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From Bangkok Post Hotel business in Pattaya has begun to feel the pinch of the strong baht and the economic slowdown, with reports of declining occupancy rates. Under normal circumstances, most hotels in the popular beach city would be fully booked during the high season, but this year the overall occupancy rate is 80%, said Pattaya deputy governor Manoj Nongyai The surging local currency has made foreign travellers more price-conscious, he said. The city is a first-night stay for many foreigners visiting Thailand, according to a study. They then choose to stay the other nights on Koh Samet in Rayong or in Bangkok before flying home. The slowdown in hotel business also stems from changes in behaviour, especially by Chinese tourists, who tend to travel independently in small groups instead of buying tour packages. These travellers prefer walk-in booking when they arrive at a destination, or they use a sharing-economy platform to enjoy lower costs for accommodation, Mr Manoj said. Pattaya continues to attract some 450,000 visitors daily. The top three tourist groups this year are Chinese, Indians and Russians. The Indian market has shown strong potential, with visitors still travelling in groups of 20-30 people, particularly for incentives, bachelor parties and weddings. Bollywood productions use Pattaya as a shooting location, inspiring Indians to visit Thailand. Average spending for Indian tourists is 10,000 baht per person per day, compared with 5,000 baht for Chinese visitors. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1802659/slowdown-hits-pattaya-hoteliers

No one can say you won’t go to any height to get an artfully composed photo. And totally unidentifiable. Unless the stems are permanently attached.

From Bangkok Post The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to turn Silom, Yaowarat and Khao San roads into pedestrian-only zones on certain hours next month, as a part of its bid to boost tourist numbers and the local economy. Deputy Bangkok governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul said that Silom Road will be turned into a "walking street" between noon and 10pm on the third Sunday of each month. The trial period will begin on Dec 15 and will run until May next year, when it will be reviewed by relevant authorities. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1803454#cxrecs_s

Look through recent pages of posts and you’ll see many trip and off reports from veterans and newbies alike. None, of course, from you.

Gee, Hanan, so sorry to hear that you’re disappointed because enough members aren’t filling your need for titillation by posting salacious photos of their offs. Since this was the main reason you joined the board I figured surely that you must be now contributing half naked pics of your offs. But guess what, it seems to be a one-way street with you. You’re content to leave the heavy lifting to others. If you are really serious about viewing sexually stimulating pics, there’s a members only forum on the board that contains some quality stuff. Not good enough? You might consider actually offing some guys yourself and posting about your adventures instead of living vicariously through the efforts of others. You say you want explicit details of what members do with their offs along with photos. Fair enough. So I assume it’s OK with you if a boy posted your photo and described what you did along with details of your body.

Freedom of expression is not a license to write a post that could haunt a young man in perpetuity. At best you demonstrated poor judgement. At worst, you showed wanton disregard for his future. As a poster in your thread about Watt observed, you remain anonymous while your off is exposed by name, workplace, photo and personal sexual information. Please tell us—in the pursuit of freedom of expression—did you tell Watt you intended to tell the public that he was a great cocksucker? Hope you find that sufficiently constructive, 12.

The Bangkok City Administration is making a noticeable effort to raise awareness of crosswalks on Silom. In the three or four days the new bright blue and white markings have gone down in the vicinity of Patpong 1, it actually seems to be having a bit of an effect. DISCLAIMER: you still need to exercise all due caution.

It may very well succeed in increasing the frequency of his offs in the near term. But there also could certainly be longer term, unintended consequences that could affect the rest of his life.

I sometimes feel bad for the guys that have the most intimate details of their private sessions with a member broadcast on a public forum. It’s one thing say things in a private message, or to make a “general” recommendation of some who provided good service in a post. However, when you post a guy’s photo (with or without his alleged consent) you’re creating a public record that will never go away. In this case the poster may have received his permission to use his photo but I doubt anyone would give their consent to publishing observations like these that appear above: ”Might be the best sucker I remember.” ”...and I totally agree with y, best sucker...” I doubt either poster told Watt that they planned to say what a truly great cocksucker he is. Here’s a young man studying for a specific job. The OP identifies him with a photo and very intimate details. With Google’s facial recognition search technology, a prospective employer could easily find it. Daydreamer, if you really want to feel sorry for someone I respectfully suggest you consider the young man.

So “chemistry” in this case was the compensator. I get it. But it’s still clear that the OP believed something had to make up for his small dick. Watt sounds like a great find and I’m sure the publicity will help him. Just don’t think it was necessary to remark in a public forum about him having a small dick. He’s fine just as he is.

No question. But it illustrates the absurdity of the big dick obsession and the idea that guys with small ones are somehow deficient and need to (as the poster implied) “compensate.”

Odd, but I never thought that a small dick was something that necessitated compensation. Or an amenities bag. However I did note with interest that members who supposedly only take guys with big dicks are effusive in their praise of a guy with a little one. The ranks of closet twink lovers is ever expanding.

A mamsan like that is a control freak. They can damage a venue’s reputation that can be difficult to repair in the near term.

Echo what Ggobkk and Vinapu said about IconSiam. Since it has best stage and most performers, Luckyboys should be seen to be appreciated. Unlike Dreamboy, it has a wider gene pool. If you’re on Soi 4, I’d duck into Banana bar upstairs. Some friendly hot guys to be found.

From CNBC US imports from China shrank more than 13% — but imports from Vietnam are popping Nobody expects Vietnam to replace China as the world’s major exporter, but the Southeast Asian country certainly appears to be taking some of China’s business with the United States. In the first nine months of this year, U.S. imports from Vietnam jumped 34.8% year on year, accelerating from a 5.8% gain in all of 2018, according to a Thursday note by consultancy IHS Markit. In comparison, U.S. imports from mainland China shrank 13.4% year on year in the January-to-September period, the note said. Tariffs were a major reason behind the decline in U.S. imports from China, said Michael Ryan, IHS Markit’s associate director of comparative industry service, who wrote the note. He added that Vietnam’s fastest growing export categories to the U.S. are computers, telephone equipment and other machinery. Those products were among the U.S.’s top imports from mainland China, Mongolia and Taiwan in 2018, according to the United States Trade Representative. That suggests that Vietnamese exports of those goods to the U.S. may have replaced the reduction in flows between China and America. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/22/vietnam-exporting-more-to-us-but-still-isnt-a-full-china-substitute.html

Since you’re already aware of the charms of Moonlight an Jupiter, I’ll limit my suggestions to Patpong 2 which is the new center of gravity. since your last trip, just about all the old Twlight venues have—in one form or another—successfully migrated across Surawong. Some have consolidated like Classic Boys and Xboys into Luckyboys that now boasts of having the largest venue with the largest stage and most (50 is not unusual on weekends) boys. I’d start there. There are two cubs (Hot Male and Freshboys) that are located on the second floor on the opposite side of the soi. HM has the raunchiest show and there’s no entrance fee. FB’s usually has three dozen boys of all shapes and sizes and a classic ladyboy act you’ll recall from its Twlight days. The bar that has changed least—and operating in the same location as before—is Screwboys. As before, it’s the starting point if you like Viet guys—and many do. Then you have the new Dreamboy that is proud that it promotes only the men of Thailand. They tend to be a older and bigger. If you like slapstick Ladyboy acts, this is where to find them. Nearby is Dreamboy Paradisio, a small venue which shanres some performers with Dreamboy but on a smaller stage. Given the sheer numbers at you disposal, you can probably find your type at any of these stops. Happy Ending massage places. You’re better off with brand names like Prince (even if you’re short changed on the clock) and Senso given the body type you favor.

You’re right, Andy. The museum is focused on the historical aspect of Patpong at the moment. I did, however, have a discussion with my tour guide about recent developments on the Surawong end of Patpong 2. Although he acknowledged that he was well aware of the clubs that migrated over from Twlight, he’s still trying to figure out how they’ll affect the zone going forward. He was surprised to hear that so many females were drawn to the male venues. I told him that I viewed it as a transition of Patpong that’s definitely bringing more foot traffic that benefits all tenants. Since, like all museums, its looking to broaden its appeal to residents as well as tourists, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it planned an event that looked at the changing face of Patpong.

It baffles the imagination yet another successful shopping mall has opened in a new high rise diagonally opposite the Samyan MRT station. Samyan Mirtown Features a hotel, condos and offices with a five-level mall on the lowest floors. It’s connected to the MRT station via a circular tunnel that has become a very popular location with photographers. The ground floor of the mall is open 24/7 with a food court. If you arrive in the Silom area and it’s too early to check into your hotel, or you need to kill some time before a late night departure, this may be an attractive option. It’s one stop beyond Silom on the MRT. On the fifth level there’s a large, two-sided outdoor observation deck (photo below). https://www.samyan-mitrtown.com/

Visited the museum today and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Located directly opposite the entrance to Foodland, it occupies the space above the Black Pagoda. The 350 entrance fee includes a drink of your choice (soft, beer or mixed) in a bar dedicated to the Grand Prix, said to be the first go-go bar in Bangkok. A former Patpong bar owner who helped the founder research and develop the concept was on hand to explain many of the exhibits and answer questions. In addition, the bartender is a lively Thai guy who took part in Woodstock in 1969. He’s an old Patpong hand and a delight to chat with. They have plans for periodic theme events they hope will encourage visitors to return. I was there about 90 minutes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It does was it set out to do with a mix of history and whimsy.

From CNN Bangkok (CNN) — After years of delays and much debate, it's finally happening. Bullet trains are coming to Thailand. With one project under construction, another approved and others being considered, many in the country are questioning whether high-speed rail (HSR) will be the right fit for the country. "This is going to be a big change for Thailand," says Thanet Sorat, an adviser to Thailand's Senate Committee on Transportation, vice president of shipping company, V-Serve, and president of the Thai Authorized Customs Brokers Association. He hopes to see sleek trains pinballing around the country at 155 mph (250 kph) within five years. Both projects currently in the works will employ Chinese HSR technology. Though Thailand declined Chinese loans, the projects are considered a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a plan that aims to connect China to the rest of Asia through new transport infrastructure. Expected to open in 2021 to replace Bangkok's 103-year-old Hualamphong Station, a massive new rail hub in the city's Bang Sue district will serve passengers using both HSR and the country's existing railway network, which is being upgraded from single to dual track. Tied to this, on October 24, a conglomerate led by Thailand's CP Group signed a contract with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) for the construction of a HSR line linking Bangkok's two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to three eastern provinces. It will operate in addition to the existing Airport Rail Link, an elevated train that connects Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok's metro system. The planned line, beginning from Don Mueang then passing through Bang Sue, will also stop at Makkasan in central Bangkok before proceeding to Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Sriracha and Pattaya, a major tourist destination located 75 miles (120 km) south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand. Expected to begin service in 2024, the 137-mile line will terminate at U-Tapao Airport, outside of Pattaya in Rayong province. Continues with photos https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thailand-bullet-trains/index.html High-speed rail: Mechanics check on a high-speed train in Xi'An, China. The country is currently assisting Thailand with its own high-speed rail (HSR) projects. One line is already under construction, while another has been approved.

Don’t sell yourself short on this. This, too, can be researched just as you demonstrated with massage parlors and boy bars. It would be a real service to the board.

Then it’s a slam dunk. No better nominee than 12is12.

Despite the BOT’s recent interest rate cut aimed at dampening the surging baht, exchange rates remained mired near the 30 bht to the USD. This is what it looked like at Super Rich (Silom Complex) at 11 a.m. A quick check of the banks in the complex showed some offering as low as 29.86. On Tuesday I got 30.32.

The Madrid gets mentioned in this account of the history of Patpong. From CNN Bangkok (CNN) — Prostitution, the CIA, the Vietnam War and Chinese immigration are all on display in a new museum dedicated to one of Bangkok's most famous red light nightlife zones, Patpong Road. Alongside "Triple X," "fetish" and kinky cabaret exhibits are tamer displays highlighting David Bowie's 1983 visit to Bangkok, as well as other bits of pop culture, including a nod to "The Deer Hunter" -- a 1978 war drama starring Robert De Niro that included scenes reportedly shot in former Patpong bar Mississippi Queen. But documenting Patpong's unofficial ties to the US Central Intelligence Agency's deadly activities in Laos during the US-Vietnam War in the 1960s until 1974 is the museum's most fascinating purpose. The 300-square-meter Patpong Museum, which opened in October, reveals why Americans fighting communists on battlefields flocked to Patpong for business, friendship and hedonistic trysts during the war. It also shows how Patpong evolved over time to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and expats, before most of the action moved across town to bars elsewhere in Bangkok -- namely Soi Cowboy and the Nana Entertainment Plaza. The museum's founder and curator, Michael Messner, tells CNN Travel he founded the space to document and display the area's fascinating history up to the present day, and include the many details that no one knows have gone into creating such unusual facilities, businesses and venues. "I'd say today everybody knows Patpong," says Messner. "But nobody really knows what Patpong is about. People associate it with a very narrow segment today, and it would be 'Patpong ping-pong,' something like this. And we'll get to ping-pong, we'll show that too, but there is so much more." Patpong Road's origins date back to a Chinese immigrant, Luang Patpongpanich, who purchased the land when it was a banana plantation. The museum displays two heavy rice bags connected by a bamboo pole for visitors to lift, a way to experience the burden felt by laborers shouldering 35-kilogram loads. During World War II, Patpongpanich's son Udon reportedly studied in America, where he joined Washington's newly created Office of Strategic Services (OSS) which eventually morphed into the CIA. The OSS trained Udom to be a Seri Thai ("Free Thai") insurgent against Japan's occupation of Thailand, according to museum information, which is supported by a three-page story in Asia Magazine dated May 5, 1985 which includes an interview with Udom, and also in a 1996 obituary in London's Guardian newspaper. But the war ended before he returned home. After Udom arrived in Bangkok, he transformed his family's land into Patpong Road and lined it with shop houses, which he rented to his OSS and CIA friends, Messner says. "Mizu's Kitchen is the first food and beverage place in Patpong, run by a Japanese ex-soldier who was part of the occupational force but he liked it here so much that he wanted to stay," he reveals. "The Foreign Correspondents' Club's first office or first meeting place was actually at Mizu's Kitchen. It just closed its doors this year, about three months ago, and we rescued the signage outside," Messner adds, gesturing at its weather-beaten sign. Other Patpong tenants during those years, according to museum exhibits, included the US Information Service library and "a CIA safe house" above the Madrid Bar where, in later years, retired CIA officials reportedly drank and met buddies. Alongside these bits of info, the museum displays photos of late CIA officer Jack Shirley taken in the Madrid Bar, which is still open. Patpong Museum, Building 5, 2nd floor below Black Pagoda Bar, Patpong Soi 2. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; (+66) 91 887 6829. Tickets are 350 baht ($11) for visitors and include headphones offering narration in English, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. The entrance fee includes one free beer or soft drink. Museum souvenirs are on sale. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/patpong-museum-bangkok/index.html

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