Londoner

So, reading between the lines and considering the labyrinthine workings of Thai bureaucracy, the change could be months away. Or more. I merely hope it doesn't occur just as I'm about to leave the UK. Perhaps there could be an alphabetical programme of implementation.....and the UK comes well-done the list! By then I'll probably be past caring.

When are the new entry/visa requirements likely to be introduced?

One reason begins with the letter "T". The other with an "N".

I'll be asleep, I hope, assuming that those d**n fireworks don't keep me awake. Rest and relaxation is important bearing in mind that 2025 will be even worse than 2024.

"Watched"? I heard the drilling for two weeks when I was trying get my much-needed afternoon nap at Le Cafe Royal, the manager having thoughtfully moved me to to one of the rooms next door. My last ever stay at that hotel. The Throb show gave me many laughs and a few bruises, as when "the monkeys" used me as a suitable target for their "erotic" satisfaction. Some evenings, the audience was two hundred strong. It was particularly popular among older women tourists. There have been other dance shows but I can't think of any with so much comedy.

Are the shows popular with women? And are the punters mainly Asian? Do the performers still "pass the hat" around for extra tips?

What shows are available nowadays in go go bars? They used to be in important part of an evening's entertainment, particularly in Soi Twilight. I remember the trapeze act and the candle wax shows. A little arty-farty for me. Such shows could be quite elaborate. X Boys had a dance scene which involved nearly-naked guys dancing around an enormous paper-mache phallus and then stroking it, resulting in a shower of milk being sprayed over all and sundry. At least, I hope it was milk. The most extraordinary that I saw was in Pattaya's Sawatdee bar. It once put on a special performance by an apparently celebrated- and rather plump- ladyboy; the place was packed. . A waiter brought her a toy-trumpet, which she then placed next to her rectum and "played" to tumultuous applause. She was no Dizzy Gillespie. Her piece de resistance required a dozen or so balloons and some darts. The balloons were distributed around the bar, she lay on he back with her legs in the air and fired (or perhaps farted) the darts to burst the balloons. Her accuracy was staggering. Even the famous le Petomane couldn't have done better. So Bangkok regulars....please provide an up-date on what's on offer now. I doubt that there's anything can anything to match that performance...or am I wrong? Apologies for yet another trip down Memory Lane.

I used to feel exactly the same as percy, but let me say this; if you are in an appropriate hotel in Bangkok, you'll be relaxed and happy in your own private hotel room. Appropriate? well, certainly one near the Silom /Surawong area, cheap ( like the Surawong), Middle (like Tarntawan or Q), or 5* (like Meridian- I'm told). I suppose there may be places where a charge would be made but, in all honesty I can't think of any . Most would close tomorrow were it not people like us, gay or straight! You should be aware that there are some massage places where the masseurs aren't allowed to go off premises. If the mamasan tells you this, remember that it's a buyers' market and go elsewhere else . Or use the apps. Give the guy the hotel name, address and room number. He goes to Reception who phone you to check that you have arranged it. The guy's ID will remain there until he leaves, for your protection. So easy. So safe. Have fun.

In fact, I was best pals with my American buddy, who was utterly fearless and incredibly successful. Seeing him operate only increased my sense of inadequacy. But I look on the bright side; P's reserved quietness was a good match for my shyness. And twenty years don't lie! The Pattaya scene of that period had someone for everyone.

I only have one but am entirely confident that it'll never be stolen; it was so cheap that no one else would want to be seen dead with it. Particularly a mb!

Let him come to you, preferably in a hotel where his ID is held at reception.

I feel the desire to be serious, something much needed in this period (at least in the UK) of undiluted frivolity. So my apologies in spoiling the mood. I shall be attending the Christmas service at the Temple Church in London a stunningly beautiful, medieval building not far from the Thames. It is a replica of the Holy Trinity Church in Occupied Jerusalem, which I have visited on many occasions. I shall be praying for my beloved thousands of miles away in Nakom Sawan. And, probably tearfully, for my old friend in Palestine and his family, who live in danger of being killed by the day. And by the hour. And yes, I shall be wearing my keffiyeh in tribute.

I've always been too shy to chase. On my first visit nearly thirty years ago, I required my object of desire to make the first, second and third move. And to be blunt, I don't think I've changed. I envy those who are braver than me and more resilient when it comes to set-backs.

I am with you, TotallyOz. These partnerships aren't easy for either party and among all their problems one, though not the most significant, is the cynicism they sometimes encourage. On both parties, I hasten to add. P and I celebrated our twentieth anniversary in January of this year.There have been bad moments, I confess; times when I doubted him and occasions when he, I know, was disappointed with me. But it has worked for both of us, if in totally different ways. I hope it continues for you, too. I wouldn't presume to offer advice but I do urge patience and realistic expectations., for you both.

It may be because I've just returned from Thailand and am, bluntly, fed-up....that I can sympathise with visitors who have disappointments there; we all do, whether it be an unsuccessful "off" or, in my case, a poor meal. Very few of those, by the way! However, for someone contemplating a grey, chilly day in London, thousands of miles away from his loved-one I must encourage adopting the Buddhist principle of (as P tells me, ad nauseam) "thinking good." It is true that, the older I get, the harder it is to look on the bright side but, for heaven's sake, the vast majority of guys on the scene whom we meet are friendly, reasonable in their demands. And fun. That was my experience, anyway. For me, just to wander through the JC before bedtime (embarrassingly early in my case) enjoying the cheerful smiles, the enticing offers- cheerful and not persistent when refused- and the sheer joyfulness (at their best) of the guys is something I treasure. And even more so in retrospect. I just like being smiled at! Is there anywhere else in the world where such pleasures are available so cheaply and so safely? and when the assignation isn't so good, it is so easy to say, "Mai pen rai; tomorrow's will be better". And it will be.