drinks." Why? I am good to the boys I am with. I treat them well. I pay well. I show them respect. I have never once treated a boy like a piece of meat. I treat them like they are the most important thing on earth (even if only for one night).

[Guest thaiworthy]

Lesson 9 of 10 Lessons Learned by a Traveler to Gay Thailand

 

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.

 

I get so tired of people complaining about the boys in Thailand or there are too many ladyboys or not enough "man boys." We all have our preference and while I may not like the same type of boy that you like, there are those that will like that one boy on the stage you would never go with. . . . Don't complain that there are no virgins in town. Don't complain there are too many ladyboys in the bars.

 

I've never heard anyone complaining about no virgins in town. For that, you would indeed have to travel cross-country. And I would surmise that most virgins are still under the legal age. So wouldn't want one, anyway.

 

I think there is a difference between stating a preference and complaining. There are many straights who are gay-friendly but don't like gayness shoved in their face. That's not complaining, it's just a preference. I understand that and respect their space. The same thing goes for those complaining about ladyboys. If someone is relentless about it, that's not very respectful. We may not all prefer ladyboys, but just because it is not a preference does not make it a complaint. A complaint happens when disgust is consistently and emphatically expressed.

 

. . . if you can't get the boys to go with you, perhaps you need to understand that perhaps you are just an asshole.

 

Personally, I think there are already too many boys who do go with assholes. That is their lot. Some have no choice.

 

There is a natural tendency to complain. But idle minds do make the devil's playground. I think for some there is not much else in life than to complain. It is fun for them and they don't care about the implications. Mebbe things went wrong in their life and they are bitter. Who knows what the reasons are. I agree that Thailand is a wonderful place. The difference can be what makes you the type who complains or not.

 

Similarly, some come to Thailand to escape from everything. Some come to Thailand to find something. Or it can be a little bit of both. The wisdom comes from not letting the former overtake the latter.

[Guest]

Thailand is paradise. There are tons of sexy boys out there. Get off your ass and find it.

I agree. Also after getting off your *rse, it doesn't take much time at all to find someone. Thailand really is like paradise.

 

Don't complain there are too many ladyboys in the bars.

They can have as many ladyboy bars as they like in Thailand. All I ask for, is when going into a BOY bar, I don't get accosted by pushy lady boy waiters.

Thankfully, I've only had that happen once or twice and where they really are too pushy or too screechy, it's easy enough to move to another bar.

As suggested above, it's OK to express a preference.

One day I might even visit a lady boy bar.

[ChristianPFC]

As far as an outline, can't do it. I had over 30 of these little things in my diary and am trying to condense down to 10. Still a long way to go.

No need to do so, this thread is great, you can throw everything you have in your diary at us!

 

Michael, you mentioned your bike trip before. Did you write somewhere about it in detail?

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 10: Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

 

If you come to Thailand, you will find paradise. It is here. It is everywhere. Still, many come and don't find the happiness they want. Why? I have always wondered why I have always people come here and can't be happy. I find happiness comes very easy in Thailand.

 

Don't stress out about the little things. Understand that you are in a different culture and you need to relax a bit. You are not in America or GB or Australia. You are in Thailand. It is their country. When you get pissed that someone doesn't speak English, you need to take a dose of reality.

 

Happiness is easy to find in Gay Thailand if you are kind and good to the people here. I find that the guys that are unhappy are the ones that are real assholes to the boys or to other falangs.

 

If you treat other falangs like you want to be treated, you will find some great men here. There are a lot of falangs with great life experiences and knowledge that you can learn from. Take the time to listen to them.

 

If you treat the boys like they deserve to be treated, you will find they are good to you in return and you time in Thailand is going to be much happier.

 

There is a reason that every boy I have ever let live with me in Thailand would leave any current falang or lady or ladyboy and move back in with me tomorrow. It is one simple thing: I am good to them. I treat them with respect and when I tell them I will do something for them, I do it. I don't lie to them. I treat them great and in return, they treat me the same way.

 

Happiness is easy in Thailand. Just don't expect to wake up and it will jump in bed with you. You need to leave the door unlocked from time to time to let it in.

[TotallyOz]

No need to do so, this thread is great, you can throw everything you have in your diary at us!

 

Michael, you mentioned your bike trip before. Did you write somewhere about it in detail?

 

Yes, here are two trips.

 

http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/3352-an-adventure-across-thailand-on-a-bicycle/page__p__18216__hl__bicycle__fromsearch__1#entry18216

 

http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/4356-a-biking-tour-of-isan-2009/page__p__27058__hl__bicycle__fromsearch__1#entry27058

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 1: Big Things CUM in Small Packages – I get so tired of my friends from the USA saying that all Thai boys have small dicks. That has been the opposite of my experience. Perhaps I have a knack at picking out guys but I have had some beautiful cocks in Thailand and while on average, the guys in Brazil may be bigger, the cocks I have found in Thailand have been scrumptious. Just because a boy is small in stature, don't assume he is small in all parts of his body. I have been extremely happy on numerous occasions.

 

more tomorrow....

 

I had a guy over tonight and his dick had to be at least 10 full inches. It was quite lovely. Not at all what I expected. The guys that have nice cocks must hear they can make money and come to Pattaya! Thank goodness!

[firecat69]

Did you have those 3x glasses on again??

[MrBill]

Lesson 10: Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

 

If you come to Thailand, you will find paradise. It is here. It is everywhere. Still, many come and don't find the happiness they want. Why? I have always wondered why I have always people come here and can't be happy. I find happiness comes very easy in Thailand.

 

Happiness is easy in Thailand. Just don't expect to wake up and it will jump in bed with you. You need to leave the door unlocked from time to time to let it in.

 

Personally, I think this needs to be Lesson #1. If people would do a little more of this, the other 9 lessons would fall into place without effort. I can remember my first trip to LOS. I came with a gay tour group. 9 men, mostly from USA, a few from Europe. We came about the time of the king's birthday celebration. Our Thai guides planed an evening excursion to the Grand Palace to see all the lights and fireworks. 8 of the group asked to get out of the van before we reached the palace as they were afraid of getting to the bars a bit late and not getting "the best boys." I could see the hurt on the faces of the guides.The next day there was a half-day tour planned to the Teak Palace. Only 2 of us went.

 

There is so much beauty in Thailand that isn't found in gogo bars. Take time to get to know the people and the culture. It's truely an amazing place with amazing people.

 

My personal pet peeve is people who get angry and call a Thai "stupid." I don't want to generalize, but I've heard it most often from European visitors and it may have to do with their own lack of fluency with English, as one guy in a restaurant screamed, "Stupid waiter" when his check bin didn't come fast ebnough. Another I saw screamed "Stupid boy" when a boy he was fondling accidentally knocked over his drink when he grabbed the boy in the privates.

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 11: TIT (That is Thailand)

 

Many of us complain from time to time about some things about Thailand and just yesterday I made a post about being upset with the IQ of workers in stores. It is not that I think they are stupid it is just they often do not know anything about what they are selling. And, TIT. If you can't go with the flow, you should either pack your bags or find a way to deal with it.

 

For me, I have often just found a way to deal with it. I'll go to Bangkok for shopping or I'll order online and pay for shipping. I can't expect Thai's to have my way of thinking and it is not fair for me to ask them to do this.

 

I love every part of Thailand or I would not be here. Some things frustrate me from time to time but it is all part of the Thailand experience. As I have said before, it is paradise and if I didn't love it here, I would not be here. Life is too short to get so upset with the small things you can't change and this is one I'll never be able to change. At the same time, while I can't change it, I can find ways to move around it.

 

TIT

[TotallyOz]

Lesson 12 - Hotels do not care about old men / younger guys (over 18)

 

I checked into a great hotel for the next 13 nights in Hua Hin.  I had 2 boys with me that are Thai.  However, I have been here at least 15 times over the years and all with the same 2 boys.  The hotel always has me a welcome gift.  This time, they also had one for each of the boyfriends.  Now, that is a nice gesture.

 

I noticed the one night I was in Bangkok for transit only that the Intercontinental there was also great with the boys.  They gave them zero hassle and no issues.  Of course, they were registered for my room but the hotel staff remembered them as well.  The bellboy said, "Oh, Mr. Prem, I remember you and Mr. Michael."  He has been there for 10 years or more and knows us both so always says hi when he sees us.

 

It is often asked on the boards if good hotels stop guests.  I have never had this issue in Thailand. But, I always book a room for 2 or 3 and then my guys do not dress like trash.  They wear simple clothes and are respectful.  Not once I have had an issue with this in Thailand.

[Travellerdave]

Lesson 12

 

The Intercontinental Hotel would be way above my budget, which allows for hotels at about 2000 baht per night, like the Tantawan in Bangkok. How much do you pay ?.

I never have a had a problem with taking boy prostitutes to my room in Thai hotels, regardless of there dress or appearance, but then I stay when possible in hotels favoured by gay guests. The reason being that I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable being seen with boys 18-25 at the reception desk, dining room, pool etc. I would not have that problem with older Thai men.

On odd occasions when i have had two boys overnight my hotel has made an extra charge. Does this happen at top end places ?.

[TotallyOz]

For many of the hotels in Thailand, they do charge for the 3rd person but that is always negotiable.  For example, I have always negotiated what they normally change (I think 1500 or 2000) per night to 1,000 per night to include breakfast buffet, a rollaway bed and Executive Lounge privilages.  For me, a great deal as the Executive lounge as most of the hotels in Thailand are great if you like booze.

[JackR]

When you bring a guy back to your hotel at night, would you be expected to go to the reception desk to officially register them? Or can you just walk past and continue to your room? Sorry, I sound so inexperienced, I've had guys back to my room in other cities before and it hasn't been an issue - I've just ignored the reception desk and nothing happened - but I didn't know if the same applied to Bangkok.

[vinapu]

just walk like you own the place but since you need to pick up key from reception usually at that point they will ask your guest for ID.

 

Some hotels are pretty strict and some quite lax, although if you longer time resident often they skip this request.

 

When he will be leaving most likely they will call you to check if everything is OK, I usually walk with boy downstairs to prevent boys form any embarrassing comments  or questions.