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Only if it comes with complimentary daily massage at shop of your choice (tip included, of course).

What makes you think I was dressed?

Don't think your next trip will be your first rodeo so I'd just follow what you've learned from previous visits. Experience is best teacher.

You're beginning to sound very familiar. 🤭

Not to you maybe but it may well matter to your partner.

Thanks for feedback on those shops. Since I come for long trips (7-8 weeks), I have to watch my cash outlay per massage so upscale shops aren't good match for me. Having said they, have to tip hat to papasan at Senso for honesty.

You might try this approach: "Hi! I'm looking for guys who don't object to risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases in order to satisfy me."

Vietnam finally broke their winless streak at home against Thailand after 27 years with a 2-1 victory. Xuan Son played the hero for the hosts in this game with a brace, while Thailand got an important goal by Aukkee to keep their hopes for the second leg in Bangkok on Sunday.

Absolutely. I've found that at lest a dozen or more of these guys have been on hand during my six visits.

First question to ask yourself is am I going primarily for the massage or the afters. If it's for the former, the more upscale venues may be well worth the additional cost. But if you're chasing the afters, you can easily find satisfaction in the more pedestrian shops. Being ready to make the first move saves time and informs the masseur of your reason for being there. What I particularly like about Phoenix Massage is that they make that assumption as soon as you open the door.

Phoenix Massage is offering a discount of 200 baht off the regular 799 baht shop fee for the next three days. Tip to masseur 1200.

From The Nation Thailand, a country of rich culture, history, and biodiversity, boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the country's ancient civilisations, remarkable architecture, and diverse ecosystems. Here are the key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand: 1. Ayutthaya Historical Park The Ayutthaya Historical Park is a testament to Thailand's ancient capital, Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350. As a former kingdom, it flourished for more than 400 years, becoming one of the world’s largest urban areas and a centre of global diplomacy and commerce. The ruins of palaces, temples and sculptures display the grandeur of the city, blending Thai, Khmer, Sri Lankan and Persian influences. This site is significant for its exceptional historical and architectural value. 2. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site Ban Chiang, located in northeastern Thailand, is one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. The site reveals evidence of early agricultural practices and the development of metallurgy, dating back over 5,000 years. Artefacts such as pottery and bronze tools offer insights into the ancient civilisation that thrived here. This site is critical for understanding the development of human societies in the region. 3. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a vast tropical forest ecosystem stretching across central Thailand. This site is known for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as tigers, elephants and gibbons. It provides essential ecological functions and habitat for rare and threatened species. The forest is a perfect example of how natural landscapes can sustain biodiversity and vital environmental processes. 4. Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex Located in the border area of Thailand and Myanmar, the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex is Thailand’s largest national park and a significant natural World Heritage site. It is a refuge for a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. The park's complex ecosystems support a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and its preservation is critical for maintaining regional biodiversity. 5. Phu Phrabat Historical Park Situated in northeastern Thailand, Phu Phrabat is known for its ancient rock art, stone sculptures, and sacred sites. The park features unique geological formations, including natural rock outcrops and ancient religious monuments. These remnants tell the story of early civilisations in Thailand and their relationship with nature and spirituality. Phu Phrabat's cultural significance makes it a key site for understanding the region’s early development. 6. Si Thep Ancient Town Si Thep, an ancient town located in central Thailand, was once a prosperous trading centre during the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th century). Its ruins include remnants of a fortified city, Buddhist monuments, and Hindu-inspired architecture. Si Thep’s historical importance lies in its role as a centre for cultural exchange between Indian, Khmer, and local Southeast Asian traditions, providing valuable insights into Thailand's early civilisations. 7. Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is celebrated for its exceptional architectural and artistic achievements. The Sukhothai Historical Park contains the ruins of temples, palaces, and statues that reflect the grandeur of the Sukhothai kingdom. Known as the cradle of Thai civilisation, the city is recognised for its distinctive art and architecture, which influenced later Thai kingdoms, including Ayutthaya. 8. Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries The Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are a vast and biologically diverse region in western Thailand. These sanctuaries are home to numerous endangered species, including the Indochinese tiger, wild elephants, and a variety of birds. The region’s natural landscapes of mountains, forests, and wetlands provide critical habitats for these species. The shrines are essential for wildlife conservation and for preserving biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40044728

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From Pattaya News At 11:06 PM on December 30th, 2024, Pattaya police were alerted to a grim discovery near a resort in Naklua. The body of a foreigner, yet to be identified, was found in a highly unusual position—folded and wedged into a 50×50 cm drainpipe, with legs pointing upward. Pattaya police secured the area and inspected the scene, including the third-floor rooftop of a nearby building. They noted scrape marks on a large tree adjacent to the drain. Resort staff reported that another tourist first spotted the body, prompting immediate notification of authorities. Pattaya police are collaborating with forensic experts and investigators from Chonburi Province to determine the cause of death and the circumstances leading to the incident. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/01/01/pattaya-police-investigate-mysterious-death-of-foreign-tourist-in-pattaya-resort/

From NY Times The Vientiane Railway Station is one of the new behemoth train stations in Laos that feature peaked red roofs and cavernous waiting rooms.Credit...Lauren DeCicca for The New York Times By Christine Chung Christine Chung, a travel reporter, spent a week in Laos, traveling by train and bus. Jan. 1, 2025 Laos, a place that feels stuck in time, is at the precipice of change. Backpackers found the country decades ago, drawn by staggeringly beautiful limestone mountains, elaborate Buddhist temples and an unhurried and inexpensive pace of life. Only the most intrepid travelers followed, as Laos, Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, operated few — and no long-haul — flights, and potholed and shoddy roads were the norm. Those who made it traded no-frills accommodations and hourslong bumpy drives for adventure, and almost always tacked Laos onto multicountry itineraries that included neighboring Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, all well-oiled tourism machines that each draw at least three times the number of visitors than Laos annually. Laos wants to change that. While flights remain limited, the country’s visitor infrastructure has strengthened in recent years with new hotels, improved highways and, most notably, a new train system that runs as fast as 160 kilometers (100 miles) per hour and connects some of the country’s most popular tourism destinations. Last year, the government designated 2024 a national tourism year, expanding visa waivers, improving tour guide training, and holding dozens of grand festivals. Yet the country and its tourism industry were shaken in November, when at least six young tourists fell ill in the town of Vang Vieng and later died. Officials suspect methanol-tainted alcohol is the cause. I had visited Vang Vieng in July, when my partner, Eli, and I set out for a weeklong trip in Laos. We had wondered what it would be like to visit a country on the cusp of a potential tourism boom, particularly one with a longstanding reputation as an inexpensive, under-the-radar destination. We traveled mostly by rail, but also by bus, to find out. Continues at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/travel/laos-vientiane-luang-prabang-train.html

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – If you think Pattaya is a city in transition, take a look at Cambodia’s capital. Twenty already completed condominiums and many more work-in-progress office tower blocks are changing the skyline in an apparently unending concrete revolution. Cement mixers and cranes don’t know the festive season has arrived as workers struggle 24/7 to complete a luxury, 500-room hotel before the Chinese investors arrive next month. Pop music tries to drown out the sound of drills. Phnom Penh still has its fair share of western tourists as well as visa runners, mostly seeking the five year Destination Thailand Visa which is certainly the current favorite. At Harry’s bar on the Riverfront, where draught beer costs half the price in Pattaya, British digital nomad Kevin Noon complains, “I’m stuck here until after new year as the Thai embassy wanted more documents. His friend Michael suggests he should have gone to Laos. A bit late now. Otherwise the talk is all about “dedollarization” or the increasing insistence on using the Cambodian riel when spending money. Traditionally Cambodia has paraded the US dollar as the currency of choice, but these days markets, restaurants and bars will willingly accept the US currency but give change in riel with a rate of exchange of 4,100 to the buck. Because you can’t change riel outside Cambodia, you’ll soon accumulate tens or hundreds of thousands in confusing paper money which you need to get rid of before leaving the country. merica is no longer the tops here. As Cambodia slips increasingly into the Chinese orbit, you can’t find CNN on the hotel’s TV menu choice. Not even the BBC, by the way, although Sky News seems to have survived, perhaps because so much airtime is taken up with repeat weather forecasts. Cambodia is an ex-colony of France, but no Cambodian under 80 can now speak French with any confidence. The language survives only in the definite article “Le” in many hotel names and, curiously, the word “Gendarmerie” printed on the jackets of a few traffic police.Christmas and New Year see several principal roads at Riverside converted solely for pedestrian use at peak hours, with hundreds of thousands of two, three and four wheeled vehicles pushed unceremoniously onto minor roads already barely passable because of parked vehicles. This is surely the only city in the world where hotel security staff will hold your hand whilst you try to get a foothold on the pavement outside. Even the very posh casino might offer you a free drink to continue playing during those three-hour periods when any tortoise would win a race with motorized vehicles. Phnom Penh’s sexy night life so far has been left alone. There are a cluster of streets lined with bars and short-skirted ladies reminiscent of Pattaya’s soi six. The strain on your wallet is less than in Pattaya assuming you are not drunk or naive. Transvestites are not numerous and very easy to spot as they invariably stand with both hands on their hips, pucker their lips and stick their tongue out. The city’s most popular gay bar Blue Chilli has now moved into the heterosexual district but concentrates on drag shows rather than pickups according to the doorman. However, he did want to know if I was a policeman. All in all, Phnom Penh is exhilarating for about a week. For longer, Up to You. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/phnom-penh-at-christmas-and-new-year-is-certainly-challenging-485675

Post moved to Cambodia section of Gay Asia forum.

From The Nation The Thai Stamp Museum has announced the release of two sets of collectible postage stamps for 2025, one of which features a drawing by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The first set comprises 10 stamps, each with a face value of 3 baht. These vertical stamps will feature a drawing of three snakes by the Princess, along with her signature. This will be the 11th release in the Princess’ Year of Zodiacs series, which has been issued annually since 2015. This year marks the Chinese Year of the Snake and the Princess drew three little snakes in green, pink and yellow, with the caption, “won’t take fish, but snakes”. The Princess explained that she wanted Thais to study issues thoroughly, instead of just learning things shallowly as the Thai idiom says, “learning like snakes and fishes”. The stamp’s design was created by Thanet Polchaiwong of Thailand Post. The second set of stamps, meanwhile, will be released on National Children’s Day on January 11 and will feature two designs based on “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40044722

From Pattaya News At 5:00 PM on December 30th, 2024, a 38-year-old Chinese man, name withheld at his request, filed a complaint with Pattaya police, claiming he was assaulted by security staff and associates at a prominent condominium in central Pattaya. Arriving at the station with blood on his face and supported by friends, the tourist alleged the conflict began after his online room booking, made through an independent agency, was abruptly canceled due to undisclosed “room issues.” Frustrated after paying 24,000 baht for two rooms and not getting support from the agency, he confronted the condo staff, according to the police. The situation escalated however when the condo staff stated to the Chinese tourist that they were not liable or involved with independent room bookings and that the tourist would need to resolve the issue with the agency himself. This further angered the tourist and he was asked to leave the condo premises, but when he demanded to speak to a manager or higher level authority security staff allegedly dragged him into a guard post, used foul language, and attacked him while throwing him off the property. The injured man claimed up to six individuals joined in, ignoring attempts by bystanders to intervene. Initially, police have recorded the complaint and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and prosecute the alleged perpetrators. They also plan to speak with both the juristic office at the condo and the agency that booked the property. The name of the condo has been withheld by police pending further investigation. Police noted, however, that AIRBNB style bookings for less than a month are illegal in Thailand unless the property has a hotel license, so condo staff not wanting to get involved was not surprising. Additionally, many condo juristic offices have a “hands off” policy of dealing with disputes between tenants and landlords/agencies, instead usually directing the two parties to resolve any situations between each other or with legal assistance. However, regardless of whether or not the booking process was against regulations, any assault on upset people is unacceptable, stressed police, who also reminded both condo and property owners and tenants to immediately call police for assistance if a situation is escalating and not to attempt to resolve it themselves with physical action.

From The Nation The former PM’s return to Thailand after 17 years in exile marked a dramatic shift in Thailand’s political landscape and the decline of big power players In 2024, Thailand’s political scene was dominated by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister whose every move captured public attention. After 17 years in self-exile overseas, Thaksin made a highly publicised return to Thailand in August 2023. Though sentenced to eight years in prison, he never set foot in a jail cell, instead spending his detention in a VIP room in the Police General Hospital, citing deteriorating health. Thaksin remained in hospital “detention” long enough to qualify for a sentence reduction to one year, and was eventually granted a royal pardon on July 28. The clemency was granted as part of celebrations marking His Majesty’s 6th cycle birthday (72 years). A pivotal moment came when Srettha Thavisin, known for his tireless work ethic, was removed as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on August 14. The court ruled that Srettha had violated the Constitution and breached ethical standards by nominating former controversial lawyer Pichit Chuenban as a minister without portfolio. Pichit had been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court after attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. Srettha’s dismissal opened the door for Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, to take over as Thailand’s 31st prime minister on August 16. Thaksin, meanwhile, has been a central figure of power, hosting coalition leaders at his residence to pave the way for Paetongtarn’s rise. He dismissed the meeting’s significance, jokingly referring to it as a gathering for instant noodles. Aware of the potential for external disruptions, including a possible resurgence of former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwan, Thaksin acted decisively to consolidate power and avoid delays in positioning his daughter as prime minister. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40044691

Where I wish I was.......

Let me buy you a drink.

...and four times less than what's expected in New York or London.

All good things to those who wait.

Although the massage scene in and around Silom hasn't changed too much, new shops are popping up in greater Bangkok at a steady pace that it makes it impossible to get a complete and current handle on it, I find. Over the past year, shops that have minimum tips are holding steady in Saphan Kwai (800-1200). In Silom, only a few places (i.e., Senso) have minimum tip but they are experiencing uptrend. Otherwise I would say tip expectations are a bit higher than SK. Just talked with friend in Bangkok who works in bar and he says it is extremely busy with tourists. ST expectation for non-models is generally 2500.