Gaybutton

GB'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL It's very simple. When you are in the process of posting a new thread, first you see TOPIC TITLE, followed by TOPIC DESCRIPTION. Directly underneath those you'll see "Poll Options Click here to manage this topic's poll." That's where you can create the poll. If you've already posted a thread, you can still add a poll later through the edit function. It works only if you are the person who created the thread. You have to go back to the first post in the thread, hit the FULL EDIT button, and now you can add a poll to the thread. Only the creator of the thread can add a poll to an already existing thread. If someone wants to add a poll to a thread that somebody else originated, then only the moderators or the thread's original author have the capability.

Most likely in the parking lot of Center Condo, once I land after becoming a "flying farang."

It crossed my mind . . .

The time of this posting is 8:30am. If anything major does happen today, I'll post the information when it becomes available. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Political Upheaval Feared Today By The Nation on Sunday Published on November 23, 2008 The fate of the country hangs in the balance today in the face of another political upheaval that could lead to a bloodbath after the People's Alliance for Democracy vowed to launch an all-out effort to bring down the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and prevent charter amendment by laying siege to Parliament today in its "biggest and final" rally yet. The PAD announced its plan to move its protest from Government House to Parliament at a press conference yesterday after a three-hour meeting of its five core leaders at Ban Phra Arthit. Meanwhile, appointed Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana said Parlia-ment had put the Constitution amendment draft presented by Dr Weng Tochirakarn, a leader of the pro-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, at the top of its agenda to be discussed from tomorrow despite House Speaker Chai Chidchob insisting last week that this wouldn't be so. He said the draft included clauses reducing the power of privy councillors, removing some independent agencies, whitewashing parties facing dissolution and giving amnesty to 111 former Thai Rak Thai Party executives. PAD leader Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang yesterday showed members of the press that Constitution amendment had been marked urgent on Parliament's agenda for today. Pipop Thongchai said the PAD intended to stop Parliament working in support of the Somchai government. He said both Parliament and the government had lost any mandate to run the country because they refused to take responsibility for the bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters on October 7. He accused the government of continuing to use violence through a series of deadly bomb attacks to deter people from joining the PAD protest. "If the people are afraid, the government will be able to prevent peaceful protests in the long run, and we will not be able to protect our country and the monarchy,'' he said. Sondhi Limthongkul said the latest bomb attack early yesterday that killed one person showed that the government was using undisciplined military officers to do its dirty work. "This is pressuring a peaceful gathering to use weapons in self-defence. Thai society will see a bloodbath. It is sad that military officers and police have taken part in this,'' he said. The five leaders refused to reveal how they planned to break into the Parliament compound. Chamlong insisted that the PAD must move on Parliament to ensure there was no charter amendment even after reporters told him that House Speaker Chai Chidchob had guaranteed that charter amendment would not be on the House agenda.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Burmese Dictators Demand Support for Regime Rangoon (AFP) - The head of the Burmese military junta called Saturday for all citizens to back a controversial "road map" to democracy, a day after the regime sentenced the country's top comedian to 45 years in jail. Writing in an article on the front page of the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Snr Gen Than Shwe said it was every citizen's national duty to support the political process. "The state's seven-step road map is being implemented to build a peaceful, modern and developed new democratic nation with flourishing discipline," Than Shwe wrote on the eve of the country's national day. "The entire population are duty-bound to actively participate with united spirit and national fervour in the drive to see the seven-step road map," the paper quoted him as saying. The announcement came in a month when more than 150 activists have been given long jail terms by the military regime, according to opposition sources, in the wake of protests led by the nation's revered Buddhist monks last year. At least 31 people were killed and 74 went missing in the brutal crackdown that followed the demonstrations, according to the United Nations. On Friday, Burma's most famous comedian Zarganar was sentenced to 45 years for contravening the country's Electronic Act, which regulates electronic communications. The charges, however, were not tied to last year's protests. A sports writer, Zaw Thet Htwe, was on the same day handed a 15-year jail term while Gambira, a Buddhist monk who led the protests against the regime in 2007, was given 68 years - the longest sentence handed down so far. They join 23 student activists, including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, handed terms of 65 years for their part in last year's protests which began sporadically against fuel-price hikes in August last year, but subsequently involved tens of thousands of people led by the monks. Under the government's "road map" to democracy, Burma has adopted a new constitution after a widely criticised referendum held days after a cyclone ravaged large swathes of the country in early May, leaving 138,000 people dead or missing. Authorities said the referendum, carried out without independent monitoring, had received support from 92.48 percent of voters. The road map paves the way for elections in 2010 in a country that has been ruled by the military since 1962. But the US, the EU and the United Nations have dismissed the lengthy proceedings as a sham due to the absence of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The NLD won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but the junta did not allow them to take office. The NLD said Friday the recent jailings decimated a new generation of political leaders. About 150 NLD party members held a ceremony Saturday to mark the country's national day at its headquarters in Rangoon amid tight security. Plain clothes policemen and local militia surrounded the building, while the road to Aung San Suu Kyi's house had been closed with barbed wire since the morning, with increased numbers of police around her house, witnesses said. Rights groups have accused the junta of trying to curb dissent ahead of the 2010 elections. New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) Saturday joined UN experts and the United States in condemning the sentences. Brad Adams, the group's Asia director, using the former name of the country, said the jailing of the comedian Zarganar was "a cruel joke on the Burmese people". "But it's a bigger joke on those abroad who still think ignoring repression in Burma will bring positive change," he said.

You've definitely pressed one of my buttons, and it's not a gay button! I don't like those mustaches either. As a matter of fact I don't like any mustaches on these guys. I don't appreciate kissing a guy and getting my teeth brushed at the same time. For me, the mustaches and beards on young guys as unattractive as the tattoos. And to me, the tattoos are about as attractive as a runny dog turd. Granted, there are some people who are meant for mustaches and beards. The actor David Niven comes to mind. He wouldn't look right without his mustache. Can you imagine Santa Claus without the beard and mustache? How about Burt Reynolds, Wilford Brimley, and Clark Gable? Their mustaches looked great. Can you imagine Oliver Hardy without that little Hitler mustache? As a matter of fact, can you imagine Hitler himself without the mustache? And let's not forget Groucho Marx. But these Thai boys? Forget it. Please boys, wait until you're at least in your mid-forties, ok?

I've done that for you.

I agree with the others. That's cutting it way too close. It can take fifteen or twenty minutes alone, once you're in Suvarnabhumi, just to walk to your departure gate. I would recommend at least three hours between flights. The ride from the old Don Muang airport to Suvarnabhumi will take forty minutes, or more, and that's if you don't hit any traffic delays. In Bangkok traffic delays are quite likely. Your friend arrives at 1:10. Let's assume his plane isn't late and he arrives on time. By the time he gets off the plane and you make it out to the transportation area, you're looking at about fifteen to twenty minutes, and that's only if all he has is carry-on luggage. If he has to wait for luggage, then you need to allow twenty minutes for it, at best. Ok, at best now it's at least 1:25. You grab a taxi to Suvarnabhmi. Again, at best, you arrive at Suvarnabhumi and now it's 2:05. Now you have to check in for your flight out of Suvarnabhumi. The best you can hope for is another 15 minutes, and that's if you're not waiting in a long line. Now you are on your way to the departure gate. Time to go through the metal detector, remove your shoes, and have any carry-on luggage inspected. Again, if there are no lines at all, at least ten minutes. Now it's 2:15. From there you have to get to your departure gate. If you're really lucky and it's a close gate, at least a five minute walk and now it's 2:20. Your flight leaves at 2:45. The aircraft doors will be closed at least ten minutes before departure. Under the best of circumstances and luck, you're leaving yourself only a fifteen minute leeway, and that's only if he didn't have to wait for luggage at Don Muang Airport. In other words, your chances of making that flight are quite remote. I would advise rescheduling.

What did you have for dessert . . . . . ?

You did. I have no objection at all to people trying to win the contest. In my post above I said if I was eligible, I'd be doing the same thing. You're a long time poster on this board. You're not someone who suddenly showed up here once the contest was announced and started writing frivolous posts solely for the purpose of trying to "stuff the box" in order to win the contest. I've read every post you've ever written here and I don't think any of them have ever been frivolous. I don't even have much of an objection to people who are writing frivolous posts. That's not my objection. What I object to hasn't even occurred yet, although I expect that it will. My objection is with the people who came out of the woodwork, started posting on this board only in an attempt to win the contest, and as soon as the contest is over, they're going to disappear right back into the woodwork. As I said, that can't be helped, but I have no personal respect for those who do that. I hope nobody will, but I think some will. I don't think you're going to be one of them. There's nothing at all wrong with your posts or your posting history here, which I am certain will continue long after the contest has been completely forgotten.

If you like piercings, then you're certain to fall in love with this gentleman: And that's just his face. I don't know about the rest of his body. I don't think I want to know. How would you like to be the guy operating the metal detector at the airport? I wonder what happens if he gets too close to a magnet. Anyway, he would certainly make a dream blind date, no doubt. When you knock on his door, he gets to give you a little surprise. And a Happy Halloween to all . . . . .

The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ American Dies after Fall from Well-Known condo. On Thursday afternoon police and rescue services were called to Center Condo in South Pattaya after being informed that a foreign man had fallen from one of the floors and was lying badly injured at the base of the building. The man, an American national later identified as Michael John Bruner, aged 58, was lying face down and clearly in a very distressed state with multiple broken bones. Although he was attended to at the scene and then rushed to Pattaya Memorial hospital, Mr Bruner died a short while later from his injuries. Initial theories are that Mr Bruner committed suicide as residents and workers at the condo said he was suffering financial problems and had recently begun selling off his assets. Even so, it may be that his fall was an accident. Although the deceased’s room was on the 13th floor of the complex, Mr Bruner fell from the third floor. Locals said he liked to sit near an open window on the third floor to catch the sea breeze on most days. For some strange reason police were unable to gain access to Mr Bruner’s room on the 13th floor because it was locked and the keys to the room were not, apparently, on his person. Police said there was no evidence of anything unusual around the third floor balcony area and they believe Mr Bruner committed suicide due to stress. The American Embassy has been notified of the death. ____________________ And this, from the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS: _____ AMERICAN DIES IN SUSPECTED SUICIDE FALL FROM PATTAYA CONDO An American national suspected of committing suicide was found dead following a fall from the third floor of the Center Condotel in Pattaya. Responding to a report of a suspected suiceide received by Police Lieutenant Colonel Tanagrit Larbittisan at 4:00 pm on the 20th November 20 2008 an emergency response squad, consisting of the police and the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Team, rushed to the Center Condotel located on South Pattaya road. The officials found Mr. Michael John Bruner (58), an American citizen, lying alive, face down, on the ground at the back of the condo and next to the garbage storage area. He was wearing a colored shirt and white shorts. He had sustained broken arms and legs. The rescue team rushed him to Pattaya Memorial hospital immediately but he failed to recover and died from his injuries. Mrs. Tonglai Tohprom(44) , a cleaner of the 16 storey condo, told police that she'd heard the sound of something heavy hitting the ground while she was sitting and talking with her friends in the staff room near to where the incident took place. They went out to investigate and found the body of Mr. Michael John lying outside and still alive. Police inspected the immediate area but could not investigate Mr. Bruner’s room, no. 3/456 on the 13th Floor, because it was locked. They questioned other residents and were told that he had financial problems and had lately been selling off his belongings, including his motorbike. Police inspected the third floor balcony where the victim usually liked to spend his time because it is a windy area. On the day of his fall, people saw him there but say he didn’t show any sign of stress. There was no evidence of fighting or anything unusual, only a small broken window and footprints around the balcony. With the evidence available police presumed that Mr. Bruner committed suicide from stress. The American Embassy has been notified of the incident and proceedings are ongoing.

There was a little more to it than just that, although I can well understand wanting to overthrow a government because of taxes! "Do you realize that America was founded by slave owners who wanted to be free?" - George Carlin

Oh my God. Piranhas!!!!

If you attach a picture to your post, it will appear small. If you click on it, then it will enlarge. If you use the IMG function, then the picture can be whatever size you want.

I dislike tattoos. I've never understood why someone would want to decorate his body with an image he wouldn't be caught dead framing and hanging on his wall. Some people find them attractive and erotic. I'd rather not find them at all.

First, I suggest you do not bother obtaining Thai baht in advance of your trip. There is absolutely no reason to do that and you'll be charged rip-off prices for it. I also suggest sticking primarily to your ATM card. You'll find ATMs virtually as soon as you step off the plane. They're everywhere you look in Thailand and every one of them have an option to do all transactions in English. Unless your issuing bank is some obscure bank, such as First National Bank of Ouagoudougou or something, your card will work just fine at any ATM in Thailand. If you can, try to bring a duplicate ATM card with you in case your existing card gets lost, stolen, or eaten by an ATM. It can't hurt to bring traveler's checks, but the only real reason to bring them is for back-up if something happens to your ATM card and there would be a delay getting another one. I wouldn't bring too much. Yes, you do get a better rate, but unless you plan to spend thousands and thousands of dollars, it won't make a significant difference. Here's a couple of suggestions: 1. Before you come to Thailand, make sure to contact the issuing banks of any ATM or credit cards you intend to use in Thailand. Make sure the bank knows the dates you will be in Thailand and where you expect to be. That makes life much simpler. It will prevent your bank from locking the card and will also make life much easier for you in case the card is lost, stolen, duplicated, or something else. Also, make sure to get an international collect call number from your bank, in case of a problem, and keep that number in a safe place. 2. If you intend to make additional trips to Thailand, I urge you to open a Thai bank account while you are here. You can open one with as little as 500 baht. Most Thai banks charge an additional 300 baht fee for an ATM card. The card will be usable internationally. Having a Thai bank account will make life a lot easier. You can deposit your money into that account and use the ATM card anywhere in Thailand. If something happens to the card, you don't have to worry about international calls, delays in getting a new one, or anything else. You would be able to close the card and get a new one the same day. By the way, if you do lose a Thai ATM card, call the bank and cancel out the card, but go to the police station before trying to obtain a new card. Most banks require a police report before they'll issue a replacement card. From what I understand, the easiest bank where you can open an account with a tourist visa is the Kasikorn Bank. If you do intend to return to Thailand, then do it now. Open the account during this trip. Don't wait. The regulations keep changing and it could easily end up being difficult to impossible later on. If you want any assistance opening a Thai bank account, or anything else for that matter, please feel free to contact me. I'm always happy to help and I'll be just as happy to personally take you to do these things. All you need to do is to send me an Email ( gaybutton@gmail.com ) and I'll respond with my telephone number.

Ok . . . it ain't so.

Actually I am a little upset about that! I want to give it a try. As for terrible, mean spirited me . . . I leave that to the eye of the beholder. Personally, I don't think it's anyone's business as to reasons why you're doing this. It's not my business either. In my opinion, the only thing that's any else's business is the fact that you're doing this.

Good idea. If you really want to know what happened at Googie's, why don't you ask him?

Are you joking? Do you truly believe that GT is spending $1500, plus whatever it will cost for the little affair when the winner is drawn for the sake of attracting new posters or rewarding regulars? As for the intent of the contest, if GT wishes to share his reasons, that's up to him.

That's very kind of them. I'll remember that next time I park on a steep hill . . .

I think I will. I live for thrills.

I'm out to my family. To me, the word 'out' in this sense means you have told people, personally, you are gay. Other than my family, I have never told my friends, but I'm sure they figured it out. Either way, I couldn't care less whether they know or not. If any of my friends back in the USA don't like it, too bad. I've reached a point in my life at which I'm not going to hide the fact that I'm gay to anyone, with the possible exception of a dream (well maybe 'nightmare' is the better word) holiday in Tehran or Taliban Acres.

I think Laurence has the best idea of all. The food around Wat Chai, after hours, might not be the greatest and you might need a forensics expert to identify what's in it, but those 'desserts' can be outstanding!