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From Bangkok Post An Algerian man has been arrested for picking the pocket of a Hong Kong tourist inside a passenger carriage at the Makkasan Airport Link train station. The passenger reported his wallet missing on Wednesday. Tourist police then examined recordings from closed-circuit cameras, which showed a man stealing the wallet from the tourist on board a train at Makkasan station on Aug 1. Police found the stolen black wallet in his possession, along with the 1,020 baht cash and US$2,680 it contained. A police investigation revealed the suspect had entered Thailand 12 times. Police believed he entered the country to commit similar offences each time as he had three passports he took turns using. https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1515158/algerian-pickpocket-caught-working-airport-link-trains

And he only charges her 2,000. Not fair. Clear case of gender discrimination.

NOTE -- I've only been successfully pickpocketed once (Buenos Aires, 2003) and never in Krung Thep. The trade, however, was common practice when I was visiting the suck cinema in Saphan Kwai 16 years ago. Fortunately, those who practiced it weren't the smoothest of operators and most movie goers seemed to quickly spot the telltale moves. And if you were a regular you began to recognize them by sight, even in the dark. This was the wonderful time before apps and this particular location would attract huge crowds of young Thais after work and on weekends. Outside of that, it's never been one of my concerns. Now, however, it seems on the rise in the target-rich environment of the Chit Lom BTS stop. And it is foreigners who have taken it up. From Khaosod English BANGKOK — Three Mongolian men were charged with pickpocketing and credit card fraud Thursday after being arrested at BTS Chit Lom. Okhinsuren Bayarsaikhan, Tseddenbal Oyunbold and Indermaa Ganbold, all in their 30s, were accused of stealing 300,000 baht in various currencies from tourist areas last month, much of which allegedly went to purchasing iPhone Xs. They have been charged with pickpocketing and credit card fraud. Police arrested the trio near BTS Chit Lom on Wednesday and seized US dollars, Euros, Thai baht, Australian dollars and Korean Won worth about 100,000 baht. Tourist Police Deputy Commissioner Maj. Gen. Surachet Hakpal said Thursday that the gang consisted of five Mongolians who entered the country July 18. Two returned home July 26 with the iPhone Xs. Credit card fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of 100,000 baht. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/crime-crime/2018/08/02/mongolians-accused-of-pickpocketing-bangkok-tourists/

From Bangkok Post The new terminal for interprovincial public passenger vans is located under the Si Rat expressway, opposite Mor Chit bus terminal. The new terminal for public passenger vans operating on interprovincial routes opened in Bangkok on Wednesday. All van services at Mor Chit bus terminal had been moved to the new facility on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road under the Si Rat expressway, Land Transport Department director-general Sanit Promwong said. The new terminal, built for exclusive use by public vans, is across the road from the Mor Chit bus terminal. The 30-rai complex can handle up to 2,000 passengers at a time, leaving on all routes. Transport Co allows public vans to operate to destinations within 300 kilometres. Longer routes are reserved for buses. https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1513838/new-van-terminal-for-interprovincial-routes-opens

It was about 35+ years ago when late one evening I picked up a hitchhiker and agreed to drop him near his home. En route some groping quickly ensued so I pulled into a deserted beach parking lot. With out pants around our ankles, we proceed much like you did in Silom. As I was getting (going) down to business, I noticed that his right hand had dipped down below steering column and then moved to deposit something between passenger seat and door. But I was enjoying the session so much I let it pass for the moment. When it was his turn to reciprocate, he gave me one of the best blow jobs that is probably as high on the memory scale as yours. As we zipped up a few minutes later, I reached over and retrieved my wallet. Looking a little deflated, he said, "Want me to get out here?" I told him no. "You didn't stop when I said I'm coming so I figure I at least owe you a ride home." I still occasionally jerk off to that incident of my youth. Well more his than mine, actually.

Thanks, DM, for the above link. Particularly enjoyed links at the end of article that describe other new parks about town I wasn't aware of. Too bad city administration couldn't work out an agreement with long-time fort residents. As a youngster, my family was forced out of our home by the "urban renewal" craze that swept many American cities 50 years ago. It paved the way for commercial deevelopment but also resulted in the destruction of the city center. Politically-connect real estate interests made out fine, however.

9 0-massage days 13 1-massage days 4 2-massage days 1 3-massage days 24 massages in 27 days* Not difficult. *didn't count day one because I didn't arrive at hotel until after midnight so no massage opportunity

When in Bangkok, I'm acutely aware of the need to stay hydrated. Some may accuse me of being a heretic, but I add ice to my draught beer when sitting at an outdoor cafe (got the idea from watching waiters drink beers purchased for them by customers). But when I get home, I slacken off and consequently seem more prone to dehydration. Think this added to the jet lag I'm just getting over. This was reinforced this morning while listening to American National Public Radio that featured a segment of how even a little dehydration can affect us. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/07/30/632480321/off-your-mental-game-you-could-be-mildly-dehydrated

I read with interest about your massage--and other--experiences so far this trip. You certainly have my sympathy having just returned from nearly a month in Bangkok where I had only one miscue (the guy fell asleep before the massage even began so he's the only one who suffered a financial loss). A few things that may improve your batting average: (1) If a shop requires payment in advance, go elsewhere. (2) If something seems askew, it probably is. Ask questions before opening wallet. (3) Always keep in mind caveat emptor: let the buyer beware. During my last trip I visited seven massage shops (all in BKK) and had a total of 24 massages, 21 of which occurred at four of the shops. My method seems no different than most of us practice when settling on our favorite restaurants. When we find ones we like we tend to give them repeat business. It doesn't keep me from trying new ones but I do a little research in advance and this forum is ground zero for that. As for the Viet guys (three from the same massage shop and two offs elsewhere), I went 5 for 5 on the positive side of ledger.

Thanks for catching that. When I saw Democracy Monument on a map of area, my mind when to Victory Monument BTS which is no where nearby. As I look at map now I see that the new Bangkok City Library is located close to the fort. May be worth a visit if you're in the area.

From Coconuts Bangkok The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will reopen Mahakan Fort as the city’s new park at today, three months after the eviction of the centuries-old community inside the fort. Bangkok Governor Asawin Kwanmuang said yesterday that the space inside the fort, which is now “spacious, green, peaceful, beautiful and safe,” will officially welcome the public at 5pm. The fort was originally built in 1783 to protect the then-new capital city, which was established just a year prior to construction. Nowadays, Mahakan Fort is one of the only surviving walled fortresses that remain of the old city. “From every angle, the fort’s elegance stands out, and you can see the city’s historic wall more clearly,” Asawin wrote on his official Facebook yesterday. He hopes that the landmark with educate visitors about Thailand’s history, culture, and tradition. The beginning of the capital’s new green space, however, grew out of a historic community’s bitter end. The land inside Mahakan Fort was once home to nearly 300 people whose proud stories dated back to the reign of King Rama III — 200 years ago — when servants of Thai aristocrats built their houses there in order to live close to their masters. Continues with pics https://coconuts.co/...ay-public-park/ NOTE -- The park is located not far from Democracy Monument BTS station.

From Coconuts Bangkok Last Friday, during rush hour, Bangkok’s skytrain briefly had that rarest of rarities — an open seat. Unfortunately, it was open for a very good reason. Someone had pooped on it. After the predictable juvenile laughter died down across the internet (yes, ours too), the BTS authorities let everyone in on a little secret: skytrain stations have toilets, and you can use them. Could this really be true? For years, the commuting public has been relying on a viral list of public restrooms near the BTS. Gotta go potty at Ploenchit? Race to the Park Ventures building. Can’t hold it near Sala Daeng? Silom Complex is conveniently connected to the skywalk. How about Phrom Phong? Take your pick, heck, there are malls on both sides of the street. But what if you didn’t have to leave the station at all? After hearing the BTS announcement about the on-site commodes, we had to know if it was true. And so, in the truest tradition of public service journalism, your humble Coconuts crew went about finding out exactly what the hell was going on. Over the past few days, our editors have gone up to staff at five BTS stations and unashamedly told them we had to go. And guess what? They let us. At most stations, the toilets are located in the staff-only area, and you have to be let in by a janitor, who has a key card. There are separate restrooms for ladies and gents. They also double as locker rooms for staff. One cool thing to note: At all five stations we visited, the restrooms are located outside of the train platform area. But because you’re accompanied by staff to the toilets, you can ask them to let you back into the train — without having to pay the fare a second time. Continues with photos https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/hidden-toilets-bts-asked-staff-5-stations-use-toilets-heres-happened/

NOTE -- Pretty sure that I passed a stall like this on Silom between Soi 4 and Patpong 2. It seems that it's one of many around Bangkok. Although the young woman backing the idea talks about female sexual rights, what's good for the goose should be good for the gander, no? From Coconuts Bangkok You can drink on the streets, buy antibiotics without a prescription, and purchase a woman’s “companionship” with dispiriting ease, but in Thailand, you can’t buy a sex toy — at least not legally. As incongruous as it seems, the Land of Smiles is one of the only countries in the world where sex toys remain illegal, a fact that attests to the decidedly conservative views of sexuality held by a majority of citizens. This is a country where gynecologists are far more likely to coyly inquire “Have you had a girl/boyfriend before?” than bluntly ask if a patient is sexually active, a country where the word “sex” itself remains taboo in classrooms and daytime television. All of the above are present-day realities human rights activist Nisarat Jongwisan is looking to change — starting with the sex toys. “Our society has this mentality that our sexual satisfaction relies purely on the opposite sex. Especially among women. Many of them are literally taught from the time they’re kids to depend on a man’s masculinity,” Nisarat recently told Coconuts Bangkok, her eyes darting around the cafe where we’ve met as she looks for a place to smoke. Nicknamed Tuk Ta, the 29-year-old is arguably responsible for getting more Thais talking about sex toys in the past month than they have in their entire lives, thanks to an appearance on Thai PBS’s Policies by the People, where opinionated Thais are invited to pitch a law, or changes to existing ones, to a panel of “experts” and juries comprised of fellow citizens. “That’s why I went on the show,” she said, “to raise awareness about means of self-satisfaction. How sad is it that so many Thai women don’t even know what ‘finishing’ is? It’s a concept they can’t even comprehend.” It’s safe to say the concept of “finishing” is not high on the priority list of the Ministry of Culture’s Salini Choomwan, who faced off with Tuk Ta on the panel. Speaking on behalf of the buttoned-down status quo, Salini described sexual desire as a “natural impulse that is within our ability to control by activities like exercising or meditating.” (And she meant it, too.) “We’re a Buddhist country” says Tuk Ta’s many opposition on the show, social media and in real life, “we can’t blatantly be displaying obscene objects in public” as obviously evidenced by gigantic dildo on display on a busy street. Unsurprisingly, Tuk Ta’s desire to alter Criminal Code Section 287 — which makes the trade or distribution of “obscene materials or things” punishable with up to three years in prison — quickly became a trending topic on social media. Her point of view is straightforward: Since sexual satisfaction is a fundamental human desire, why shouldn’t it be a fundamental human right? Continues with photos https://coconuts.co/bangkok/features/lets-talk-sex-meet-woman-behind-movement-legalize-sex-toys-thailand/

I'm thinking about a few times when I came across a guy who, for whatever reason, was unable to perform. I don't believe now that I was intentionally deceived. I think he had hoped he could pull it off but some things just can't be done even with the best of intentions. I have to admit that I've been unable myself to perform in situations in the past. As was mentioned above, perhaps a good way of handling these rare events is to try to make the best of it. If I think he's embarrassed by his predicament, I'm certainly don't want to compound the problem by berating him. I'd tend to put him at ease and try to salvage the experience. Maybe just some gentle cuddling will cause him to relax. I might also try giving him a bit of a massage (never ran across a guy who didn't enjoy having someone--anyone--rub his back). I'm not precluding that there are some guys out there who are indeed deceitful but I just having run into them here as I have done on more than a few occasions back home. All told, however, satisfactory outcomes are the rule. I'm heartened by your decision not to blacklist Screwboys in particular or Viet guys in general. I can assure you that there are many out there who have made me more than grateful that I chose them. And I agree that Screwboys is a class act that will be near the top of my list when I return.

Fortunately I don't have to pick ONE so here's my simplest recommendation: At any of the bars, shows, or massage shops where guys are assembled outside, you get to see them in the flesh so therefor they're unlikely to disappear. You're own your own from there but I'm confident you'll know how to proceed.

Yes. Twilight, Patpong 2, massage shops, Moonlight, Soi Six, Jupiter, BTS....just about anywhere.

Thanks, ggobkk. Reading the trips reports of others (and you're among them) is what started me contributing to the board. Hope it encourages more members to share their experiences. Just got back and think I may sleep late tomorrow. Love the going journey, hate the returning one. As I rehashed my trip on the return flights a few things stood out. First, low season shouldn't mean lower expectations. Found that there were plenty of guys in all types of venues. And the quality gets high marks. Second, the weather is different but not necessarily inferior to high season. In nearly four weeks I had only two washout nights. But the shows and massage shops were still open despite the water. With the majority of days overcast you don't have the sun beating down on you like your do in prime time. Third, we are indebted to visitors from China for keeping the gay scene alive and well for the rest of us. These aren't the "zero-dollar" tourists who were so common a few years ago. And they're coming to BKK at a much younger age than most of us did.

Thank you Alex303. You explained it perfectly. Have become fond of more than a few of these guys and hope others readers will too.

From Sunday NY Times, a look inside the cave. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/21/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-ar-ul.html

FOURTH INSTALLMENT Freshboys 2 -- Was walking to Foodland last night on Patpong 2 and a cute Viet tout latched on to me and ever so patiently lured me upstairs. I had wanted to see the new digs anyway so it didn't take all that much convincing. Drink (350) which was delivered by mamasan/waiter in jacket and tie. There was one other solo customer and a male/female couple sitting off to the side in a darkened corner. On stage there were a dozen boys who were rotating in a grid pattern so every guy had ample front exposure time during a 15-minute or so cycle. They were Thai, Lao and Cambodian and all could be best described as guy-next-door type. No body builders--although some beautiful bodies to be seen--and no fems. Any reader would find at least one, and probably more, who ticked their boxes. All were wearing white Speedo-type white briefs. In addition to those on stage, a handful of others were seated about, waiting their turn to join the rotation. It was between shows and the next one wouldn't start for about 25 minutes. The other solo customer left so now most of the eyes were riveted on me. This is a bit intimidating but they are a good group to admire from about eight feet away. I tell the mamasan I just want to tip some guys and not off anyone. She called down the numbers I gave her (which came to six) and I also tipped one of the boys who had been smiling at me off stage while waiting his turn. Tipped the mamasan (who wasn't pushy) and got up to leave to the sound of appreciative applause. I'm in an expansive mood that some might say I should reign in. But I count myself as so damn lucky to be here to experience this that I feel compelled on this night to support these guys in low season for the joy they briing into my life. The Viet tout, who was taking a turn at trying to get the couple to pick a guy, followed me outside to thank me. Of course I tipped him and told him he was the hottest guy there. "You Ha Tinh?" I asked. Yes he replied, adding "You know Ha Tinh?" It was written all over him. I get a big hug and resume my trek to Foodland. MOONLIGHT (second visit on a Tuesday night) -- After hearing about my first visit, my regular guy wants to see the show so we enter about 15 minutes before the 10:30 show. He picks front row, center seats and immediately tells me he likes the music. Show gets underway with same acts from the previous week When the models for the evening are introduced, there are only three, down from the five on a Thursday. To my dismay, the object of my obsession is not among them this time. So glad I have the memory of first visit to sustain me until next trip. A tip of the boy (#4) who indicated he'd like to go with both me and my friend and we leave. My guy tells me he enjoyed it but still thinks Dreamboys has an edge. MASSAGE SHOPS --Continue visiting massage shops mentioned in previous posts. Logged one 3-massage day and many doubles. Just visited same guy (Pao) at Mantra massage for third time before walking over to internet shop on Silom to post this. SUAN PLU -- While exploring a restaurant recommendation from DivineMadman. I was surprised to find how somewhat gentrified Suan Plu seems to be. Hadn't been over this way for several years and came across two massage shops with familiar names directly opposite each other. It must be Art Massage's sixth (or more) location as I viewed it from in front of Indra Massage. No idea if associated with the Soi Tarntawan location. Two of the guys sitting outside tried to persuade me that the I would be very happy with the third guy who was beaming a smile my way. What do they know about me and how do they know it, I wonder LOL. MADRID TAVERN -- Bring my guy here for his very first pizza. He chooses the Supreme and me my usual, the Veggie. Loves it from the first slice. I tell him I know a guy name Vinapu who likes the white pie. "No understand," he says so I show him the photo in menu. "It good?" He asks. They're all good I tell him as he takes another slice. Btw, Dominos is opening a shop at the mouth of Patpong 1 and Silom. The proximity of mass production product steps away from the great Madrid offerings should hopefully persuade all Madrid fans never to pass on an opportunity to promote this gem. MAXI'S ON TWILIGHT -- A singer accompanied by guitarist now providing live entertainment Friday nights. Easy listening and adds more class to this place that continues to draw good crowds in low season. RUMORS -- Some of the Viet guys admit that they're fearful that the immigration police will swoop in at any moment. There have been well-publicized raids across the city and some Vietnamese have been scooped up for overstaying or not having working papers. But they represent a minority. Still, one guy suddenly told me today he's going home until September and a few others leave next week. Hope this is all temporary.

Left myself wide open for that one. Lol.

That may be so but--as previously pointed out--same same applies to relationships everywhere, not only inThailand. If we cocooned ourselves in emotional bubbles we would successfully avoid all entanglements and avoid all rendering of the heart. But we would, in the end, find ourselves old men with memories limited to what could have been. Entering the arena, I grant, isn't for the faint of heart.

It had crossed my mind but since I was in possession of 22,000+ in bht from SuperRich I opted on side of caution. My bottom line for this humorous bit of massage trivia: (1) the lad needed his sleep more than the income (2) I did indeed dodge a bullet (3) should have have trusted my initial instinct that "Rock" was destined to be a dud even if me managed somehow to stay awake (4) there are ample good massage reviews but I can now claim one of the more unique

In the 17 years of coming to Bangkok I've had the full range of massage experiences from great on on down the scale to disappointing and one or two outright bad. But this is the first time I've had one that escapes definition. Here's how it came about--or actually didn't. On the previous day when just about to enter the SuperRich main location on Silom, two guys wearing Best Massage shirts walked past and made eye contact. I glanced back just before going in the door and one had his head turned smiling at me. After doing my business, I took the short walk to the shop on the first level of complex that also houses Arena Massage. There I found five guys and asked the one who smiled at me his name. Let's call him "Rock." I tell him I'll be back for a massage from him and he thanks me. Jump to today about 3:15 and I return to the shop and ask guy at reception for Rock. He dispatches another guy to get him. After about 5 minutes Rock appears. He's not smiling and looks a bit under the weather. But this is Thailand so I assume he'd been napping. He leads me to a large but really hot room on the second floor. He closes a window that had been emitting a hot breeze, tosses a towel on the table and says "take shower" and disappears. After showering and toweling off, I'm becoming more aware how hot this room is. I attempt to start the air conditioner but it doesn't seem to have a power source. I sit on the table for almost 10 minutes and no sign of Rock. Cut your losses I tell myself and get dressed. As I head toward the stairs, I can hear low snoring from another room. Therein lies my would-be masseur. When I get down stairs and pull on my shoes I inform the reception guy that a Rock is fast asleep. "Very sorry," he offers. I thank him for the use of the shower and leave.

Channel News Asia reports that the Wild Boars tried to dig their way out of their chamber. A military medic who stayed with the boys until they were rescued said he was impressed by their optimism and discipline. He credits their coach for contributing to the psychological and physical well being of his charges. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-thai-boys-coach-tham-luang-10534542