Londoner

We wandered past Poseidon last night and , as always when we pass, we see a busy, thriving restaurant. It interests me that there are always tables occupied by mixed Thai/falang groups, and it sets me wondering how much (or perhaps little) the Thais enjoy this standard of western food. Of course, there are Thai dishes if the answer is "not at all." The only other "quality" western restaurant in Pattaya I know with a similar customer base is Le Bordeaux. I recall P's first visit there, long ago, and how fascinated I was to see how he responded to la cuisine francaise. Very well, as it happened. And I recall his being delighted, and perhaps relieved, when he saw the clientele: predominantly gay, or so it seemed that particular evening.

Yes, City became Gacuya. It was rumoured to belong to a policeman. The mamasan was a flamboyant character whom I recall wearing outrageous, feathered hats. She could go outside and then suddenly open the door theatrically to re-enter, expecting the clientele to look round in admiration. We tended not to do so. It was a twink bar. And one of my favourites..

Book quickly. We arrived yesterday and the Complex was as busy as I've seen it since last High Season. I know that it was Jomtien's Loy Khatong but according to hotel staff, the season has started-off very well. Excellent news; it was very subdued when we were here last in July.

Quite a cast-list. Are there any histories of gay Thailand predating the Vietnam war and the rise of Patpong? Where did Somerset Maugham meet his guests? In the Oriental? i recall seeing a photo of a group of smiling Oriental lobby-boys in their traditional uniforms...and wondered.

It is understandable for those of my generation to treasure memories of the times when bars were full of visitors and the guys actually danced. I never deny the huge improvements that have come in the past fifteen years but we know that much has been lost, too. And not just tourists.

By the way, we also enjoy wandering through the bar areas even though it's years since we've entered one. It's hard to describe just how gratifying it is for a man of my age and background whose life, apart from last thirty years, has been entirely closeted, to walk hand-in hand with a partner among the other gay visitors and attractive "out" guys who work in the JC. Some may take it for granted; I never do.

I'm with Travellerdave; I enjoy being surrounded by cute guys. The fact that Agate is in a gay area is one of the reasons I like it so much. I smile, perhaps wave and walk on. No problem. Anyone uncomfortable can avoid them by the using the passageway next to the hotel.

Is it possible that the guys themselves are now a little more circumspect? The unrestrained performances I recall from BKK (more than Pattaya) were not given to audiences with mobile phone and access to SM.

The Pattaya event is much better than any we have in the UK. We've watched on one occasion from the steps outside Central, though it was a struggle due to the number of spectators. Beach Road was packed and closed to traffic. On another occasion, we were staying at Ambiance and found that we could obtain a distant view from the walkway on the fourth floor. Not very comfortable though! The corner standing area only accommodated us two. Not recommended. Last year we wanted to travel from Jomtien but transport- we'd left it late- was non-existent. My advice would be to arrive in the late afternoon or very early evening and you'll find a decent place in the Central Mall area. Then wait. if you are staying in Jomtien and want a ride back....chok dee!

The soi opposite Agate that leads to The Venue. I'm not sure that there is "an inside"....it's an open bar. I wonder what happened to the dancers (more like acrobats!) that used to perform in Boyztown? I recall them winning some sort of prize in a TV show.

Good.... we should remember that , during this Very Low Season, many Pattaya people are struggling to cope. A propos dancing guys, may I complement the group that performs in the soi outside the JC Sunee club? we always stop to watch their performance, whether they be in white shorts or- even better for a romantic like me- traditional Thai dress. I hope they make some cash. They must work hard at rehearsals and deserve an audience.

"Sparoma"....yes, that was it.

In fact, we've had two " events" there. One was when my sister died and I missed the funeral because I was in Jomtien. P arranged for the Abbot to provide a service for us, culminating in the presentation of a silken thread to put around my wrist. An ancient ritual. It serves as a reminder of a lost loved one. I gave it to my niece when I was home. P is Thai and a devout Buddhist who did his stint as a monk when he was twenty. He made the arrangements. I suspect that the Abbot would be happy to help you. He spoke good English and talked very kindly to me after the ceremony. Of course, it would be expected that you make a gift to the temple. Our blessing was to be the first stage of our wedding in Pattaya, which sadly didn't happen owing to bureaucratic complexities. And so it remains out only formal recognition. P thinks it is enough.

Twenty- plus years ago, I recall visiting, just once, a sauna- apparently newly-built- in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, situated on the banks of the river. I went only once- it was reminiscent of Obelisk in Bangkok which I sensed was less welcoming to farang visitors than Babylon. Or House of Male which afforded me a couple of unforgettable experiences. "Ah, the times that we have seen..." Can anyone recall its name? It appeared to exist for a very short period.