Gaybutton

I don't know if I'd go as far as to put it like that. You are making it sound like everyone in town is a thief. Far from it. The vast majority of people are perfectly honest, hard-working, friendly people who have just as much contempt for criminals as we do, whether the victims are Thai, "farang," or anyone else. As long as you use common sense and take proper precautions, as you would likely do in any tourist city in the world, the odds of becoming a crime victim in Pattaya are quite remote.

I'd like some more information about the casinos and hotel prices in Macau. When you said it's mostly Asian games, what were the games? I'm thinking of Pai Gow Poker. Other than that one, I don't know which games would be considered particularly Asian. What were some of the weird Blackjack rules? What were the table minimums? Most important of all, did you come out a winner?

What was that song from 'Beverly Hills Cop'? Wasn't it 'The Boys Are Back in Town'? They'll be back. Many of the bars have had very few customers in the first place for quite some time, without Songkran being a factor. As far as the boys are concerned, there are plenty of them. Many do return to their homes to celebrate Songkran with their families, but throughout Thailand the main Songkran celebrations take place on different days and Pattaya is usually the last of the celebrations. Most of the boys want to be back in Pattaya for the main Songkran day, which is today. While the big day in Pattaya is precisely what many "farang" want to avoid, it is exactly what most of the boys enjoy more than any other day in the entire year, so most are already back and are going to be out there today. You have nothing to worry about, lectricman11. Two weeks from now, when you get here, there will be more boys than you can handle.

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Pattaya Police Chief

I wonder who that might be . . . As for saving posts, there is no specific function that does that. You could always simply copy the posts and save them on a word processor, create a blog and save them there, or use another method to save them manually.

I'm going to start by taking exception to that comment. That comment pops up every so often, but it is simply not true. There were plenty of contributors, many of whom are now on this board. After years of dealing with it, I finally became sick and tired of all the nonsense and gossip and I changed the demeanor of my board so that its sole purpose was to provide information and answer questions. My board ran exactly as I wanted it to, thank you very much. To my mind, numbers of posts and numbers of contributors are meaningless. I fail to see how that has anything to do with whether a board is successful or not. There are other boards that have far greater numbers of posts than this one gets. It's always the same small group of people, though, trying to out-insult or out-smart-remark each other. If that is what constitutes a successful board, then I hope this board is not successful. The demise of my board was my own decision. When Thai authorities began to block web sites, my board was the first gay Thailand board to be blocked. I had no idea why it was blocked or what was going on and to this day I still don't. I made an effort to find out and never got anywhere. I had grown tired of constantly having to update articles and spending time seeking out information. I was in Thailand, retired, and ended up averaging five hours per day trying to keep up with everything. I had been seriously considering taking down the board anyhow and the blocking made that decision for me. It was a little difficult to run a board when it was blocked from my own location and I couldn't even access it. That is the reason I took it down. I even had problems just trying to take it down. I had to try and try again to catch one of the intermittent times the web site could be accessed just to be able to get in and take it offline. I moderate this board as I see fit and within the guidelines set forth by GayThailand. That's what I try to do anyway. Virtually all of the posts that were removed, and to date there have been very few - less than ten, from this board were removed by mutual consent among the moderators. We rarely act unilaterally. As for the flame posts directed at me that appear on other boards, I rarely respond to those for two reasons. One is simply considering the source. "Mean old Gaybutton won't let me post my crap. I'm telling my mommy." The other is that I would first have to give a damn about what others post about me. I don't. After so many years of involvement with message boards, I'm thick skinned enough that seeing myself called "Herr Gaybutton," "Gaybottom," "The Grand Ayatollah," "Control Freak," and all the other cute little names doesn't exactly cause my blood pressure to rise. The way I see it, contributors who wish to post valid, reliable information about the gay scene in Thailand, and post it honestly, are perfectly welcome here. Those who wish to abuse this board and/or use it to try to threaten, intimidate, or attack others are not going to be able to do so as long as GayThailand keeps me on as a moderator here and as long as I wish to remain a moderator here. Some people have tried and were warned not to continue. Those who decided to continue anyhow and apparently thought they could make up their own posting rules rather than abiding by ours have found themselves on moderated mode . . . permanently. Being on moderated mode doesn't mean they can't post at all. It means their post has to be approved first. If the post contains information, properly attributed if it comes from elsewhere, then it gets approved. If it contains attacks and flames, then it doesn't. It's just as simple as that. We have had a few flame wars appear on this board. In retrospect, I think we made a mistake by ever allowing it and I plead guilty to being a participant in it. It's not going to happen here again.

I'm not all that familiar with the Bangkok bars and I'm sure you will receive better responses than mine, but as far as I know all of the bars have boys within that age bracket. As for which bar is best, that's an extremely difficult question to answer because it is a matter of opinion. In the Suriwong-Patpong area most of the bars are within easy walking distance from each other, many right next door to each other. Try a few one night and try a few the next night. I think most people would agree, however, that if you are looking for muscle boys, then the Tawan bar is probably the place for you to go.

The next PGF (Pattaya Gay Festival) dinner will be hosted at Bruno's Restaurant on Wednesday, May 2. Details and the menu can be seen at: http://www.pgreport.com/100407/brunos_dinner%5B1%5D.jpg

Remember the brouhaha over the possibility of entertainment zones within Pattaya? Remember that the idea simply fizzled out and vanished? Well folks, the idea has been resurrected. At least they're also talking about residential zones. A common complaint in Pattaya is that someone has bought a beautiful condo in a quiet neighborhood, and then some schmuck opens a karaoke, a loud one, that blares music far into the wee hours of the morning, right into the ears of those who actually try to sleep at night. They ask the karaokes to turn down the volume, but it never happens. They call the police and nothing is done. Maybe establishment of residential zones will do something to solve that problem for those plagued by it. Here's the article, from the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: _____ Meeting Discusses Plans to Create Zones here in Pattaya An interesting meeting now from Pattaya City Hall chaired by Khun Niran, the Mayor of Pattaya. The meeting discussed plans to create zones around the City. Entertainment, Residential and Educational Zones will be clearly defined, however, although the idea for zoning has been approved the exact boundaries of each zone has not yet been agreed upon. This could well have an impact on the lucrative late night entertainment industry here in Pattaya which would be affected by these zoning plans. The plans are in the consultation stage for now and despite previous plans to zone Pattaya failing, the meeting is hopeful that these plans will eventually be put into operation.

Thank you. The entire BANGKOK POST article is as follows: _____ Mafia in Khaki Prey on Bus Passengers Tourists, Migrants Searched, Held, Forced to Part with Money to Secure Own Release By Amornrat Mahitthirook and Manop Thip-osod Ekamai and Southern bus terminals are known as hunting grounds for "mafia in khaki" who prey on foreign travellers and illegal aliens. The mafia extort money from foreign tourists and illegal migrant workers who lack proper immigration documents. They arrest the migrants, and demand money in return for their release from custody, say bus terminal officials and witnesses. The Transport Co, operator of the terminals, admits the problem is rampant at the state-run bus terminals. An official at the Southern bus terminal said: "Mafia extortionists have been roaming the terminal for almost two decades. The practice is blatant and people working at the terminal, including officials and shopkeepers, know about it." The mafia, claiming to be policemen, work in gangs, along with bus staff, taxi and van drivers who tip off the extortionists about the arrival of their targets, mostly Burmese and Lao workers travelling from Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ranong, and Songkhla. The "mafia in khaki" approach the workers, search their belongings and ask for immigration documents. Any illegal immigrants are told they must pay at least 5,000 baht to walk free. Anyone without money or valuables is forced to seek refunds for their tickets to get cash, or face being locked up until friends or relatives find money to pay the fines. The terminal official said the gangsters claim to be officers from Taling Chan police station, the 191 emergency unit or police from other areas. They work in uniforms or plain clothes, often in the dark, from evening until 4am. A shopkeeper at the bus terminal, located on Pinklao road, said no one dare interfere with the extortionists for fear of retribution. The practice differs at the Ekamai terminal for east-bound buses on Sukhumvit road. An Ekamai employee said officers claiming to be officers from Thong Lor police station had boarded buses to accost foreigners for the past seven months. They scattered their belongings in drug searches. If any drugs were found, money changes hands. "The practice hurts the country's tourism, especially when innocent foreign travellers become victims of intimidation by people claiming to be state officers," the employee said. More frequent police searches might stem from heightened security to prevent terrorism, he said. But that might also be the work of extortionists. He said many bus operators are upset because the searches delay departure schedules. "The mafia has escaped the hand of the law," the employee said, citing the recent closure of a terminal's radio station after it alerted high-level terminal officers to look into the mafia activities. Wuthichart Kalayanamitr, acting president of the Transport Co, admitted mafia extortionists are rampant. He said the Crime Suppression Division had been asked to patrol the Southern terminal and crack down on the mafia. As a precaution, warnings have been issued on the public address system and more closed-circuit cameras will be installed, he said. Renovation is under way at the Southern terminal to seal off the terminal area, so it is accessible only by passengers and officials, he added. Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Supisal Pakdinarunat said police patrols and undercover agents have been sent to investigate, especially cases involving possible police misconduct. Pol Col Supisal advised victims and witnesses to contact the police complaint centre, the Prime Minister's Office hotline or the media. He also urged victims to file charges against the gangsters.

Actually, according to http://www.thai-language.com , there are three words for it. I've never heard any of those words actually used . . .

Just because I enjoy it doesn't mean that you have to also enjoy it. I haven't had such experiences, so I have no reason to feel as you do. Meanwhile, you might feel a little better knowing that your misery has company. The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS: for photos, click: http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_14_04_50_4.htm _____ Safety Concerns as Songkran Starts Early Here in Pattaya. Despite the fact that the official day for Songkran here in Pattaya is 5 days away the festivities have already begun in some areas around the City. We went to Soi

In Pattaya some of the Songkran water tossing and powder puffing has begun. Today (Friday) I saw several pickup trucks, loaded with people and water barrels, cruising through the city. However, they were dousing only each other and leaving everyone else alone, although a few motorcyclists and pedestrians were caught in the crossfire. Collateral damage . . . I was not on Second Road or Beach Road today, but I've heard that the water works have greatly escalated in those areas and right now that's the area where you are most likely to receive a dousing. Right now, Pattaya reminds me of a ghost town when it comes to the presence of "farang." Many have already made their escape and more will be doing so throughout the week. Some have already gone into hibernation in their condo or hotel rooms. The beach, restaurants, and gay venues are not exactly bursting at the seams with customers right now. There really hasn't been all that much Songkran activity yet due to the weather. We've had quite a bit of rain, along with flooded streets, lately, so not that many people are out there with their water shooters. Maybe they're afraid they'll get wet . . . This year, the city is forbidding water tossing along Sukhumvit highway and the police are out there enforcing that. The reasons are to cut back on accidents and to allow a traffic flow. I'm glad of that. In the past the revelers would shoot water at motorcycles passing at high speed and that caused many serious accidents and injuries. However, the real test of whether such enforcement is really possible will be next Thursday, the main Songkran day. So many "farang" really hate the Songkran holiday and all the revelry that goes with it. Not me. I truly enjoy it. Aside from myself, though, I know of only one other "farang" who truly enjoys it all and intends to be right here in the thick of it. Are we the only two?

I'll just let the story, which appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS, speak for itself. Photos can be seen at: http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_13_04_50_3.htm As for the final outcome and whether the case was officially logged, well . . . that's the part where you get three guesses. _____ Sleepy Police Officer Causes Traffic Chaos on Pattaya Third Road Here

Both the PATTAYA MAIL and the CHIANG MAI MAIL have published the official lists of Songkran activities. For the Pattaya list, click: http://www.pattayamail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1 For the Chiang Mai list, click: http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd4

I agree with that. I hope you will be able to overcome your anxiety. I think if you give it a try once or twice, the anxiety about it will disappear.

Gee whiz. Gosh darn it all anyway. Judas priest! It just gets me friggin' PO'd. Oooooh, it gets me so mad I could just spit. Well, maybe if you ask GayThailand and/or Stef nicely, they'll turn off that feature and let people swear to their hearts' content.

There are all kinds of ways to 'hit on' someone. I wouldn't advise just walking up to just any stranger on the streets and inviting him to your bed, but there are all kinds of ways to let someone know you are interested in ways that are subtle enough so that there will be no embarrassment on either side if you are going to be rejected. There is no standard way to do that. Many good suggestions have been offered on this thread. You have to do what works best for you. Even if you just use the broad smile method, if the other person is interested then believe me, he'll let you know it. One thing is certain: If you are too shy to at least do or say something, then nothing will happen at all. If it were me, and I was not in a gay venue where I would be sure, then I would usually try the broad smile and see if if get one back. If I do, then I would try to talk with the person. If he responds, even if you can't speak any Thai and he can't speak any English, but he's friendly and I'm getting the right 'vibes,' then I might invite him for a drink, or hand him a card and ask him to give me a call, or ask to exchange phone numbers, or something similar. Even if the language barrier is total, you'll find ways to get the message across and so will he.

That's exactly what I intend to do. Of course, one of my friends pointed out that I have a car and don't have to get soaked unless I want to get soaked. I'm wondering just how many of you who can be in Pattaya for Songkran will be in Pattaya for Songkran. Other than myself and one other friend, just about everyone I know has either already made his escape or are getting ready to make his escape. The beach is getting "deader" by the day. Not only have a great many "farang" left, but many of the boys who constitute the daily eye candy have also left, but not for the same reasons. They want to be with their families during Songkran. I read somewhere that there was even a juvenile prison break, motivated by the desire to be home for Songkran. Is there anyone other than my friend and I who intends to be in Pattaya for Songkran? Out of that number, is there anyone who intends to be out there rather than hiding out in his hotel or condo room?

Let's just hope none of these drink spikings end up turning into murder. It sounds awfully dangerous to me and unfortunately there are people out there who seem to be willing to do anything to steal from others, whether they are aware of what could happen to their victims or not. As I said, there is no way I'll ever have a drink with a stranger in my room. I wouldn't even pull the old 'switch the glasses' trick. I'd be stuck with a thief in my room, hopelessly passed out. Of course, he'd have some explaining to do when he wakes up, and he'd be doing that explaining to the police.

Perhaps you should. What a set of coincidences! You're not alone in that. Robert Lincoln, the son of Abraham Lincoln, was in the White House the night his father was assassinated. He was present and an eyewitness to President James Garfield's assassination. He was present when President William McKinley was assassinated. He was present when New York City Mayor William Gaynor was shot during an assassination attempt. Sounds like a similar set of circumstances is happening to you.

One common occurrence is the spiked drinks. I don't know about you, but the reason I take a boy to my room isn't for having drinks, that's for sure. There is no way I would have a drink with a money boy in my room and I wouldn't let him have one either. One question in my mind . . . what are they spiking the drinks with? It seems that whatever they use, it keeps people asleep for many hours. For one of those long-haul international flights, that might be just the thing. What do they use and where do they get it?

Here are the latest details: _____ BANGKOK, April 10 (TNA) Thai police have not concluded that a bomb outside a Bangkok shopping and cinema complex Monday night is related to the New Year's Eve bombings in the capital, but they believe it was designed to raise the level of fear and apprehension in an already troubled time. Police said they believe that the latest bombing at Major Ratchayothin complex was apparently aimed to cause fear among the public. Visiting Phaholyothin police station to seek details in the case, Assistant National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Jongrak Juthanont said the attacker apparently worked at night when the site was clear of casual passersby, and therefore did not intend to kill anyone. The small and low-powered bomb was aimed to threaten the public and possibly to cause panic rather than kill passersby. Police are gathering evidence and questioning witnesses. The small bomb packed in a plastic bottle was placed in a phone booth in front of the shopping and cinema complex, and caused no injuries. Major Ratchayothin was one of nine locations in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, bombed on New Year's Eve. Three people were killed and nearly 40 people were wounded in the New Year's incidents, including nine foreigners. (TNA)-E004 _____ The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Police Question Taxi Driver over Bomb Attack at Movie Theatre Police are questioning a taxi driver who parked his vehicle in front of a Bangkok movie theatre just minutes before a bomb exploded there on Monday night. The blast that took place just before midnight at Major Cineplex Theatre Ratchayothin destroyed three street-side public telephone booths but injured no one. The theatre was one of the sites attacked by bomb explosions in Bangkok on the New Year's Eve, killing three people and wounding more than 40. The taxi driver, Wirat Jansa, turned himself at about 9.20 am but denied that he is not involved in the attack. He claimed that he tried to get customer at the spot but a police officer booked him for parking at the prohibited area. The officer ordered him to go to the police station to pay for the ticket. With the officer in his car, he was driving to the police station when he heard a boom behind him. The officer then got off his taxi to investigate the scene, he said. Later his taxi centre radioed him to report himself with police. "I think that it is all about the booking but it turned to be that police wanted to question me about the bomb attack," he said. Meanwhile Deputy Police Chief Lt Col Jongrak Jutanont who visited the site said that there was no no claims of responsibility for the explosions, which police believed was not meant to cause fatalities. "It was meant to threaten and cause confusion," Jongrak said. He described the bomb as a "noisemaker" packed with gunpowder but no nails or other sharp objects. He said police are investigating, but they have not yet been able to pinpoint a motive. Prakit Prachonpatjanuk, secretary-general of the National Security Council, said that initial investigations indicated that the bombing might have been the result of a personal conflict and did not appear to be linked to Muslim insurgent violence in Thailand's deep south.

Details, so far, are sketchy, but here's the story, from THE NATION: _____ Bomb Explosion at a Bangkok Theatre Bomb explosion damaged public telephone booths and injured no one at a theatre on Monday night. The blast destroyed three telephone booths in front of Major Cineplex Ratchayothin at about 11.30 pm. There was no report of injuries. The theatre was one of ten targets attacked by bomb explosion on New Year's Eve.

Most of you are aware of the Songkran holiday in Thailand. In Pattaya the major water tossing festivities will take place on Thursday, April 19. Some "farang," including me, love the holiday and fully intend to be here in Pattaya for the entire event and enjoy getting soaked (while watching all those boys getting soaked as well). It seems that most "farang" avoid Pattaya and anywhere else in Thailand where the water tossing takes place. In Pattaya it has already begun. Today I began to notice a few children out there with their squirt guns already dousing passers-by. It will escalate over the next several days until it reaches its peak on April 19.