Londoner

Recalling Groucho's remarks about clubs, " I wouldn't want to go to any orgy that invited me."

Visitors of my generation may recall that, back in the day, photographs in Boyztown- the soi itself- were forbidden. Ambiance used to have, for many years, a very nice guy as doorman/ security guard. I respected him because he was so kind to the guys I offed, treating them as customers, the same as me. One of his tasks was to stop-or at least discourage- anyone using their cameras to take photographs of the soi. Oh for the blessed days before the advent of mobile phones! I'm only joking about that...I think.

That happened to you too?

It's long way for a motorcycle taxi. I wouldn't, but it has to be admitted that nowadays I find it hard even to get on the d**n thing. I remember too well my ride to Jomtien many years ago on a motor cy operated by someone who looked no more than fourteen. He had yet to learn the meaning of fear. Go by car!

A Pattaya guy once said "too much" when I gave him his cash. Did I give him more than the going-rate? No. Or perhaps my performance was so earth-shatteringly good that he thought I deserved a free ride. No....that doesn't sound like me either. Most likely he was showing Buddhist compassion for an old guy who was obviously past his best. .

Apologies for the reminiscence...! Many years ago, I was dining at Balcony when one of the waiters, a very cute guy, seemed to take more of an interest in me than I expected. I'd never considered for one moment that the waiters there were "offable" and so I was merely polite. The next day I was in Babylon and whom should I encounter....? And yes, we did. Why he was interested in me I shall never know.

I am intrigued by the empty buildings in the JC, some of which seem to have been slowly deteriorating for many years, although the ground floors have flourishing business premises. Since Covid, new businesses- bars and restaurants- have sprung-up near Dick's and have made the area more vibrant while a couple of these huge buildings remain ugly and unused. With all the new buildings in the area, why so? Then there's the newly decorated and renovated (post-Covid) three story block- seemingly apartments- directly opposite The Agate- which remains, as I can discern, empty. Any explanations as to why this is?

It's place to visit with a partner, not in the expectation of finding one there.

Only in Thailand?

Returning to daydreamer's evocative photos, I am reminded that, in their heyday- circa 2005 - they were all well-patronised and all well-staffed. Of all those named and/or shown, only Charlie Boys wasn't a twink bar, its dancers being much the same "type" as found in BBB, suggesting that the tastes of today's punters have changed. I believe that the same could be said of Bangkok's scene. Is this reflective of national tastes? The influx of Chinese a few years back? Perhaps replacing Japanese? Just a guess.

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.