Gaybutton

I don't know what's going on, but unless I misunderstand, when you say he had a complete list for the tambon, then it seems to me he was gathering this information for everyone, both Thai and farang. I would imagine the best way to find out what the list is for would be to ask him.

Nikom, I have been doing a little bit of reading. Depending on which web site I read, I understand there is a requirement to purchase either US $200 or $300 in Myanmar currency (FEC ?) on arrival. Based on everything I'm reading, the people don't even want their own currency. They want US dollars. Is that correct? Assuming the currency purchase requirement is correct, is that money essentially useless? Is it acceptable? Can it be traded for dollars? What can you tell us about that? This is the kind of thread I like most to see. This is good, solid information coming from someone who knows what he's talking about. I agree with Fountainhall. Despite differing opinions about the ethics of traveling to Myanmar, I think this tread is fascinating.

Poll: Politicians Must Not Quarrel; Army Might Launch New Coup D'etat BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) Respondents in a poll conducted by Thailand's Suan Dusit Poll have urged politicians, both on the government and the opposition benches, to stop squabbling and perform their duties, warning that otherwise the military may come up with a new coup d'etat. The survey, conducted among 3,279 persons in 15 provinces February 20-23, found that almost 41 per cent of the respondents wanted the government and the opposition Democrat Party to stop their mudslinging and work for the country, while 33 per cent wanted to see problems of the rising cost of living and growing unemployment resolved. One in 20 -- 4.2 per cent -- said both the government and the opposition should performing their duties under the democratic system, otherwise the military might be tempted to launch another coup. The poll was made public Saturday, exactly two months after a general election was held, the first since the military staged a bloodless coup and toppled the elected government on Sept 19, 2006. The poll disclosed that people had become tired of politics as 38 per cent of respondents felt that quarreling among politicians had become intolerable, while 31 per cent found nothing had improved after the general election. One in 40 respondents -- 2.33 per cent -- said Thailand's politicians were not sincere and they were striving only for power and political position. (TNA)-E111

Ongoing Volatility for Thai Stocks; Baht Stronger Against Dollar BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index edged marginally upward this week from a week ago is expected to move with some volatility next week while the Thai currency, the baht, is expected to continue strengthening against the greenback after advancing to a 10-and-a-half-year high, according to a report issued by Kasikorn Research Center. The report said the SET composite index, which closed at 826.86 points on Friday, up 0.03 per cent from a week ago, is anticipated to move unpredictably next week as most investors are awaiting earnings results and dividend payments for listed corporations for 2007. Also, investors are waiting for Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP) figures for the fourth quarter of 2007, a monetary policy meeting of the Bank of Thailand and key economic data for January, it said. Investors are also closely monitoring US economic data, especially in the property sector, the GDP for last year's fourth quarter and the movement of global oil prices, the report said. According to Kasikorn Research Center, the support level for the SET index next week is between 785-816 points and resistance level at 844-860 points. The Thai baht closed at Bt32.29 against the dollar on the onshore market on Friday, and the report said the Thai currency is expected to continue strengthening against the greenback to around Bt32.15-32.30 next week. Traders are watching the government's policy which would end the 30 per cent foreign capital reserve requirement, the selling of dollars by exporters and movements of the dollar which depend on several important US economic data including housing sales and purchase orders for durable goods, according to the report. Liquidity in the local market is projected to remain tight next week as commercial banks must submit their fortnightly reserve requirements to the Bank of Thailand on Tuesday, even as they must also prepare for expected huge withdrawals by customers at the end of the month, it added. (TNA)-E111

Thank you very much, Pattayageorge. None of the boys I spoke to today work in Boyz Town. I think you just brought a sigh of relief to many holiday makers in Pattaya.

It is now 3:30 PM, Saturday. I just returned from the beach and I spoke with a few boys from various bars. All of them said they don't know whether their bar will open tonight or not. They're waiting for a call from their mama-san. None of them had received a call by the time I left. So, unfortunately the best I can tell you is I don't know. Everyone who wishes to go to bars this evening will most likely have to venture out and see which bars, if any, are open.

I'm not certain. As for which bars will reopen and when, it's hard to say at this moment. It's 8:30 AM, Saturday as I'm writing this. I've been getting conflicting reports. If I am able to obtain more reliable information during the day, I'll post it once I know. If it's any consolation to those present in Pattaya at the moment, you might want to try the beach. Since so many of the bars are closed there is a lot more "eye candy" at the beach. Many of the boys who usually don't go to the beach have been showing up, hoping to hook up with a farang.

Ok, I understand the confusion. I'm sorry. From now on I will be specific about the dates when posting. That should have occurred to me. Last night (Friday, Feb 22) I did not go out to the bars to personally check. The reports I've received from friends so far indicate that a very few bars did open, but most were closed. I understand that none of the bars served alcohol because the fine would be 10,000 baht if caught.

The rates referred to in the article below are bank rates. The actual exchange rate is even worse. The exchange rates at closing time on Friday were: US Dollar: 32.11 Euro: 47.51 British Pound: 63.03 Australian Dollar: 29.48 Canadian Dollar: 31.5375 The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Baht Hits Another High Against US$ The baht rose relentlessly to a new historic high yesterday, reaching Bt32.30 against the greenback amid fears of a US recession and exporters' concern over the abolishment of capital controls. Published on February 23, 2008 The Bank of Thailand (BOT) said it was continuing to intervene in forex markets to stabilise the baht and the Kingdom's competitiveness remained unchanged as it was moving in line with other currencies in the region. The baht opened at Bt32.45 to Bt32.46 against the US dollar and strengthened throughout the day's trading to close at a peak of Bt32.30 to Bt32.31 despite intervention from the central bank, dealers said. A forex dealer at BankThai said the baht's appreciation was due mainly to the weakening of the dollar after US economic data announced on Wednesday showed negative signs. In particular, the growth of US gross domestic product (GDP) this year is expected to be lower than earlier forecast. She expects the baht to strengthen to around Bt32 to Bt32.40 in the coming week on pressure from the US currency and economy and said investors should follow the signal from the Monetary Policy Committee meeting next week. If the country's policy rate is lowered in line with the US Federal Reserve's recent cut, this will also affect the baht, she said. Meanwhile, a dealer at Bangkok Bank said exporters were continuing to sell dollars as they expected the currency to weaken further due to the negative economic outlook in the US. BOT assistant governor Suchada Kirakul said the central bank had already taken into account a US recession in its economic projections for a worst-case scenario. She urged exporters, importers and debtors to hedge their exposure as the baht could fluctuate from capital flows into the region. "They should manage their risk, because the currency will not move in just one direction. When it is weak, it could strengthen, and when it appreciates, it could depreciate," she said. The US Federal Reserve cut its economic-growth projection for this year from 1.8-2.5 per cent to 1.3-2 per cent due to the sub-prime crisis, credit crunch and rising oil price. The world's largest economy is also worried about surges in inflation and unemployment. It revised upward the inflation projection from 1.7-1.9 per cent to 2-2.2 per cent. The baht strengthened last week due to capital inflows into the stock market, and panicked exporters worried about possible revocation of the withholding reserve requirement. "It was a psychological effect; exporters panicked over the news that the withholding reserve requirement would be removed," said Suchada. As a result, the baht surged by more than 1 per cent on February 14 and 15. As of February 15, the country's net international reserves totalled US$117.6 billion (Bt3.8 trillion), up $1.7 billion from a week earlier. The baht has risen 4.27 per cent against the dollar this year. The Thai unit appreciated 11.59 per cent against the greenback during 2007, compared with 10.92 per cent for the yen, 9.67 per cent for the ringgit and 9.05 per cent for the Singaporean dollar. Suchada said the market should compare the baht not only against the US dollar but against other currencies too. The country has not yet lost its competitiveness, she insisted. However, according to the BOT's data, the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) stood at 78.06 in January compared with 77.78 in December, which indicates that the Kingdom's competitiveness has declined. Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee is confident that the recent spikes in oil prices will not hurt Thailand's 2008 GDP. "The GDP growth rate of 4.5-5 per cent is based on conservative assumptions," he said yesterday. "However, if the upward movement continues, we may need to review the figures," he said. Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel on fears that the US economy will suffer a blow from the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the entire world will be affected by the spill-over effects. On the 30-per-cent capital-reserve requirement, Surapong said that if the BOT's data was complete, the ministry was ready to immediately make a decision whether to maintain or abolish the measure. The central bank is scheduled to submit the required data within the next two weeks. Anoma Srisukkasem, Wichit Chaitrong, Somruedi Banchongduang The Nation

Despite the reports that all the bars will be closed this evening, today at the beach I spoke with several bar boys from the Nice Boys bar (the current name of the old K-Boys Bar). They said they will be open tonight and they are supposed to report for work at their usual time. They did not know how many bars will be open or if they will be serving liquor, but at least two bars, according to them, will be open. I don't have any idea which others will be open, but I imagine if one is open, several will be open. I'm told that Jungle Boys was open last night. If they were open last night, I would imagine they'll also be open tonight.

Only one more that I can think of at the moment. Among your hotel recommendations, I didn't see any recommendations for Yangon.

Certainly feel free to discuss the question of whether it is ethical to travel to Burma, but that is not what this thread is really about. In my case, I'm very curious about the information Nikom is providing, and I see no reason not to be. Whether I, or anyone else, decides to actually travel to Burma is a matter of individual choice and opinion. I am also gathering information, out of curiosity, about other countries as well, none of which I intend to actually visit. Within the article Wowpow references is the following: _____ Reasons not to go include: * Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi opposes tourism * The military government uses forced labour * International tourism seen as 'stamp of approval' * Money from tourism goes to the military government Reasons to go are: * Tourism one of few areas to which locals have access * Carefully targeted spending reaches individuals in need * Locals have told travel guide authors they are in favour * Abuses less likely in areas frequented by foreigners

Thank you. I look forward to seeing the rest of the answers. I can think of only one additional question. Is the Burmese food spiced up with hot peppers as is Thai food?

Some of you who may need embassy services today (Thursday) and tomorrow may be concerned that the US embassy may be closed due to the holiday and Thai elections. I just called the embassy and was told they will be open today and tomorrow. If you wish to confirm or otherwise have a need to call the US embassy, the number is 02-205-4000. I would imagine the embassies of other countries will also be open, but you'll have to confirm those for yourselves.

To my knowledge, the legal drinking age is 20 and, technically, the legal age of consent is 16 provided no money is exchanged. Other than that, the legal age of consent is 18. I strongly urge everyone not to engage in sex with anyone under 18. While it might be technically legal, you're going to have an awfully rough time convincing the police and the judge that money wasn't involved. In every single case I've ever heard of, and there have been plenty, whenever a "farang" is arrested for engaging in under-age sex, it has always been when the boy was under 18 years old. In other words, don't do it.

It seems perfectly clear to me. If a poster has been placed on moderated mode or has been banned, we are not going to tolerate that same poster trying to circumvent our decision by coming in and posting under a different handle. I don't know whether you have done so, but when someone tries to pull a stunt like that, I would permanently ban him from being able to post on this web site. He had to know he is on moderated mode even if he did not receive a PM or email telling him so. When someone on moderated mode tries to post, a message pops up informing him his post will not be visible until and unless a moderator approves it.

Regarding travel to Myanmar, I have a few: 1. What is the legal minimum age in Myanmar? If you are not sure of a boy's age, do they carry ID cards or some other means of checking? 2. What is the expected 'tip' for both short time and long time? 3. You said there are many cruising areas and meeting places. Can you be more specific about the locations of some of them, and in which cities? 4. What kind of currency is used in Myanmar? Are US dollars accepted? Is Thai baht accepted? Are there ATMs, or is it necessary to travel with a lot of cash? 5. What kinds of travel documents are necessary? If a visa is necessary, is it issued on arrival or does is have to be purchased in advance? Do you know the price? Does Myanmar charge fees to exit the country? 6. Do you have any hotel recommendations and know how to contact the hotels for reservations? 7. Do you have any restaurant recommendations? 8. Other than the gay scene, do you have recommendations for "must see" places to visit? Do you also have suggestions for places to avoid? 9. For the first time visitor, how many days do you recommend? 10. Are there any guidebooks and/or maps you would especially recommend? 11. For the gay traveler, if only one city can be visited would you recommend Yangon, Mandalay, or another city? Also, I appreciate your posts. I think what you are saying gives us much to consider in a different way from the point of view many of us have come to believe, and also provides a different perspective on the most common perceptions of Myanmar and whether a foreigner ought to travel there.

Personally, I can understand why a religious holiday would cause the bars to be closed, but I have yet to understand why an election would close the bars and the other entertainment venues. The last time I checked, voting takes place during daytime hours. What does that have to do with nighttime venues? Also, since bar employees old enough to vote can do so right here in Pattaya, then what's the point of closing the bars? If the idea is to keep people from getting so drunk that they can't vote, then I can see ordering the bars not to serve alcohol, but at least giving them the option of remaining open and serving soft drinks if they so choose. It's one more item on my ever-growing "I Don't Get It" list.

Now that Fidel Castro has finally resigned, it will be very interesting to see what ends up happening with Cuba and if a really good gay scene develops there. Having never been to Cuba, for all I know a good gay scene already exists. I have no idea. I hope those of you who may have visited Cuba can tell us about an existing gay scene and those of you who will be going will also let us know the story there. Those of you who are interested might want to visit the following web site: http://www.globalgayz.com/g-cuba2.html

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ 2 Day Bar Closure This Weekend Due to Senate Elections and Religious Holiday On Tuesday Morning at Pattaya City Hall a seminar for election workers took place in preparation for the first two days of voting for the Senate or Upper House Elections. On 23rd of this month those who reside in Pattaya but are registered in another province will be able to vote in this first phase of voting. Unfortunately, this will mean that bars and other late night entertainment venues will have to close from 6pm on 22nd until Midnight on 23rd. This election also coincides with Maka Bouscha Day on 21st February when bars are expected to close in observance of this religious holiday. The seminar explained to the election workers their individual jobs and how the election day will be organized to ensure they are working in accordance with regulations set by the Election Commission.

Most of us have been saying that we would not travel there because of the actions of the government. I would like to know your opinion about that since you apparently have a good deal of experience there. Do you feel that we are right or wrong to refuse to travel to Myanmar? I am also interested in the gay scene in Myanmar. I'm guessing there are no gay bars there, but I would not be surprised if there are cruise areas. How does it work there? Are there any problems about bringing a boy back to your room? Are gays accepted or persecuted? What can you tell us?

Thank you very much for the tip. This evening Geezer and I did just that, and as far as we can tell you are correct. There were a couple boys who we thought were questionable and we would have wanted to check their ID cards if we were going to take them off, but the rest were definitely at least 18 years old, no question about it. That was the only bar I went to this evening, but as I write this Geezer is still out there checking out other bars on that soi. Perhaps he'll have something to say once he is online again. So, maybe all of Boyztown and Pattayaland is "clean" after all. I'm guessing it is. When we hear about police raids these days, we usually hear only about raids that take place in Sunee Plaza. If the police are aware that the Pattayaland bars no longer have any under-age boys, then there wouldn't be much point in staging raids there very often, at least if the goal is to check ID cards.

Thank you. I certainly hope you're right. Ok, Geezer . . . when are we going?

I just tried it again. For me, not only is it working perfectly, but it is also loading up much faster than it ever did before.

The US dollar to baht exchange rate opened at 32.33 today. The exchange rate has held at approximately the same level for about a week now. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Lee Kuan Yew: US Recession Won't Hurt Asia Singapore (dpa) - Buoyed by bustling growth in China and India, Asia will not be "unduly disadvantaged" if a recession hits the United States, said Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew Sunday night. "I believe this may be the first time where the US economy catches a flu and we are not going to catch influenza - I hope," the city-state's founding prime minister said at a Singapore Airshow leadership dialogue. The Chinese and Indian economies are unlikely to dip below 8, 9, or 10 per cent growth, Lee said. While 40 per cent of intra-Asian trade is bound for the United States, even if the US cuts its imports by half, Asia would not be too badly hit. Focusing on the aviation industry, Lee said he was confident Asia will continue to soar. With new airports being built and more people taking to the skies, Lee forecast "enormous growth in Asia in the next 10, 20 years, more in Asia than in any other part of the world." He was more sceptical on liberalisation going forward. Countries that are not doing so well will want their flag carriers to grow stronger first before they open up, he said. Citing some progress, he noted that by December, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will lift all restrictions on flights between capital cities. ASEAN includes Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma. The six-day Singapore Airshow featuring the giants of the manufacturing industry starts on Tuesday.