Gaybutton

I think it will be interesting to see what the current problems will do to your plans to come to Thailand.

I agree. Actually, when they say the tourist industry will lose half its income, I think they're being optimistic. I believe they'll lose a lot more than that, especially if this airport nonsense continues much longer. If that ends up happening, then how would the foreign tourists get to Thailand in the first place?

I agree. That's why when I go to Bangkok you won't find me anywhere near the bars anymore. I'm not about to be hustled by aggressive street touts who literally try to pull you into the bar, where you're charged the equivalent of US $7, or more, for a watered down drink while watching go-go boys who don't turn me on in the first place. Other than that, it's great! "You buy drink for boy?" Then, half the time after spending a lot of money in the bar and to take the boy off, you get him back to your room and he turns out to be a total dud. Sorry, none of that's for me. In Bangkok there are plenty of available boys without having to go to the bars to find them. Saranrom Park springs to mind. You can also find plenty of boys at Babylon Sauna, the parking lot of the Malaysia Hotel, shopping malls, and plenty of other places as well. You can also arrange a hook-up via personals web sites such as Gay Romeo. Most might be money boys, but I'd rather tip them without having to go to the bars (which for me is more of an ordeal than a good time in Bangkok) and spend an additional fortune for drinks that I don't even want and off fees. The least of the problems in Bangkok is finding a boy. Usually I'm very supportive of all gay venues, but when it comes to the tactics now used at several of the Bangkok bars, they can kiss my support goodbye. I'm happy to lend as much support as they want if they're treating customers honestly and fairly. But when they start trying to rip people off, start charging exorbitant prices, or start using high pressure tactics, that's where they lose my support and they also lose me as a customer.

Friday, November 26 OPENING RATES: US Dollar: 35.13 Euro: 45.20 British Pound: 53.95 Australian Dollar: 22.9075 Canadian Dollar: 28.3375

The mama-san is usually the one to go. They know where to go to find "new recruits." They usually lure the boys by making them think that all they have to do is dance in their underwear and they're likely to find a farang who will "take care" them from here on in. They are assured they'll make a lot of money (by Thai standards) and have a much better life than the rice farm can ever offer. The lure of the city life is also very appealing. Many of the boys are gay in the first place, but the lure of "big money" is very persuasive to boys who are not truly gay. To many, they don't view sex as westerners do. To many, it doesn't matter much whether they are really gay or not. It's no problem at all for them to have male-to-male sex. It doesn't take much to convince plenty of boys that "this is the life!" Often, several boys who are already friends will go together. That way they get to room with their friends, which is a lot better than going alone. Of course, most of them end up disillusioned in the end and eventually return to the rice farm, but many of them really do enjoy the life and choose to stay on, whether they "have farang" or not. The average 3000 baht or so they earn per month is far more than they can ever hope for back on the farm. Sometimes the parents encourage it in hopes that the boy will be able to send money to them each month. Many of the boys view it as a lark and a way to escape from the rice farm life. Many have wanted to give the bar scene life a try. They've heard stories, but didn't have enough money to get to Pattaya, get a room, and give it a try. The recruiter brings them free of charge and accommodations are often provided upstairs in the bar. Many boys don't move into an apartment, usually shared by two to five boys, until they're making enough to be able to afford it. The allure is especially appealing to the boys who are gay in the first place, and many are.

That would depend on the reason for the breakup. If it was an amicable breakup then there is no reason not to remain friends. If it was a heated breakup and/or because of something serious the boy did, then it may be best to move on and find new friends. I would think the best way to retain a friendship would be to reach an agreement with each other that it's best for the both of you to move your separate ways. I know it's little consolation, but the majority of relationships between a farang and Thai boys do break up in the end. I've been through it. Most of my farang friends have been through it. I only know of four farang-Thai boy relationships that lasted more than a few years. Those relationships are solid and most likely permanent, but those are the extremely lucky ones. Most fail to work out in the end. Most fail much more quickly than years going by. It also happens all too frequently the other way around. I've had quite a number of boys come to me in tears telling me that the farang who they sincerely loved broke it off with them, usually for another boy. I also know of many cases in which everything appeared to be fine. Then, one day the boy simply packed up and left for no apparent reason, not even to the farang who ended up jilted. On thing that has become quite clear to me is that if you go into a relationship with a Thai boy, then you also have to be prepared for the possibility that the relationship will sooner or later come to an end. Unfortunately, the odds weigh heavily toward that result. If you're lucky, you and the boy with whom you broke up really will remain friends, but don't count on it. Once each of you find someone else, and you will, the friendship will probably slowly fade and eventually fizzle out as you each move on with your lives. Again, I know it's not much consolation now, but you'll get over it and find another relationship. I know you well enough to know that while it hurts like hell now, you'll be one of the people who do survive it just fine and be able to move on. You definitely will find someone else. You can bet he's out there somewhere waiting for you and you will eventually find him. I hate to keep saying it, but I have come to truly believe in the advice Richard Burk, owner of the Amor restaurant, gave me when I first moved here: "If you want love in Thailand, rent it." That doesn't necessarily mean limiting yourself to taking boys off from bars, but it does mean that you need to keep the possibility of a breakup in mind to avoid heartbreak. Some people bounce right back and are able to move on. Others never really recover from it and fall into a deep depression. I hope that won't be the case either with you or with your ex-boyfriend. If you want someone to talk to, you know me well enough to know that I'm here to help in any way I can. You know my number and please feel free to call me at any hour, any day.

At the moment there is no indication that fares are about to be raised.

Buses and vans are also available. There is no reason to have to spend 12,000 baht to go to Chiang Mai. You could also postpone the trip until this nonsense comes to an end, which probably will not be much longer.

I'm sorry, but the answer to that question will not be allowed to be posted. We do not permit personal information about people on this web site. I'm sure what people wish to know about the bar opening will soon be posted. I'll try to go myself within the next few days if no one beats me to it.

Bangkok is awash with rumors that another coup is imminent. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Capital Increasingly Tense as Coup Rumours Spread By The Nation Published on November 28, 2008 Anupong Said to have Exchanged Phone Ultimatums with Somchai The situation in the capital was extremely tense yesterday as coup rumours prompted reaction from anti-government protesters and their rivals. Both camps mobilised their supporters for street fighting, while government and business offices suggested their staff get out early. Newspaper offices were flooded with phone calls inquiring or giving "tips" about an imminent coup. A source claimed Army chief Anupong Paochinda had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to exchange ultimatums. A blink could result in the prime minister's stepping down or the removal of the Army commander. Anupong, who was publicly silent, reportedly cancelled a meeting of the military-run TV Channel 5 board of directors and met Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. The coup rumour sounded true, as armoured vehicles and tanks were seen in many locations, including the Chang Building and the NBT and Modernine television stations. However, television stations ran texts stating that the Army had announced it would mobilise its personnel and vehicles in Bangkok as part of a study course for military students. Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military would not undertake a coup since it would not end the political conflict. Some anti-coup groups might come out to resist and that could result in bloodshed, he said. The spokesman said in a press conference that the Army chief, as deputy director of the Interior Security Operations Command (Isoc), had told provincial Isoc agencies to keep a close eye on any violence. Amid the rumours of the coup and the exchange of ultimatums, the Cabinet, meeting in Chiang Mai, rushed to clarify its position that it would not consider purging the military top brass. Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua, speaking at an unexpected press conference, pleaded with soldiers to remain in their barracks. The announcement inevitably added weight to the coup rumours. Natthawut said he had come out of the Cabinet meeting to make the announcement because there was "high speculation" about a coup. The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, meanwhile, was cautious, suggesting the coup rumours could be a decoy designed to distract the protesters at Suvarnabhumi Airport before an operation to disperse the crowd. People Power Party MP Suthin Klangsang told a press conference that citizens would be asked to obstruct any coup attempt, such as using their vehicles to block tanks taking part in a putsch. There were also grave concerns that a coup attempt could spark nationwide violence involving pro- and anti-Thaksin Shinawatra mobs, as well as the military. Suriyasai Katasila, a PAD leader, said: "A coup is the least of my concerns now. I'm worried about violence, because nobody seems to be in full control at the moment." Some company and government office workers were told to leave home early, adding to the widespread anxiety. Workers at ad agency Ogilvy & Mather were instructed to clear the office by 4pm. DTAC's head office issued a statement saying it was closing until the situation returned to normal.

I'm afraid not. I don't know much about cameras. I don't know what single lens reflex even means. Without someone explaining it to me, then it means someone hits the lens with a hammer and the reflex action is the camera leaps out of your grasp. If that's not what it means, then for the third time now I'm asking for somebody to simply explain it instead of assuming I know. Sorry, but I'm absolutely clueless about it. In all honesty, not only do I not know what it means, I also don't care what it means. All I want is for someone to be able to recommend a camera with the features I want, along with the features you think I ought to have. I really have no interest in the technicalities of lenses, SLR, or anything else. All I want is a good recommendation.

Bob, you posted this while I was still writing the post above. That's where I wrote about some of the features I'd like to have. SLR, DSLR. What is that? Please guys, don't assume that others, especially me, know what these things mean. Would someone please explain it?

First, I appreciate the response. Somebody is going to have to explain to me what DSLR is. I have no idea what that means or in what way it is significant. I'm looking for a pocket-sized camera that is a good point-and-shoot camera. I'm not looking to make professional photos. I'd like to have good quality photos when I travel and when I see something I think is worth taking a photo of. My last camera was horrible when it came to taking night shots. If there is a camera out there that can produce good quality night shots instead of nothing more than a blur, that would be nice too. That camera also was horrible when it came to using the flash. The flash was so powerful that it washed out most of the photos, especially indoor photos. So, I'm also hoping to find a camera that "knows what it's doing" when using the flash is necessary. Another feature I'd like is for the camera to take its next photo quickly. With my last camera I had to wait several seconds for it to be able to take another photo and I missed a lot of good shots as a result.

I'm thinking about buying a digital camera. It's been about three years since the one I had went kerblooey on me and I haven't had one since. Before I get one, I wonder if some of you can make any recommendations as to make and model. I'd like to know what you think and what features you like. I'd also like to know if there are any particular makes and models to avoid.

I agree with what you say. In my opinion it's a situation in which both sides are right and both sides are wrong, hence the "Mexican Standoff."

Yes

Believe me, I'm not kidding at all. What can I say? Different strokes for different folks.

Wine Dinner at Poseidon hosted by Hugh Millar Thursday, December 04. 2008 Amuse Bouche *** Antipasti misti ( Assorted plate of Raw Ham, Salametti, marinated Vegetables, Artichoke, Squid, Carpaccio, Tomato & Mozzarella ) *** Zuppa mille Fanti (Chicken Broth with Parmesan Dumplings ) *** Osso Porco brasato con Polenta e Cipolle Braised Pork Shank with Polenta and roasted Onions -or- Cozze alla marinara e crostini Mussels Seaman style with Tomato Garlic Bread *** Tira mi su Wines White Wine La Carraia Umbria Bianco 2007 (12.5%) Grechetto & Chardonnay Villa Martina, Pinot Grigio 2007 (13.0%) Venezia, Italia Red Wine La Carraia Umbria Rosso 2007 (13.0%) Cabernet Sauvignon Villa Martina, Merlot 2005 (12.5%) Venezia, Italy The cost for this dinner will be only 1,400 Baht net for the 5-course dinner including the selection of four wines. For further details and bookings call Hugh on 081-577-8727 or 038-303-300 e-mail hughinthailand@hotmail.com. Please note that booking dead line is December 02, 2008 so that we can purchase the wines accordingly. With our best Culinary Regards, Kim & Pascal

I think Thai Wow is even better. It's called Chock Wow . . . .

Yes. Sometimes the soi is listed and sometimes not, but it's usually easy to figure out. As far as actual addresses, those are not part of the map, although often the built-in information will tell you the address. The software map can stand some improvement, but generally it's amazingly thorough. My GPS has never failed to get me where I'm trying to go. Sometimes it can't get me to the exact location, but it certainly gets me close enough to easily find it. In my opinion, the best way to use a GPS is to regard it as a tool. Usually it can easily get you wherever it is you wish to go, but it doesn't have all the answers. Sometimes it can get you close, but you still often have to find the precise location on your own. The major negative, to me, is the spelling they use. Whoever came up with the spelling of a great many locations apparently made up his own. Very often, wherever it is you're trying to go is on the GPS map, but when you try to key in the spelling of the location all too often nothing will come up because a variation of the spelling was used. If that happens, you'll have to try variations of the spelling. Sometimes that doesn't even help. Sometimes even when you use the same spelling as the map uses, still nothing will come up. That's odd, to say the least. For example, on my map despite the fact that I spell the city of Khon Kaen the same way the map does, nothing comes up when I key it in. Geezer came up with a good work-around that often works. Instead of trying to find the location on the map, try using the hotels or attractions menu. Quite often that does the trick. I managed to find Khon Kaen that way.

Can you give us some insight as to how it all works? Can the staff be taken off? If yes, do you know the off fees and expected tip for the boy? What about the freelancers? How much do they expect to be tipped. Do you know the opening and closing times for the bar? Can you tell us about drink prices and if they're a little better at mixing cocktails than they are in Pattaya? Whatever details you can provide would certainly be appreciated.

Three guesses . . .

The only bar I can think of to which you might be referring is Monty's. I don't find it filthy at all and it's a bar I enjoy very much. It's as clean as anywhere else. I also think he puts on the best bar show in town. It's the only bar show I like.

Just to avoid confusion for those not familiar with the area, the airport you're referring to is the U-Tapao airport, about a 40 minute ride south of Pattaya. There is no actual Pattaya airport.

I'll give you a better one than that. Many of them will actually pick somebody else's nose!