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I should have specified the Myanmar guys who work Hot Male beer bar. 🙂

I've had enjoyable experiences at the Paradise Massage and the Ma Ha Massage on Soi 6 (right side coming from Silom Rd.) Recommend talking with prospective masseur before committing to avoid disappointment. If you want your pick of the crop, the early bird gets the worm. Do NOT fret about being awkward or only customer at the time. You'll be in better position to see what guys direct smiles your way. And don't be hesitant to smile back at those who ring your bell.

From Vientiane Times VIENTIANE ( Vientiane Times/ANN) — A Russian airline is eyeing Laos as a new potential regional hub — thanks to ongoing international developments, according to a top company official."Given the current international environment, Laos is now a new potential hub for the airline," the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RUSASIA, Mr Roman A. Virich, said in Vientiane. The top manager of the Russian company, which operates Ural Airlines, spoke in an exclusive interview with Vientiane Times on December 19. He discussed his airline's business strategy and performance of the first Vladivostok- Vientiane flight. Mr Virich said that the Lao government's policy to transform this landlocked nation into a land-linked nation and the limitation of flights from Russia to Asean has provided a great opportunity for the company to launch the Russia-Lao connection. Ural Airlines launched the Vladivostok- Vientiane flight in October, becoming the first civilian flight between the two countries.Lao and Russian policymakers believe that the establishment of an air connection between the two countries would promote tourist exchanges and economic cooperation between the two nations. It takes six hours for the 168-seat airbus to connect the Laos and Russian cities. "Apart from promoting the Laos- Russia tourist exchange, we expect to fly international passengers who want to travel from the Asean countries to Russia and vice versa," he said, adding that passengers from Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries who are suffering due to the limitation of fights to Russia can now catch a flight from Vientiane. When asked about the performance of the Vladivostok- Vientiane flight, Mr Virich said that the company is satisfied with the growing list of passengers, adding that the company is planning to increase one more flight in the near future. "There will be two flights between Vladivostok and Vientiane in a week in the near future to meet the growing demand of passengers," Mr Virich said, the Vladivostok- Vientiane flight, Mr Virich said that the company is satisfied with the growing list of passengers, adding that the company is planning to increase one more flight in the near future."There will be two flights between Vladivostok and Vientiane in a week in the near future to meet the growing demand of passengers," Mr Virich said, adding that the airline believes that the additional flight would make a significant contribution towards the Laos- Russia economic cooperation and tourist exchange.

I agree most of the Viet guys I meet have some decent English ability. Especially the waiters at Freshboys. Met quite a few guys from Myanmar working massage in Saphan Kwai who had limited English but those who worked in Patpong bars tended to be more conversational. Depending on how long they've been working in bkk, I found that Lao and Thai guys had enough English to make themselves understood. Same I think for Cambodians.

Since I was intimate with numerous guys (mostly in massage situations) during my seven-week stay, I wasn't surprised to develop flu-like symptoms. Just saw it as inevitable given that--short of wearing a mask and maintaining some distance--to avoid airborne viruses in sexual situations. There's no free lunch, I guess. 😊

From Thai PBS World Six more bodies found floating in Gulf of Thailand The team searching for crew, missing from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai, found six more bodies drifting at sea off the Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan today (Saturday), reducing those still unaccounted for to 16, according to the Royal Thai Navy. The remains were recovered by naval vessels and taken ashore for identification by forensic science officials, he said. Six bodies have, so far, been confirmed as members of the crew of the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai and seven other bodies, including one which was discovered at sea yesterday evening, are in the process of being identified, which will take 3-4 days. RTN Spokesman Admiral Monthatphalin said that 76 crew members have been rescued, out of a ship’s compliment of 105. He said that divers from HTMS Kraburi have been sent to search for missing crew, who might be trapped inside the sunken ship, and to survey the vessel ahead of a salvage operation adding, however, that strong undersea currents are hampering dive operations.

I agree. In my experience, guys are much more willing to discuss their personal background (family and other jobs) but I don't recall any having talked about customers other than commenting on where they come from. Most guys seem more interested in the guy they're with at the moment. And that's fine with me.

I take an Airbnb apartment and stay exclusively in Bangkok for 30-day minimum. Have been coming to Thailand for 20 years and have done my share of traveling throughout the region. I've come to know bkk and chose to spend all of my time there (I acknowledge I'm in the minority). As for the number of gay international tourists, your estimate is better than mine. As for the number of gay local residents, I wouldn't hazards a guess. My experience is that many men--from throughout East Asia--who'd never identify as "gay" will on occasion engage in sex with men. That's one of the reasons I keep returning. From the owners' business standpoint, drinks represent their main income source. Off fees are a distant second. For the performers, it's just the opposite, as you suggest. How a customer decides whether to off a guy varies. Personally, I make that that decision early on based on one simple criteria (does he smile specifically at me more than once) and one slightly complex factor (a combination of curb appeal and sexiness that translates into the promise of a satisfying experience). Since I've been doing this for many years, I've tweaked the methodology to an automatic response that's more instinctive than objective.

When the China tourists return in force, and we witness their effect on the bars, we'll be able to draw some demonstrable conclusions. But as Vinapu observes above, the rest is just speculation as to what formula works for the greater number of customers. Meanwhile, we have no choice but to accept that the Bangkok and Pattaya of 20 years ago are not coming back. We are free, of course, to vote with our feet in the belief it will teach the owners a lesson, but I don't believe they're conditioned to heed our complaints. Nevertheless if that's the course we wish to go, we also deny ourselves what we came to Thailand for in the first place. I'm simply grateful that the remaining bars are still open at all. Bitching about what once was doesn't seem like a productive use of my time.

Toward the end of my last trip (mid-November) I came down with similar symptoms. Didn't go to hospital because my number one guy had similar condition a month before and it lasted about 3-4 days. That's how mine went, too. Wasn't debilitating but didn't want to pass it on to anyone so I just got a lot of rest.

I find that being able to have a conversation with a guy is an opportunity not to be wasted. Not only does it break the ice, it gives him a chance to relate to me in a non-sexual way that I very much crave. I want to know something about his life away from the bar or the shop. I want make a connection beyond the obvious.

I'm sad to report that the Wildlife Development Center reports that the baby elephant being treated for injuries and kidney failure has died. Many readers were moved by the account of efforts to save the animal which had been found abandoned and airlifted to the center for treatment. The around the clock care staff and volunteers provided assured the calf that it was not alone as it struggled for life. To me, that is in keeping with the true message of the holidays. As we all get older, I think we pray that we're not alone and abandoned when our time is accomplished.

From Coconuts Bangkok A number of places are scaling down New Year’s celebrations due to the condition of a key royal. Several localities from Pattaya to Chiang Mai have said they would tone down celebrations or cancel them amid fears over the health of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn who suffered a major health emergency earlier this month. In the coastal enclave of Pattaya, the authorities yesterday announced that they would cancel New Year’s Eve fireworks but allow live music and flea markets to be held. he provincial authorities had already canceled Chonburi’s New Year’s Eve party and replaced it with a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony on New Year’s Day. It did not name the specific reason. Royal Park Rajapruek, a botanical garden in Chiang Mai, announced a day after the Princess collapsed in central Thailand that it would postpone its New Year’s events, dubbed The Night of Flora Fest, originally set for Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, until further notice. The palace has said that the princess lost consciousness during a military K-9 training exercise and is in a “stable” condition though she requires equipment to remain alive. Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has said there are no plans to cancel New Year’s festivities but encouraged people to pray for the princess’ health and recovery. The Court of Justice office on Monday circulated a letter instructing its offices to pray rather than party for a speedy recovery of Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The Ministry of Education on Thursday followed suit.

I think it's the promise of sex. I don't need to see naked or scantily clad guys on stage. That's what my room is for.

...not to mention several thousand massage boys.

From Channel News Asia Adapting Asia Pacific tourism to a post-pandemic future JOONDALUP, Australia: The Asia Pacific tourism industry was thriving before the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by strong demand from Chinese tourists with increasing disposable incomes. Pre-pandemic, Chinese tourists’ arrival to the Asia Pacific region was forecast to increase to 150 million by 2020, with an aggregate expenditure of US$230 billion. But this did not materialise due to pandemic-related travel restrictions that still affect Chinese tourists today. Historically, Chinese tourists tended to travel as part of package trips involving group tours with multiple destination stops. This trend is changing as younger Chinese tourists favour more independent forms of travel that allow greater flexibility. But the thriving tourism industry was completely disrupted by the pandemic. The Asia Pacific suffered an 84 per cent plunge in overseas visitors and recorded a 300 million decrease in tourist arrivals. This led to a massive slowdown in the aviation, hotel, restaurant and tourism industries that still lingers today. Continues at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/china-hong-kong-travel-visitor-asia-tourism-covid-19-outbreak-3159991

From Channel News Asia BioNTech said on Thursday (Dec 22) it had shipped 11,500 doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to China to be administered initially to German expatriates, marking the first foreign coronavirus vaccines to be sent to the country. BioNTech said the delivery, which landed in China on Wednesday, contained both the original COVID-19 vaccine targeting the original strain of the coronavirus, and its updated vaccine targeting the BA.4/BA.5 subvariants of Omicron. "The arrival of the vaccine doses on the Chinese Mainland is a great milestone for us as joint partners with Fosun Pharma and our efforts to address this pandemic," said Sean Marett, BioNTech's chief business and commercial officer. The vaccines are expected to be available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang and Chengdu, BioNTech said. The group is working with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical to deliver the shots to greater China.

I think well have to wait until Chinese tourists return in numbers rivaling pre-covid days. They were frequently the lifeblood of the gay show bars in Bangkok at least and I'd imagine big players in the Chiang Mai and Pattaya scenes. While it's obvious that older farangs are no longer exerting the influence they once did for a variety of reasons well described above, they're still much sought after in the message shops. And the reasons are far less complex to comprehend: they tip consistently well.

The Navy released some additional information today about the search for the missing crew members but nothing encouraging was reported. Some in the government are raising questions about ship maintenance and the service's search and rescue capabilities. This all comes at an inconvenient time for the Navy that is vigorously pursuing the acquisition of submarines for the fleet that currently has none. China has built a diesel-powered sub that was originally to be fitted out with engines from Germany. However, the German government has declined to authorize the transfer of that technology and China officials are trying to persuade the Navy to accept China-made power plants. It would seem that what the Navy has a greater need for new littoral-type vessels designed to operate closer to land. The ill-fated MHS Sukhothai is being described by the Navy as the workhorse of the fleet. However, its nearly 50 years of service indicates that it should have been replaced long before huge sums were pursued for submarines. The incident also reflects the need for more robust coast guard assets to protect the nation's long coastlines. From Thai PBS World An unsung hero in the tragic end of HTMS Sukhothai In almost every disaster, there is usually at least one hero, someone who cares more for other people’s safety than their own and who does not hesitate to help, even at the risk of their own life. The tragic sinking of HTMS Sukhothai is no exception. The aging corvette class Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship foundered on Sunday night in rough seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Kunakorn Jariyot, chief petty officer first class (CPO1), is a medic serving on HTMS Sukhothai. He went missing after he and two other crew were rescued and taken on board HTMS Kraburi, but he decided to jump into the sea again, with a life vest borrowed from one of the survivors, to help others who were still drifting at sea on Sunday night. He has not been seen since and yesterday (Wednesday) he was listed among the 23 crew still missing. Fondly called “Torn Mor” by the seamen, Kunakorn is a nurse who completed study at the RTN’s nursing school. He was always seen carrying a big bag full of medical supplies, no matter how heavy it was, according to one of the surviving seamen. He was carrying the bag when he was in the water. When the 106 crew members were ordered to abandon ship, Kunakorn and two others, Sarangkon, the deputy chief mechanic and a seaman, were in the same group with only two life vests. They held hands, which is a survival technique at sea, which they were trained to do and had learned from a book, according to a Facebook netizen who identified himself as “Woody” Kaweewat Boondet. While drifting at sea, the three were joined by another seaman, identified as Komkrit. “Torn Mor told me to grab his hand tightly, telling me that then, even without a life vest, they would not drown,” Kaweewat quoted Komkrit as saying after he was safely rescued. All four crew thought they would survive when they saw HTMS Kraburi approaching, but Kunakorn told them to swim to the stern of the ship, to avoid being hit by it. Unfortunately Sarangkon, who was the oldest in the group, appeared to lose his strength and was swept away by the strong waves. Only three of them, including Kunakorn, were plucked from the sea to safety. They were saddened at not being able to help Sarangkon, who “disappeared right before our eyes.” Then Kunakorn told Komkrit to give him his life vest, saying that he needed it to help the others still drifting at sea. Then the medic took his bag to the mess room and has not been seen ever since. “We only saw his bag of medical supplies in the mess room,” wrote Kaweewat in his Facebook post. Kunakorn’s name appeared on the list of 75 crew members rescued, which was a relief to his friends and family. “We were relieved that Kunakorn’s name did not appear among those listed as still missing and that he would be fine,” according to the post. “Until now, none of those who survived have seen (Kunakorn). His relatives have not heard from him. So, where is (Kunakorn)? We only hope, because of his sacrifice, that nothing bad will happen to him. He should be back safely. We are waiting for you brother….” the post concluded.

From The Nation The secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office Piyapan Pingmuang has reportedly resigned following an allegation he is involved with Chinese triads in Thailand. News of Pol Maj-General Piyapan’s resignation was made public by former massage parlour tycoon and politician Chuwit Kamolvisit in a Facebook post on Monday. Chuwit also attached a photo of Piyapan’s resignation letter to the post. Chuwit said the resignation came after former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong urged the Senate to investigate Piyapan and his deputy Theppasu Bavornchotidara for allegedly assisting members of Chinese triad criminal gangs in various illegal operations in Thailand.

I agree that it may vary from bar to bar in Pattaya. In Bangkok, it's another story. We're all free to go--or not go--to whatever bars we choose. But the bar business seems primarily supported by locals and tourists. Going by what I read in all three boards, expats in Pattaya are playing an increasingly smaller role in determining what bars succeed and what ones fail. Is it a result of fewer gay men choosing to retire there or advancing average age of the punters? How often are you attending the bars? How often are you offing someone from a bar? If not, is it the lacks of boys in skimpy briefs that influences you decision or something else? I read a lot of folks bemoaning that the scene that existed two or more decades ago is not what what they find today. And as true as that fact may be, not supporting the ones that remain only helps ensure that they, too, will fall by the wayside. One thing seems certain. There's been a definite shift away from the the old scene where bars of all types proliferated in Bangkok and Pattaya. And I suppose you can just as easily include Chiang Mai and Phuket. But lack of boys in skimpy attire is hardly responsible. I hope others will suggest what's actually responsible. Is it the apps alone or are other factors at play. I loved the Twlight scene but it was sadly on the wane well before Covid. I'm sure that was the case in the other cities, also.

During a discussion today with another member, it occurred to me that all the confusion about what the boys in the show bars wear or don't wear may have as much to do with their own preference as it does with what owners and the local constabulary say on the matter. For a various reasons, this is a moment in time when those who represent the essential component of a go-go bar--those who perform on stage--find themselves in a position to influence (for lack of better terminology) terms and conditions of employment. It's been mentioned here and in other boards that managers of Bangkok clubs have experienced difficulty from time to time in holding onto staff. When Dreamboy moved into new premises this fall, it created a temporary vacuum as it rushed to scale up from 15-20 boys to 40 plus. And recent reports out of Pattaya have some managers having similar problems. What's behind the shortage? The results of the long-term closure imposed by Covid is the principle cause. Not only did Thais return to the provinces of the northeast, many of those from other ASEAN countries likewise went home. Fast forward two years and a significant portion of them found other employment or for whatever reason opted not to come back. Those that have returned are older and perhaps less prone to being easily controlled. Newcomers entering the game are influenced by the older guys. Lets face it. Some performers--particularly the straight guys who dominate the trade--aren't excited about bopping around in briefs (with or without a bunny tail on the back). Sure, they'll do the critical stuff (the big cock show is a macho routine anyway) and flex their muscles, but they want it to emphasize their masculinity. Tawan is perhaps the exception because even in briefs, no one who wanders into the bar is going to mistake those guys for fem boys--not that there's anything wrong with that. So maybe, just maybe the balance of power is shifting a bit. If baristas at Starbucks can unionize, why not the guys who constitute the reason we all come to Thailand in the first place.

I've been looking for a feel good story for the holidays and this story from a Thai wildlife sanctuary fits the bill. The embedded video speaks volumes. From Coconuts Bangkok Photo: National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department A baby elephant is regaining its strength this morning at a sanctuary in central Thailand days after it was found alone and injured. Wildlife officials said veterinarians have looked after the female calf they named Thanwa, or December, around the clock since she was transported to the Bungchawak Wildlife Management Development Center with an injured foot. Thanwa was also dehydrated, and her kidneys were failing Though Tanwa still needs support from caretakers to move, she has been attempting to walk, sit and lie down, clips of which officials posted this morning. They said she has put on some fat, going from 87 kilograms to 90 kilograms now, which is about what an Asian elephant calf should weigh at birth. Veterinarians said they have been applying coconut oil to the wounds on her body. Caretakers are feeding Thanwa boiled rice water and milk powder every three hours. She still requires more rest. In early December, the calf was found injured at the Srinakarin Dam National Park in the western province of Kanchanaburi. At the time, wildlife officials said the 1- to 2-month-old calf had to be transported by helicopter due to concerns about her dehydration and kidney damage. Initially, they believed Thanwa’s family would come back for her, but there has been no sign of them, so officials employed a team of veterinarians to care for her. Continues with videos and photos https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/lost-baby-thai-elephant-with-bad-foot-recovers-at-sanctuary-video/

Thai PBS World reports that 76 crew members have been rescued, six were found dead and 23 are still missing after the accident on Sunday. The Thai Army announced that it has placed its helicopters on standby to support the Thai Navy in the search and rescue operations for the missing crew members. It did not say whether the navy has requested that assistance yet. The Royal Thai Air Force has sent a fixed-wing plane and a helicopter to support the operation.

From VN Express Ben Thanh station on metro line No.1 in front of the iconic Ben Thanh Market (red roof, left foreground), will be one of three underground stations with the remaining 11 being elevated. ----------------------- The four-level station, 32 meters deep and 236 meters long, will be completed in the second quarter next year. The space in front of the market has been reopened for public use after being occupied by the construction site of the station for five years. Work began on HCMC’s first metro route in August 2012. It was scheduled to be completed in six years. The line, to run 19.7km between Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, has carried with it high hopes of opening up a new mode of mass transportation and addressing people’s need to travel between the downtown area and the city's eastern gateway. Metro line No .1 is expected to cost over VND43.7 trillion (US$1.89 billion) and is funded by Japanese overseas development assistance and Vietnamese counterpart funds. The project has missed several deadlines and the latest reschedule has it becoming operational in the fourth quarter of next year. There will be 17 Japanese-made trains in operation with a capacity of 930 passengers. Since August this year all 17 the trains are being tested at the Long Binh Depot. Continues with photos https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/where-hcmcs-1st-metro-line-stands-a-decade-after-start-4549947.html