Gaybutton

I'd love to come, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass. I'll be too busy writing posts.

Why what a surprise . . . another unprovoked snide remark from Smiles, the man whose major contribution to this web site is keeping score on the number of posts I write. That really bothers you, doesn't it? Tough luck. The answer to your question is: until the end of my lifetime or the end of yours, whichever comes first.

The question remains unanswered. How long should I wait before it's not 'bitchy...er, quick.'?

Sure. There is a costume shop that probably carries those kinds of things located on South Road (Pattaya Tai) just west of the Third Road traffic light. If that doesn't fit the bill, ladyboys are not exactly difficult to find in Pattaya. Ask them where to shop for those kinds of things.

Quick? Ok, how long should I wait?

Well thanks a lot! You were supposed to be keeping that a secret. If Topman wants to consider me a b****, that's perfectly ok with me. He's not alone in that opinion, that's for sure. As long as I'm being a b****, do we really need to have certain words replaced with asterisks? Considering the kinds of ads that appear on this web site, covering up words seems to be kind of ridiculous, doesn't it? I think the software probably has a simple option that can be checked or unchecked to prevent the asterisks, if you so choose. Certainly, bring the 8 boys. But you'll have to share . . .

The "off" fees are never as expensive as that. I think you may be confusing "off" fees with appropriate tips. As far as such suites are concerned, I may be wrong, but I know of no gay-friendly hotels that offer such accommodations because there is no demand for it. If you want that kind of suite, then you'll probably have to try the luxury hotels, but don't expect them to be particularly gay friendly. I don't know of any bars in particular that have concentrations of northern Thai boys. If that is something important, then simply ask him where he comes from. In Thai, that's "bahn koon yoo tee nai?" It's also difficult to determine whether a boy is new to the bar scene. If that's what you're looking for, then maybe you should change your approach and try not to seek out bar boys at all. Many boys work the beach who don't work in the bars at all. Also, restaurant waiters are not bar boys. Regarding why Boyz Town is more expensive than Sunee Plaza, your guess is as good as mine. I don't know why, but nevertheless that's the way it is.

Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants By MATTHEW VERRINDER, Associated Press Writer Sun Sep 16 It's a fashion that started in prison, and now the saggy pants craze has come full circle — low-slung street strutting in some cities may soon mean run-ins with the law, including a stint in jail. Proposals to ban saggy pants are starting to ride up in several places. At the extreme end, wearing pants low enough to show boxers or bare buttocks in one small Louisiana town means six months in jail and a $500 fine. A crackdown also is being pushed in Atlanta. And in Trenton, getting caught with your pants down may soon result in not only a fine, but a city worker assessing where your life is headed. "Are they employed? Do they have a high school diploma? It's a wonderful way to redirect at that point," said Trenton Councilwoman Annette Lartigue, who is drafting a law to outlaw saggy pants. "The message is clear: We don't want to see your backside." The bare-your-britches fashion is believed to have started in prisons, where inmates aren't given belts with their baggy uniform pants to prevent hangings and beatings. By the late 80s, the trend had made it to gangster rap videos, then went on to skateboarders in the suburbs and high school hallways. "For young people, it's a form of rebellion and identity," Adrian "Easy A.D." Harris, 43, a founding member of the Bronx's legendary rap group Cold Crush Brothers. "The young people think it's fashionable. They don't think it's negative." But for those who want to stop them see it as an indecent, sloppy trend that is a bad influence on children. "It has the potential to catch on with elementary school kids, and we want to stop it before it gets there," said C.T. Martin, an Atlanta councilman. "Teachers have raised questions about what a distraction it is." In Atlanta, a law has been introduced to ban sagging and punishment could include small fines or community work — but no jail time, Martin said. The penalty is stiffer in Delcambre, La., where in June the town council passed an ordinance that carries a fine of up to $500 or six months in jail for exposing underwear in public. Several other municipalities and parish governments in Louisiana have enacted similar laws in recent months. At Trenton hip-hop clothing store Razor Sharp Clothing Shop 4 Ballers, shopper Mark Wise, 30, said his jeans sag for practical reasons. "The reason I don't wear tight pants is because it's easier to get money out of my pocket this way," Wise said. "It's just more comfortable." Shop owner Mack Murray said Trenton's proposed ordinance unfairly targets blacks. "Are they going to go after construction workers and plumbers, because their pants sag, too?" Murray asked. "They're stereotyping us." The American Civil Liberties Union agrees. "In Atlanta, we see this as racial profiling," said Benetta Standly, statewide organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia. "It's going to target African-American male youths. There's a fear with people associating the way you dress with crimes being committed."

Regardless of who is who, they both represent the same venue and the same web site. My point was the fact that they don't mind posting free advertising here, and I have no problem with them or any other gay venue doing so, but at the same time they were refusing us a link. I do have a problem with that. Despite Topman's post above saying he'll give us that link again, as of the time I'm writing this, more than 12 hours after the post, I still see no link to this web site. You and I both know it would take about 30 seconds to add the link. Perhaps the link will be put in place at some point before they post another ad here. We'll see. As far a putting you up, no problem . . . You can even make it two or three lifetimes.

Yes, you are missing something. Topman or Mrsbucket - same thing, same web site. I'm referring to: http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1942 And, Topman, I would have sent a private E-mail or would have completely ignored it if I had spotted the lack of a link if you had not been advertising here. You're getting a lot of free advertising on this and other web sites. I would have thought, considering you are paying absolutely nothing for using this space for ads, that your web site would have at least been courteous enough to re-establish the link . . . without my having to say anything about it publicly or privately.

Jet Crash in Thailand's Phuket kills 66 By RUNGRAWEE C. PINYORAT, Associated Press Writer A passenger plane filled with foreign tourists crashed Sunday as it tried to land in heavy rain on the island of Phuket, splitting in two as it was engulfed in flames, officials said. At least 66 people were killed. The budget One-Two-Go Airlines was carrying 123 passengers and five crew members on a domestic flight from the Thai capital of Bangkok to Phuket, one of the country's major tourist destinations, according to the Thai television station TITV. Survivors described their escape from the airplane's windows as fires and smoke consumed the plane. "I saw passengers engulfed in fire as I stepped over them on way out of the plane," Parinwit Chusaeng, a survivor who suffered minor burns, told the Nation television channel. "I was afraid that the airplane was going to explode so I ran away." Phuket's Deputy Governor Worapot Ratthaseema told The Associated Press that at least 66 bodies were laid out in the airport building. "At least 66 people have been confirmed and 42 have been hospitalized," Worapot said, adding the remaining passengers are missing. Worapot could not say how many of the dead were foreigners but he said among the dead were Irish, Israeli, Australian and British passengers. He said as many as 27 of the injured were foreigners. An Irish survivor, identified as Sean, told of being badly burned on his arms, legs and back as he escaped the flames. Speaking to TITV from a local hospital, he said he knew something was wrong even before the flight landed. "You could tell when it was landing it was in trouble," he said. "It was making a noise, this bang." Chaisak Angsuwan, director general of the Air Transport Authority of Thailand, said weather played a part in the crash. "The visibility was poor as the pilot attempted to land. He decided to make a go-around but the plane lost balance and crashed," he said. "It was torn into two parts." One-Two-Go is owned by Orient Thai Airways. The crash is the country's deadliest aviation accident since Dec. 11, 1998, when 101 people were killed after a Thai Airways crashed while trying to land in heavy rain at Surat Thani, 330 miles south of Bangkok. Forty-five people survived

You misspelled your link, omitting the 'p' in 'top.' I have corrected it for you. I also clicked the link to make sure it works. As long as I was on your web site I took a look at your links page. Since you had a dispute with the owner of this web site a few weeks ago, you removed the link you had to us. It is still gone. We have never given you any kind of problem whatsoever about advertising here. You advertise here, yet you refuse us a link. Personally, my friend, I think that takes one hell of a nerve.

The 7-Eleven is right next to the record shop. I forgot about the dog, but then I doubt he would be very useful as a landmark when driving, but he might not be a bad one when on foot. I'll bet that anyone who has passed by that bank is familiar with the dog. That dog is a large, gentle creature who has decided that particular area of the sidewalk is his territory, and that's all there is to it. Nobody bothers the dog and I have often seen people feeding the dog. He has literally become a fixture there and seems to be perfectly content. I don't know whether he's a stray or belongs to anyone, but there he is.

Well, I came close, but no cigar. You're right. I confused Sathorn and Rama IV. Sorry . . . I've edited my directions post above to reflect your correction and now I believe I have it right. Let me know if there are still any mistakes.

Thank you very much, Pete. For me, the only negative about my experience would be why didn't I ever try the Malaysia Hotel before? I wish I had, although I will still say I have always been perfectly satisfied at the Pinnacle (providing I book through Jimmy. Paying 'full fare' at the Pinnacle, in my estimation, would make that hotel too pricey. But after having tried the Malaysia, I can't imagine a better value for the money. For those of you who are not familiar with the Lumphini area, both the Pinnacle and the Malaysia are gay friendly hotels popular with the gay "farang" crowd. A taxi ride to the Silom-Suriwong-Patpong area is about 35 baht and usually takes no more than ten minutes or so, even when you wind up in heavy traffic. I suppose I should also mention something about getting there if you either own or are renting a car. From Pattaya you want to end up on the motorway leading in to Bangkok. There are two ways to do that. One is to simply go north on Sukhumvit highway. That's Route 3. It will take you through Laem Chabang (They finally completed that bridge that was under construction for so long. Now there is no wait at that horrendous traffic light that takes you into the port.), Si Racha, Bang Saen, and Chonburi. After you get through Chonburi, stick to the middle or left lane. The access road to the motorway is on the left. When you get on to the motorway you will be issued a toll card at the toll bridge. You don't pay anything until you exit. The current fee is 55 baht. Take the motorway all the way to the end. Once you get to the end, do not use exit one, two, or three. That will lead you into Bang Na. Take any exit starting with number four. That's where you pay the toll. Just keep following the signs to Din Daeng. You'll have one more toll booth that takes you onto the Din Daeng expressway (which is almost always backed up with heavy traffic). Work your way over to either of the right two lanes. Once you pass the area with the heaviest traffic (you'll know it, believe me, when the traffic suddenly dramatically clears up) move over to, and stay in the left lanes. Take the exit for Rama IV and get into the far left lane. That is the access road for Rama IV. Make the left onto Rama IV and again stick to the left. You'll go about half a kilometer. As soon as you pass under a pedestrian bridge, look for a 7-Eleven on the left. That's Soi Ngam Duplii (you'll often see it spelled Ngam Duplee). Make that left. Almost immediately you'll be at the entrance to the Pinnacle Hotel, on the left. Just continue up the street about 100 meters or so, and you'll see the entrance to the Malaysia Hotel on the right. The alternate way of getting there from Pattaya is to turn right, from Sukhumvit Highway, onto Route 36. You'll spot the entrance as soon as you get past Banglamung. About 11 kilometers up, you'll come to a fork in the Highway. Take the left fork. That leads you to Route 7. At present there is quite a bit of construction going on and you're likely to run into traffic delays. Also, be careful of potholes in the construction areas. Stay on Route 7 until you pass the service area. There is only one. After you pass the service area, take the second exit on the left. About two or three kilometers down you'll come to an overpass. Stay in the right lane and take the overpass. That will circle around to another highway. As soon as you enter the highway, get into the right lane. That will take you to the entrance to the motorway. Collect your toll ticket, enter the motorway, follow it to the end, and then follow the directions in the paragraph above. I think I also ought to mention that if you are asking anyone directions to Rama IV, don't say "rama." I don't know who comes up with these transliterations, but it is not pronounced "rama." It is pronounced "perr-ram." The Thai word for the number four is pronounced "see." So, if you're asking directions, ask for "Perr-ram see." Just in case you miss any of the exits once you're in Bangkok, do you know what to do if you're driving and end up lost? Just stop a taxi or motorcycle taxi, tell the driver where you're trying to go, and have him lead you to your destination. Pay him once you get there. Don't pay in advance. That way, he'll make sure not to lose you. I try to always have a copy of my destination's business card with me. That way the is address is written in Thai. If you don't have a card or a copy of one, try to at least have your destination's phone number. If the driver doesn't understand you or isn't sure where you're trying to go, simply have him call your destination and ask. If you don't have a mobile phone, the driver probably will. Getting back to Pattaya from there is also easy. From either the Malaysia or Pinnacle, go back to the entrance of Soi Ngam Duplii. You'll have to turn left onto Rama IV. There is no way to turn right. Once you're on Rama IV, work your way over to the right lane and stay there. That will take you to an overpass. About two or three kilometers down you'll come to a traffic signal. That's the first place available to make a U-turn. Make the U-turn and immediately get into the right lane. Just stay in the right lane. You'll be on the overpass again, which will lead you past where you started from. Shortly beyond that, you'll come to the entrance to an expressway. Follow the traffic turning right. You'll have a 20 baht toll to get onto the expressway. Then, simply follow the signs to Chonburi. That will put you back onto the motorway. You can simply go straight until the end of the motorway, and you're back in Chonburi. Make no turns and you'll end up back in Pattaya. There is an exit from the motorway to get back to Route 7, if you wish to take that route, but until they finish the construction I don't recommend it. There are almost always major traffic delays. There is also a series of detours and unless you can read Thai, it can be extremely confusing. If you don't know what you're doing you can easily get lost. I know those directions probably seem complicated, but it's all really easy. Depending on traffic, the drive from Pattaya will usually take between ninety minutes to two hours.

I'm sorry. I don't remember the name, but it's the only Italian restaurant there. You can't miss it. A friend has a GPS with Thai mapping software. It gives the names of local restaurants. I'll ask him to check. If he has it I'll post it. Perhaps someone else knows the name or will give it a try and post the name. Since there are several restaurants around, including the one at the Malaysia, that offer breakfast, do you have any recommendations as to where the best local breakfast is available? I'd love to take credit for coming up with that Chinese restaurant, but actually it was Lvdkeyes who first told me about it and recommended it. He certainly was right. They have a photo menu and they will make your order as take-out if you wish. However, they do not provide any utensils, so you would have to come up with your own spoon, knife, and fork. I have attached their business card to this post.

I received one of those "invitations," but it was obvious that it had to be some kind of mistake or spyware thing. I didn't fall for it and I doubt that many people did. Please don't worry about it. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. These kinds of things happen to a great many people.

I'm quite sure, now, that I remember the accommodation at which the gentleman had problems accessing the lobby safe. I'd rather not mention the name of the place, in case I'm wrong, but if I'm correct the incident occurred in Pattaya and definitely not at the Malaysia Hotel. Wowpow, would you mind explaining what you mean by, "the 'real' difference is only 18 The only other problem with the Malaysia is getting a room there as it is so p=2 baht." I'm not grasping it. What do you mean by the difference is only 18 and I also don't understand p=2 baht. You're correct, by the way, about the 1170 baht price at the Pinnacle. That's for one person. The last couple of times I was there I needed a room for two. That's what brought my price to 1270 baht. Also, my room was quite close to the construction site to which Wowpow refers. I never heard any noise at all and I know construction was going on while I was there. I also agree about, "respectable Thai friends will not want to meet you there." Well, what can I say? Few of my Thai friends who I would invite to visit me at the Malaysia would fall into the category of 'respectable.' Come to think of it, neither would I. I wonder why bar boys would be uncomfortable with the idea of going to the Malaysia. Maybe they think if they are asked to go elsewhere, then people would assume they're being invited for high tea and a game of Pinochle.

Yesterday I spent the night in Bangkok. For those of you familiar with them, you already know that the Pinnacle Hotel and the Malaysia Hotel are on the same street. Whenever I have stayed in that area, the Lumphini Park area, I have always stayed at the Pinnacle. This time, for the first time, I decided to give the Malaysia Hotel a try. If you look at the photo of the hotel room on the Malaysia Hotel web site, that's an accurate photo. They could have made that photo in the room I had. What they don't show is the bathroom, which does have a bathtub and shower and hot and cold running water both in the shower and the bathroom sink. The Pinnacle has both room safes and lobby safes. The Malaysia has only lobby safes. My room, at least, did not have a safe. Use of the lobby safe is free, but make sure to ask them what times access to your lobby safe is available. I can't recall whether it was the Malaysia, but I do recall reading something recently about someone having a real problem accessing his lobby safe during certain hours. The Pinnacle is much nicer than the Malaysia, in my opinion, as far as the room and amenities are concerned. However, even through Jimmy, the Pinnacle is nearly 600 baht more per night than the Malaysia. Through Jimmy, a room at the Pinnacle is 1270 baht. At the Malaysia I was charged 708 baht. The room might be a bit smaller, older, and a bit more dingy, but I think from now on, when I want to stay in that area my first choice will be the Malaysia. I found several advantages to the Malaysia that I preferred over the Pinnacle. First, the staff is much more friendly and helpful. At the Pinnacle I always feel that it is somewhat formal. At the Malaysia I felt as if I was being welcomed as if I were family. The room was very quiet, with no disturbing noises at all from the street or from within the hotel. Their restaurant is open 24 hours per day, while the one at the Pinnacle is not. I thought the restaurant at the Malaysia had many more selections than are available at the Pinnacle. Their restaurant also has a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, whichever you prefer. At the Pinnacle breakfast is included. At the Malaysia it is not. You can order breakfast at the hotel restaurant and several small nearby restaurants also offer breakfast. Even if you have breakfast somewhere, you'll still come out much cheaper than than a night at the Pinnacle. I did not, however, eat at the Malaysia's restaurant, so I can't comment on the food. The Malaysia also has a Thai massage parlor in their lobby, open from 11:00 AM until midnight. You can get a traditional Thai massage or a foot massage. The prices are the same as any massage parlor, so it's not a hotel rip-off at all. The foot massage is 250 baht. Another thing I liked about the Malaysia was the location. Despite the fact that it is on the same street as the Pinnacle and that the Pinnacle is much closer to the nearest MRT stop, it is a much shorter walk to the Babylon Sauna and to some of the better local restaurants than from the Pinnacle. As soon as you walk out the door, there is a 7-Eleven right there. There are also several ATMs right there. On the same street as the 7-Eleven there are several good restaurants at very reasonable prices. I walked up the street a little bit and saw several restaurants I thought would be worth a try, including a good steak restaurant. One of the restaurants I encountered was an Italian restaurant. That's where I decided to eat. It was surprisingly good, just as good, if not better, than any Italian restaurants I have tried in Thailand. It's a large menu with many excellent choices, ranging from salads to soups, to pastas, meat and fish dishes, several different kinds of pizza, desserts, and specialty items. I tried their version of Caesar Salad and a pork dish. I thought both were very good. You don't have to order a pizza to try it. They give you a little of it as an appetizer. Between the salad, main course, and a bottle of water, my bill came to 320 baht. Not bad at all. Next time I go to Bangkok I'll eat there again. I'm sorry . . . I wish I took down the name of the restaurant and their phone number, but if you want to try it you won't have any problem finding it. It's less than a five minute walk from the Malaysia Hotel. Another thing I liked about the Malaysia: Boys! There were several freelancing boys both in the coffee shop and sitting on the wall just outside the hotel parking lot. They were all boy-next-door types and some were really cute. I spoke with a few of them. They want 500 baht for short time. Not bad at all for Bangkok and I understand that the Malaysia does not give you a hassle about bringing a boy to your room. Now, please don't misunderstand me. I am certainly not withdrawing my support of the Pinnacle. I still think it's a great place to stay and there will probably be many more times when I'll choose to stay there. However, I now also think the Malaysia Hotel is an excellent choice as well, depending on what you're looking for. I would be interested in comments from others regarding their opinions of both the Pinnacle Hotel and the Malaysia Hotel. The Malaysia Hotel's web site is: http://www.malaysiahotelbkk.com I have also attached a copy of their business card.

Ok, nolo contendere. You have your point of view and I have mine.

I think if you read enough of Smiles' posts that include any references to me at all, which constitutes many of them, it won't take you long to understand why I consider his latest post an insult. I'm glad you had a laugh, but you might also notice, despite the fact that Smiles is apparently quite familiar with Hua Hin, his post included no information whatsoever.

A Pattaya Gay Festival (PGF) dinner will be held at the Amor Restaurant on Sunday, October 28. Please click the following link for details: http://www.amorrestaurant.com

That is something you won't have to worry about. Once was enough for me. I actually thought you would provide more information about Hua Hin for others instead of confining yourself to your usual insult directed at me. Apparently I was wrong.

I've been doing some traveling around lately. Having never been to Hua Hin I wanted to give it a try. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been there several times and can tell you much more than I can, but here's what I have to say: In my opinion, if you're looking for a getaway spot that is everything Pattaya is not, then I would recommend a trip to Hua Hin. It is a very clean, beautiful little city without any of the "honky-tonk" style of Pattaya. It is a quiet place with clear waters and white powder sand beaches. It is easy to get to beaches that are set up similarly to Pattaya, with loads of beach umbrellas and concessions and just as easy to get to much more secluded beaches. There are accommodations for every taste and price range. There are inexpensive and very nice guest houses everywhere. If one is full you can easily find another. The street names are all signed in both Thai and English, making it much easier to find wherever you are trying to go. There are also plenty of luxury hotels, such as a Hilton, Sofitel, Marriott, etc. We stayed at the Top Mark's Hotel ( http://www.huahinafterdark.com/topmarks-hotel-hua-hin.htm ). We had a choice of rooms for 750 baht per night or 950 baht per night. We stayed in the more expensive room. It was very quiet, spotlessly clean, and on the ground floor. The bathroom has a hot shower, but typical Thai style, no shower curtain to separate the shower from the toilet. However, there was enough distance between the shower and the toilet that we did not end up with a soaking toilet. Top Mark's also gives you no hassle at all if you want to bring in a "guest." One of the reasons we stayed at Top Mark's was because of its location. It is a very easy walk to the local night market and an even easier walk to restaurants and beaches. There are also plenty of other small hotels and guest houses in the immediate area. From Top Mark's, if you walk toward the beach you encounter a soi with dozens of restaurants, ranging from several waterfront seafood restaurants, to French, Italian, Indian, German, Scandanavian, and of course Thai restaurants, all of which are reasonably priced. If you continue walking up the soi you come to a Wat. Continue walking around the Wat and there are the beaches. There is even horseback riding available on the beaches (at 300 baht for 30 minutes). As far as I know there are only a few gay bars in Hua Hin, none of which are go-go bars. Have a look at http://www.stickyrice.ws/?view=directory&a...h&place=hhn and http://rice-queen.net for further information. Perhaps someone more familiar with Hua Hin can comment on the gay scene. We did not go to any of the gay venues. There are several options for getting to Hua Hin. There are flights, buses from Bangkok, and if you have access to a car you can drive there. We drove. It took us exactly four hours and thirty minutes from Pattaya. We took the expressway to Bangkok and took the exit to the Dao Khanong expressway, which takes you over a bridge and places you on Route 35. Take Route 35 out to Route 4, a little less than an hour drive, and then turn left on Route 4. It takes you right to Hua Hin. Once you get as far as Hua Hin there are baht buses and motorcycle taxis, but they seemed to be few and far between. You may have to go hunting for them. The only place I saw any of them were at major intersections. One of the cities where we stopped on the way back toward Bangkok was Samut Songkram. A Google search will bring up plenty of web sites about Samut Songkram. I would recommend trying to get there by car. For 400 baht you can hire a boat that takes you all through the canals and will make several stops at different Wats. The highlight is the floating market, which begins between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. You can get there on foot if you wish, but you better have someone who knows the area to help you get there on foot. At night you can take another boat ride to an area that is literally filled with fireflies. The Thais love that! As I said, I don't know very much about Hua Hin. I hope some others out there will post more information for you. I thought it was a very pleasant trip, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for loads of excitement. I would, however, recommend it if you are looking for a quiet getaway.

I don't know anything about this place, but you might try: http://www.the-castle-pattaya.com