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Just came across this place. It's located near MRT Blue Line Charan 13 station. It has a Twitter site but if I link it here it will consume excessive space. Here's a sample of posted staff photos.

Somehow I think the license issue will be presently resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. From The Nation The manager of a new Bangkok massage parlour was arrested on Friday night for allegedly running an entertainment venue without permission. However, he was released on a 50,000 bail guarantee and police confirmed on Saturday that no prostitution charges were filed because no evidence of such activity was found during the raid. Lalisa massage parlour in the Sutthisan area was raided on Friday night. During the raid, a customer and a “masseuse” were found inside a room, along with a receipt and a basket containing bathing supplies. Refurbishments are apparently underway at the massage parlour and the only room ready was the one being used, a source said.

From Thai PBS World Thailand’s dry season is forecast to begin at the end of February, 1-2 weeks later than normal, but average temperatures will be higher than last year, reaching 40-43°C in some areas from mid-March to mid-April. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the average maximum temperature this summer is forecast to be at 35.5°C in the north of the country, which is close to normal, but higher than last year’s 34°C. Thailand’s north and north-east will be cool in the mornings, from the end of February to mid-March, but hot during the day time. Temperatures could reach 43°C in some areas, which will result in summer storms from mid-March to mid-April. Turbulent weather, with heavy downpours in some areas, are anticipated from mid-April to mid-May, when the dry season is expected to end.

From BBC Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has fired a government aide who made derogatory remarks about LGBT couples. Masayoshi Arai reportedly said he would not want to live next to, or look at, people in same-sex relationships. Mr Arai also warned that permitting gay marriage in Japan would lead to many abandoning the country. Mr Kishida said the remarks were "outrageous" and "completely incompatible" with his government's policies. Japan - a country still largely bound by traditional gender roles and family values - is the only G7 nation that does not recognise same-sex marriage. However, recent polling suggests most Japanese support gay marriage. A number of same-sex couples have also filed lawsuits across Japan in recent years arguing that the ban on same-sex marriage violates the country's constitution. Prior to Mr Arai's dismissal, Mr Kishida had talked about issues surrounding same-sex marriage in parliament. He stated that it needed to be carefully considered because of its potential impact on traditional family structures. Mr Arai reacted to the remarks afterwards, telling reporters that he "wouldn't like it if [LGBT couples] lived next door" and "doesn't even want to look at them." He added that it would "change the way society is" and "quite a few people would abandon this country," according to Kyodo News. In response, Mr Kishida said he had dismissed Mr Arai, adding: "We have been respecting diversity and realising an inclusive society." Mr Arai later apologised, stating that his remarks were not appropriate and were not representative of the prime minister's views. His resignation represents a further blow to Mr Kishida, whose government has seen plummeting approval ratings after a number of his ministers have resigned over various scandals in recent months.

Gay pride events worldwide https://www.travelgay.com/gay-pride-calendar/

From The Star / Vietnam News Vietnam's famous food pho is a fragrant, subtly powerful dish that's even greater than the sum of its considerable parts. Its broth is a gently simmered stock of beef bones with onion, ginger and spices; it arrives pooled around banh pho, or flat rice noodles, and rare beef slices, topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lemon and chilli. - Vietnam News/ANN HANOI, Feb 3 (Vietnam News/ANN): According to Australia’s top tourism website traveler.com.au, pho is surely Vietnam's greatest culinary gift to the world. An article posted on the web said people can argue long into the night about the world's best soup. Maybe it's ramen, laksa, bouillabaisse or caldo verde or even Moroccan bessara. What people can't argue, however, is that Vietnam's most famous soup, the pho, is in the conversation. It affirmed pho is a fragrant, subtly powerful dish that's even greater than the sum of its considerable parts. Its broth is a gently simmered stock of beef bones with onion, ginger and spices; it arrives pooled around banh pho, or flat rice noodles, and rare beef slices, topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lemon and chilli. Pho was developed in the north of the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The pho obsession spread to the south in the 1950s, when the country was divided and millions of north Vietnamese brought their soup recipe with them to the south. December 12 has been marked as the Day of Pho in celebration of the nation's most well-known dish.

From Coconuts Bangkok Chuwit Kamolvisit, from his Facebook, with a marketing rendering of the 10th Avenue development on the site of former Chuvit Garden, formerly Sukhumvit Square. Image: Davis Corp. Work has finally begun on former massage parlor king and politician Chuwit Kamolvisit’s 56-story development in the heart of Bangkok on the site of a former park. Barriers have gone up around the former Chuwit Park – a piece of land with a controversial history that saw the former lawmaker sent to prison – where work has begun on Tenth Avenue, a 54-story mixed use project that will be anchored by a five-star hotel. Described floridly by Chuwit’s development firm Davis Corp. as “an iconic complex” … [o]verlooking the magnificent skyline of Bangkok and Benjakitti Park,” the site spans 6.1 rai, or about 9,800sqm. Davis says the completed project will include 117,750sqm with retail and office space, a five-star hotel with the capital’s largest infinity pool, and an observation deck on the 54th floor, 230 meters up. Coconuts has reached out to Chuwit for comment. Chuwit has never been far from the headlines for the past two decades and often plays the part of a maverick truth-teller, most recently by inserting himself into a police scandal involving cops extorting money from a Taiwanese celebrity. The project’s story begins in 2003, when the land was Sukhumvit Square, a warren of the kind of seedy bars and red light venues that once dominated most of lower Sukhumvit Road. That year, Chuwit, who owned the land, was accused of hiring hundreds of workers to demolish all of it in the dead of night despite their lease agreements. Eventually, in 2016, he was sent to jail for two years after pleading guilty to criminal damage, trespassing, and false imprisonment. The court cut his sentence from five years because, in 2006, he had turned the land into a public park called Chuvit Garden. He said it was a gift to Bangkok’s park-starved public. While he was in jail, he locked the park and, upon his release, announced that it had been leased to developer Land and Houses Co. Ltd. to build a mixed-use commercial project. As for his gift to the people? He said they’d had it long enough. “It’s time to renovate it. I might build it into something else. And it’s been a long time that it’s been a park, over a decade,” he told reporters. “I went to jail and all that, too.” But the project hit a snag and in 2019 the park was made the “temporary” home of hipster open-air market Artbox. What was supposed to run a few months turned into a 15-month stint for what became a popular evening destination, until it was abruptly shut down during the pandemic in August 2020. Continues with photos and video https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/how-chuwit-got-his-erection-massage-parlor-king-finally-gets-lucrative-project-off-the-ground-20-messy-years-after-his-arrest/

Been to Argentina once 16 years ago and enjoyed myself in BA despite getting pick pocketed on the subway. Regretfully I've never been to Brazil. Tbh, I think I'm too old for that scene now. Nevertheless, wish I had gone there as a younger man. Of all the places I have been, never encountered a shit hole. Haven't found anyplace I still feel as comfortable in as Bangkok.

From Pattaya News

From The Nation Bangkok kicked off a project to offer space free of charge for hawkers and street vendors in the heart of the city on Wednesday, clearing cluttered pavements. City governor Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the launch of the “Hello Hab-Re” (Hello Hawkers) project outside Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road. The project will reorganise hawkers and street vendors in the city by allocating suitable areas that do not block public footpaths. The operator of Samyan Mitrtown, a mixed-use shopping complex, has agreed to provide space next to its building in Soi Chula 42 for registered vendors to use for free from Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm and 3pm-8pm. Chadchart thanked Samyan Mitrtown for providing the space, saying it would increase shopping opportunities, promote small entrepreneurs, and help tidy up the city. He said he hoped more private-property owners would join the project in the future. “The project does not require the city to invest in building more space for street vendors but instead promotes the use of existing space to the fullest,” said Chadchart. “If all parties work together, I believe Bangkok has enough space for everyone. We must learn to share to make the city more liveable.” The governor said that all vendors joining the “Hello Hab-Re” project at Samyan Mitrtown had passed food and sanitary standards of the Pathumwan District Office.

From Thai PBS World Thailand was shocked recently by reports of online fraud victims claiming that hackers had secured access to their personal information through their charging cables, and used the stolen information to illegally transfer money out of their bank accounts. How to avoid online attacks After consulting with the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) clarified that the online fraud cases had not been caused by scammers hacking their devices through their charging cables in public places. The victims had downloaded trojan applications without knowing that hackers use malware to take control of their mobile phone remotely. The BOT and banks have issued guidelines, including urging mobile banking users to be cautious about applications they download to their devices. The BOT advised users to download applications only from official stores such as Google Play store and App Store. The central bank advised users not to click on links they receive on SMS or Line messages if they are not sure about the source of the message. The BOT issued the advisory amid a sharp spike in phishing messages sent by hackers via SMS, Line and email to lure receivers by tempting them with bank loans or financial rewards from banks or other institutions. The BOT issued the following guidelines to improve safety: – Mobile banking clients should update their mobile banking app or set up their mobile phones to automatically update the latest version of mobile app. The update is usually designed to prevent mobile phones from being hacked remotely, and upgrade their cybersecurity. – Mobile banking users are advised to avoid using unsecure mobile phones for financial transactions. For example, phones that turn off root/jailbreak, which will allow any application download, or phones that use outdated operating software. – Victims are urged to provide accurate information to concerned parties in order to timely address the issues. Should they find unusual transactions, they should contact the bank’s call centers or bank branches immediately in order to investigate the transactions. The BOT also issued guidelines to banks that if customers are not directly responsible for providing personal information to hackers, then the banks have to compensate the customers for any loss incurred within five days. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-to-fortify-yourself-against-online-scams/

From Coconuts Bangkok Bangkok’s Lumphini Park will be the starting point for this year’s annual pride in Bangkok as City Hall steps up its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. For the first time since 2006, the public park will host Bangkok Pride when it kicks off at 4pm on June 4 before heading down Ratchadamri Road and ending at CentralwOrld shopping mall. The route is 1.5 kilometers long and about 30,000 participants are anticipated to join the march. Last year’s pride events were the first held in the capital after a 12-year hiatus, and this is the first to be held since an elected governor returned to power. City Hall’s embrace of the event by providing a public venue delivers on Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt’s campaign promises to better serve LGBT+ Bangkok. City Hall has gone so far as to vow that Bangkok will become a “rainbow city” that does not only tolerate people of gender diversity, but accepts and embraces them. “This will not be just a one-off event, but something that will strengthen social dialogue for Bangkok to become a more inclusive city,” said deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon at the press conference. The theme, “Beyond…Gender,” is to highlight people whose identities belong outside the gender binary, according to Chumaporn “Waaddao” Taengkliang, an LGBTQ+ activist, feminist, and one of the march’s organizers. It also aims to raise awareness about social issues including marriage equality, decriminalization of sex work, educational inequality, ethnic discrimination, and more. A highlight of the event will be a rainbow flag, 144.8 meters in length, that will be laid along the route. That number is meant to signify Section 1448 of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, which allows only couples consisting of a man and a woman to register their marriages. LGBTQ+ people and their supporters have been fighting for Section 1448 to be revised so that the terms “male” and “female” are replaced with “person” instead. People living outside of Bangkok won’t be left out as another 18 provinces throughout Thailand will hold pride parades in June. Among those cities are Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, and Ubon Ratchathani. Last year, the Bangkok Naruemit Pride was held June 5 in Bangkok’s Silom area, marking the city’s first pride parade since 2006. Prior to that, “Pride in the Park” events were a regular feature during Pride Month. Newly elected, Chadchart joined last year’s parade and announced that Pride Month would be made one of Bangkok’s 12 official monthly festivals. ============================= From The Nation How resorts and hotels can tap into potential of LGBTQIA+ travellers Operators of resorts and hotels should cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities who are known to be big spenders and like to travel either with friends or alone, according to the results of a recent survey. The advice came from SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC), the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank. The EIC conducted a consumer survey from July 8 to 22 last year on the tastes of LGBTQIA+ communities when they want to take a vacation. Kamonmarn Jaenglom, a senior analyst of SCB EIC, said on Wednesday that the survey had uncovered several interesting aspects of LGBTQIA+ travellers that could help resort and hotel operators gain more worthy customers if they learn to adapt to this group’s travel lifestyle and demands. Among other things, LGBTQIA+ tourists love lifestyle, convenience and foods as well as special services that can be customised for them, according to the senior analyst. Kamonmarn said in his analysis that LGBTQIA+ travellers are “unique” and they have been adding new colour and diversity to the tourism business. The survey found that more than 30% of LGBTQIA+ respondents make more than five trips a year. Hence, paying attention to this group and understanding its needs could create new business opportunities for the tourism sector in the future, the research said. The study found that LGBTQIA+ tourists like to travel with friends or with their life partners. The survey found that 32% of communities prefer to travel with friends and 28% with spouses. They like to make short trips of two or three days at a time but they can travel frequently. =============================== I have to admit I had no idea what the "IA" meant in "LGBTQIA+". Here's the latest. WHAT IS LGBTQIA+? LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. See below for a more detailed definition of each term, from GLAAD’s LGBTQ Media Reference Guide.

You're welcome. You seem so dismayed with the Pattaya bar scene I knew you'd appreciate it.

From the BBC Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is one of the most famous drag-centred films – but there should be more (Credit: Alamy) By Matt Cain From RuPaul's Drag Race to live cabaret and theatre shows, drag has never been more popular. In case you've been hiding under a wig block for the last 10 years, drag is the art of gendered impersonation, with performers exaggerating and heightening aspects of femininity or masculinity for the sake of entertainment. As it takes the world by storm, drag is changing our language, our ideas about gender, and even the way we see ourselves. I'm a huge fan of drag, so much so that it has inspired my latest novel, Becoming Ted. It's a contemporary story about a 43-year-old man who's dumped by his husband but takes this as an opportunity to pursue his long-suppressed dream of becoming a drag queen – in the process discovering an inner strength he hadn't known existed. For me, drag can be about self-discovery and self-fulfilment. I've also put it at the heart of my first theatre project, which hasn't yet been announced but will open in Manchester in July. But I'm shocked to discover that there are very few other drag-themed novels, plays or films scheduled to come out over the next year. To use drag vernacular, if the library's open, there aren't many books to read. In particular, the art form has a rich history that is not as widely known as it should be – something that, as we enter LGBT+ History Month in the UK, feels particularly glaring. For years, despite drag's ubiquity in popular culture, it has been poorly represented in the narrative arts. Other than the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie and the TV series Pose (which, arguably, focused much more on the trans experience), you'd have to go back to 1990s films The Birdcage and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and 2003's Kinky Boots (as well as its stage offshoot), to find high-profile stories that centre drag – and even then, it's predominantly used as fun window-dressing for stories about the gay experience and its clashes with straight culture, or merely as a comedic device. But drag can be so much more; its transformative power presents writers with a unique opportunity on the level of both plot and characterisation. Continues at https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230131-historys-most-incredible-drag-queens-and-kings

From Pattaya News

From Pattaya Mail Khung Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan province has been authorized to become a designated area for sustainable tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the national tourism policy committee has approved the development of Khung Bang Kachao as a designated area for sustainable tourism. The proposal was made by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. DASTA director Gp Captain Athikun Kongmee indicated that the agency will work with local communities to develop strategies for the area based on the sufficiency economy philosophy of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. He also said the agency will adopt global sustainable tourism criteria (GSTC) measures to assess the area’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as teach local communities and authorities about the Sustainable Tourism Management Standard (STMS). Khung Bang Kachao is regarded as Bangkok’s “Green Lung” and one of the country’s most important oxygen producers. With a vast green area of 12,000 rai and serving as home to farmland, forests and more than 13,000 families, Bang Kachao was named the best urban oasis of Asia by Time magazine in 2006. (NNT) ============================ From Lonely Planet An escape to Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok's Green Lung, can offer welcome respite from the crowded city. Just across the Chao Phraya River, this largely agricultural area comprises 16 sq km of mangrove forests, small homesteads, and elevated pathways precariously perched above the canals. You’ll find a floating market, 250-year-old Buddhist temples and an eco-resort where you sleep in a tree house. Hire a bike for a leisurely ride, enjoy the serene setting and explore Thai village life – you'll find it hard to believe you're near the centre of the Thai capital. Getting there Long boats run from Wat Klongtoey Pier to Kamnan Khao Pier for the 5-minute river crossing. Bike hire can be found at either pier for around 80B per day. Alternatively, take the BTS to Bang Na then a taxi to Wat Bang Na Nork Pier for the short river crossing by ferry. Do note it is custom to ask for an ID as a ‘deposit’ for your bike that will be returned at the end of your rental. Continues with touring suggestions https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/green-lung-bangkok

From Coconuts Bangkok Aiming prop assault rifles as they “beat” and “sexually assaulted” civilians, Myanmar nationals brought to a Bangkok street this morning the brutality being visited by the military upon their friends and families back home. Guerilla theater performers acted out scenes of violence in front the Myanmar Embassy, where hundreds of protesters converged on the second anniversary of the 2021 coup d’etat to call attention to the Tatmadaw’s ongoing violent pacification campaign back home. “We want to show the world that, no matter where we are or where we fled to, Myanmar’s people need justice,” said Zayar, who learned of the protest through Whatsapp and Line groups used by hundreds of Myanmar citizens residing in Bangkok.

This may be one of those situations where describing the kind of experience you're looking for with mamasan may help. You want to do this before you call a boy over to sit with you. Hopefully, the mamasan can point out boys that are your best bet. Massage shops don't have mamasans and just how helpful the receptionist will be is debatable. You may want check out the shops in Saphan Kwai (K-Man and KK Massage come to mind) where they identify their guys as "T" (top) and "T&B" (top and bottom) along with their height, weight and minimum tip. At 365 The River shop, they offer "B2B" (body to body) option that has a 1,000 bht minimum tip. Although the majority of the guys in most bars and shops identify as straight that doesn't mean they won't provide a satisfactory experience. At some point you have to trust your instincts as you seem to already be doing. Those who can't get hard (which in my experience is pretty rare) never result in a good outcome. If you have any doubts before offing them, ask them outright If they have any trouble getting hard. If language is an issue, use your translator app or ask the mamasan. The massage shops mentioned above have LINE accounts. If you want to see a large number of guys in person, walk down Silom Soi 6. There are currently six shops, each one with probably 10-12 guys on hand at any given time.

From The Thaiger To effectively combat the illegal drug trade, a law is being amended in Thailand so that anyone caught in possession of more than one meth pill will now be considered a drug dealer. Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul announced this change yesterday, stating that the current regulation has been exploited by those who actually intend to sell the drugs. The harsh new law will view anyone with more than one pill as having the drugs with intent to sell, instead of the current standard of 15 pills or fewer being considered for personal use only. The amendment, which has already been prepared by the Committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts is awaiting a signature from the Health Minister. It will then go to the Cabinet for their sign-off before ultimately being published in the Royal Gazette, making the law official. Authorities aim to provide a more decisive legal measure against the drug trade. They hail it as a measure to save society, families, and young people from the evils of drugs. Anutin says this amendment will prevent the exploitation of the regulation by drug traders, brushing off suggestions that prisons would quickly be overcrowded by this draconian solution.

Try to find time to check out the go-go bar scene. Will give you that opportunity to feast your eyes on some good looking boys you won't find in Pattaya.

From Thai PBS World A floating café and restaurant sank in rough seas in Pattaya Bay yesterday (Monday), but there were no injuries or deaths. Eyewitnesses on the beach near the Bali Hai pier said they saw the floating restaurant, which was about a kilometre from the beach, slowly sink into the water. Marine officials suspect that the bilge pump on the vessel might not have been working, causing it to sink slowly. No oil spill has been reported A Marine Department patrol boat rushed to help the mechanic pump water out, but could not land on the vessel due to the rough seas. Marine officials then ordered the men on board to abandon the vessel for their safety. The floating café and restaurant, modelled after a pirate ship, suspended operations yesterday due to bad weather conditions. It offers drinks, seafood, a live band and squid fishing services to tourists. There are also karaoke rooms on board. Customers who catch squid can order the cooks on board to prepare a squid dish for them.

From Coconuts Bangkok An American YouTuber was found last night inside a home in the coastal city of Pattaya, police said. Laith Abdullah Algaz, 34, who made videos peddling quack science remedies for men to grow taller and have amazing erections on his Leo and Longevity channel was found at a residence in the Pattaya Lagoon Village, according to Capt. Sombat Kaewmoolmook of the Pattaya Police Station. Algaz had not been seen for several hours when a friend used a spare key to enter the room and found Algaz lying in the bathroom. It’s believed he had been dead roughly five hours when police found him. Police also found in the room medications including cannabis, antidepressants, bipolar disorder medication, sleeping pills, and what they described as “muscle-boosting antibiotics.” Algaz’s YouTube channel had more than 123,000 subscribers. In his more popular videos, he talked about penis enlargement, psychedelic consumption, steroid injection, and bodybuilding. “Biohacking” means experimenting with drugs and medications to achieve things that aren’t possible – such as growing taller as an adult – in the belief that medical science “plays it too safe.”

Good luck, GB. Look forward to your report.

Here's the link to Krubb Bangkok Social Club and Sauna. If you explore the site you find numerous photos and a video but all of the men are Asian (most likely staff). https://www.gaysaunabangkok.com/ Although the following video is aimed at a Chinese clientele, it features a guided tour of the interior.

From Pattaya Mail The government has confirmed that construction on the 290-billion baht (US$8.82 billion) U-Tapao aviation city will begin early this year. Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said in a statement that the project will generate 15,600 additional jobs in the first five years and drive growth in Thailand’s aviation industry. The investment plan is slated to transform U-Tapao airport into a new international airport linked up with Don Muang Airport and the kingdom’s main Suvarnabhumi Airport. Tipanan added that the public-private project located in Thailand’s industrial east will cover 1,040 hectares and is aimed at attracting tourists. A government website showed that the project, known as “Eastern Aviation City,” will also include a free trade zone for cargo, an aviation training center and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. (NNT)