Londoner

A few years back there were three boy-bars catering for women in Pattaya. All, I believe, were in Third Road. My partner's cousin was mamasan in one of them. He showed me photos of the guys there; stunning! The bars catered for bar-girls with cash to spare, wives/ partners of non-performing falangs and of those who were working abroad. Prices much the same as we pay. From what I could ascertain, they were very much local businesses rather than for tourists . Word of mouth custom, I assume. BBB was the first bar I recall where women visitors were often to be seen. It didn't surprise me. In those days (1996-2002 , my "punter" period), most of the hundred plus guys on parade (yes, a hundred plus) seemed to be straight. Not my cup of tea, though I remember a couple of very enjoyable assignations.

But we were speaking Thinglish! In my, personalised version, mistakes are common place; such as confusing the Thai word for ice (kaeng) with that of the male genitals.

A final thought. I was discussing the word with P on LINE this morning in our usual Thinglish. Is the word used in Thailand? I enquired Yes , he said. And there followed a conversation that ranged from the odd to the surreal. Eventually, it all made sense. "Kawaii" and "KY" (the lubricant) sound exactly the same.

If or when this current crisis ends, you can be pretty certain that it won't be reflected in lower oil prices and air fares.

No problem; my butler, Alfred, looks after all my guests.

I think you're right. You recall "Kawaii" go-go bar in Boyztown? It took me months to work-out what it meant.

A whole aisle in T21 is devoted to shops selling models of people and of TV/cinema/cartoon characters. And they aren't cheap; it's adults who buy them. Friendship Supermarket in Pattaya Tai has a large selection of craft accessories which my partner checks every time we go into Pattaya. This is to feed his hobby of making these models. On display at home I have monks, farmers, a fearsome -looking temple guard and even village scenes with houses. He takes enormous care when making them. The detail is impressive. Why are Thais and other Asians so attracted to the miniature? Is the Japanese love of bonsai trees another example?

One place I forgot to mention- my partner will be furious as it's his favourite- is MK. Branches in Central, Big C, T21 and Lotus ( Outlet Mall). The duck is the best I've had anywhere. I've not met a Thai who doesn't adore this chain . The waitresses (and a couple of slightly shy waiters) used to perform a dance at 20 00 to entertain diners. It was on Youtube.

One of the joys of Pattaya/Jomtien is the number of fine restaurants, serving a host of cuisines- some unexpected- and at remarkable prices. At least for a Londoner.

Thanks. Quite right...good for you. I respect your sentiment. The poor guy was probably suffering from TB (Thais call it "wanna woke"). It is often (usually?) the first infection caused by hiv+, and is when the virus is first identified in a victim..

My recommendations were Sandbar (with reservations concerning the menu) and Pon's in Terminus 21, without reservations.

Could you explain this please? Perhaps I'm missing something but I don't understand the reference to hiv.

My experience of the JC in March was similar. Oddly though, The Agate was doing well- certainly better than when we were there in November. The beachfront in the evenings was busy too, though most the people we saw seemed to be locals. Can it be that it's just "our lot" who are staying away? I watched , over a period of nearly twenty years, the massive decline in the number of visitors to Boyztown; I hope the same won't become true of Jomtien.

Any thoughts on what seems to be an imminent crisis caused by jet-fuel shortages? I've booked flights for June; and I'm becoming anxious.

"The land of smiles". I'd advise any newbie that if he wants a successful meeting, he should start with a smile. And then he will likely end with one.