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From Coconuts Bangkok Come take a seat in the beautiful gardens of the Dutch Embassy on February 7, from 6-10pm, and enjoy a night of mind-opening documentaries focused on LGBTI+ stories. The night is organized by Document Our History Now a foundation that works in close cooperation with the Dutch embassy in Bangkok to support LGBTI+ storytelling in Southeast Asia. At this screening, you’ll get to see a few of the titles they have produced in recent years, including productions from Myanmar and Cambodia. Our Coconuts TV documentary “Toms: The Complex World of Female Love in Thailand” will also be screened as part of the evening. So click and watch now, or save it for February 7. We don’t mind! Entrance is free, but registration is mandatory so be sure to sign up via Eventbrite here. Like Document Our History Now on Facebook to keep up with all their events and updates. Continues with photos and map https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/lgbti-documentary-night-dutch-embassy-friday-feb-7/

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN)When Thailand officials hinted that scheduled elections to end military rule would be postponed for the fifth time in almost as many years, anger and frustration rippled through the country. The hashtag #delaymyass has trended on Thai Twitter in recent weeks, with a series of small but significant protests also taking place -- a poignant show of opposition during a period in which free speech advocates have been prosecuted and face years in prison. A small demonstration took place again Saturday. Elections slated for February 24 could now be postponed until March 24, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who claims the February date would interfere with the new king's coronation ceremony plans. The monarchy is revered in Thailand, but activists have accused the ruling military junta of manufacturing the delay. "The junta are playing a game," Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, a 21-year-old student activist told CNN. "If the election is a trick on the people, Thais will march and not accept it." While public outrage has not reached levels seen before the coup in 2014, violent street protests between rival political factions have been common in recent years. Mass violent confrontations in 2010 paralyzed the capital Bangkok and an ensuing military crackdown killed 90 people and injured more than 2,000. The military will be keen to quash a repeat of such unrest, and Army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, who was put in charge of the country's army in September, warned pro-democracy protesters last Wednesday, "don't step over the line," the Bangkok Post reported. Elections will be the first official poll the country has seen in eight years and are widely considered to be a vote between a form of democracy and legitimized authoritarian rule. Continues with pics and video https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/19/asia/thailand-election-prayut-military-intl/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/19/asia/thailand-election-prayut-military-intl/index.html

Microsoft recommends switching to iPhone or Android as it prepares to kill off Windows phones From CNBC Microsoft says anyone who uses Windows 10 Mobile should switch to Android or iPhone. The company will kill off support for Windows 10 Mobile in December of this year. Microsoft once hoped to beat the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. Microsoft says anyone who still uses its Windows 10 mobile platform — once called Windows Phone — should switch over to an iPhone or an Android phone. A change to the Windows 10 Mobile support page was first spotted by Thurrott, a site that covers Microsoft. Microsoft said that on Dec. 10, 2019, it will stop sending "new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options, or technical content updates from Microsoft for free." In other words, there aren't going to be any more updates, and only a few phone models will even be supported until that final date. "With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device," Microsoft said. "Microsoft's mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, compels us to support our Mobile apps on those platforms and devices." The company once had huge plans for Windows on mobile devices, particularly when it refreshed the operating system in 2010 and launched Windows Phone 7. At the time, it held a parade and declared that both BlackBerry and iPhone were dead. Microsoft also acquired Nokia's mobile unit so that it could build Windows Phone products internally. That too was a failure, and Microsoft eventually wrote down its $7.6 billion Nokia acquisition. Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/18/microsoft-ending-windows-10-mobile-says-switch-to-iphone-or-android.html

That may be true, Nathan_B. Ignorance can be bliss but that doesn't lend any credence to the tale.

I'm sure you know this guy. He's a snappy dresser who likes to call himself Vinapu. Claims he always dressers for the occasion. Never wears shorts or tee shirts and is frequently accompanied by a man servant. Here's a photo of him taken during last trip, peeking in door of Screwboys on Patpong 2. (Full disclosure warning: this photo may not bear a strong resemblance)

On reflection, Kokopelli, I'm inclined to agree with you. Certainly don't want to be equated with that individual. I realize that I could have been just as effective an advocate for my position without stooping to The Donald's level. I believe this thread offers many insights into the influence our posts have on those who read them. PeterRS has done a fine job of describing how a post can take on an unintended consequences that OP didn't necessarily set out to do. The ambiguity of the story triggers uncertainty of motive and from there we're off to the races. I'm convinced that all participants had good intentions in their replies. It may have become argumentative but it also featured much humor and spontaneity--all good stuff in a well-followed post. As I reflect back on the last few days, I believe the Covenant and Code of Conduct (you can find the Guidelines tab below the masthead) deserves reading by all of us. It was Divine Madman, I think, who called attention to it shortly after the forum was reorganized. By adhering to its tenets, I believe we can all keep this an interesting, civil forum where ideas and information can be exchanged and shared in a respectful--even friendly--environment. It's not necessary that agree with everything but we (and I certainly include myself) have a responsibility to maintain that welcoming atmosphere that allows the forum to fulfill its mission. BTW, Kokopelli, that was one clever rejoinder you made.

No, you're not the only one. I got discombobulated when I just reviewed it. Part of the problem is my screen name. In both cases, I intended reader and readers to refer to the generic reader of the forum and not just me. During the course of this thread we heard members express two opposing views. One holds that it doesn't matter to them if a post is true or fiction: it's the entertainment value of the post that counts. The opposing--and minority--view was that it did indeed matter to them: accuracy counted. That's the dilemma I was struggling with. Guess it's up to each member to decide if they choose to believe that the event portrayed in the OP was real, embellished or fiction. Agree that I could have done a better job of clarifying my message.

You could try uninstalling the Firefox app and then reloading it again. But you may first want to check out the current Firefox system requirements. I've used Firefox years and really like it. Good luck! https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/64.0.2/system-requirements/

It's been about 10 hours ago since I posted the "collaboration" post. There was no collusion (been waiting for a long time to use that word in a sentence that didn't apply to Washington) between me and williewillie aside, perhaps, of inadvertently contributing to a well-followed post that attracted a wide range of posters. I did this to make a point about the issue of accuracy and whether we--as readers--have an expectation that that appears to be presented as fact may actually be partially or wholly lacking in it. Does it bother us if we are misled? Or does it matter at all? I've responded to many posters, all of whom I believe were sincere in their posts. Many made it clear that they were here primarily for the entertainment value the forum can offer. A decidedly smaller number expressed some hesitation because they, like myself, were troubled by the lack of factual information and the potential for ridicule of the protagonists in the story. And, yes, it was a bit frustrating as one poster surmised, because I felt the question of fact vs fiction hadn't been sufficiently resolved. Should we read the forum like we watch CNN and Fox news, aware that accuracy takes a back seat to politics and we should therefor be suspect of the content? Should we just go along for the ride with a mai pen rai attitude? On the spur of the moment I decided to try to test it out and posted about collaborating with the OP. It didn't take long to learn that attitudes were more complex than they appeared before the post. Clearly, it did matter to some readers whether or not they believed what they were reading was fact or fiction--or something in between. More than 20% of the total views (now over 1,000) occurred within the last 10 hours. DivineMadman and Michael correctly predicted that the post was tongue in cheek. Not surprisingly, Vinapu provided a moment of comic relief while others expressed opinions ranging from acceptance to disappoint to outrage. Thank you, all of of you. Couldn't have put it better myself. I've always enjoyed your posts, kokopelli, but you remind me of Rudy Giuliani here--not that there's anything wrong with that. That thought has crossed my mind. We often want to have our cake and eat it too. Slightly trusting a story is like being slightly pregnant. Indeed! See you Saturday at our favorite haunt in Rapid City. ------------------------------------------ I beg everyone's forgiveness for being unwitting participants in this ad hoc experiment. This forum is a great place for an exchange of views. Now if you haven't read the last installment in ggobkk's latest trip report, please don't miss it. He sets the gold standard for TR's alongside Vinapu. There are others coming along (Spoon certainly entertained us) and just today a newcomer has emerged on the scene. The authors may not be youthful but they provide us with salad days of good reading.

Well, folks, I think this thread has run its course. What you didn't know is that williewillie and me collaborated on this project for a week beforehand. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did bringing it to you.

For those who now have good reason to want to know more about this shop. I refer you to DivineMadman's excellent massage website. Just scroll down to the shops under the Lumpini heading for a capsule report. https://m4m-massages.com/shop-specifics/

The misfortune is that the easily-identifiable farang (assuming that he does indeed exist) has been exposed to ridicule. I've learned over the years that it's a mistake to underestimate Thais or guys from any of the other SE Asian countries we're attracted to. What they may lack in formal education they compensate with in street smarts we can't come close to appreciating. The surname was not given but the OP makes it easy to ID by the mentioning the bar's name and the age and nationality of the wealthy farang. You'll have to ask williewillie, or his accomplice and longtime--and former--friend, if he indeed exists. Given the popularity of this thread, I think a thread about this guy (let's call him generous farang #2) would make a good topic on its own merits. It could open up the discussion to dwindling virility and the pros and cons of various drugs to maintain an erection if that becomes a matter of concern. I think a lot guys here could weigh in on that one. You paint with a broad brush. As I say above, it's easy to underestimate some of these guys. Although what you say most likely is accurate in describing the circumstances of the majority of bar workers, I believe it's a mistake to think that all fall into this category. ------------------ More than a few claim that whether this thread is true or fantasy doesn't matter. It simply makes for good entertainment as evaluated by the number of views. This isn't the first time this issue has been debated here and certainly won't be the last. So I take this opportunity to say why I think it does indeed matter. Those of us who read the forum regularly want to believe what posters say is true and not fiction. Take, for example, trip reports. They historically garner the greatest readership of any category of posts. They provide information that's instructive as it is titillating. And for those of us half-way or so around the globe from the scene of the action, they remind us why we should return. Meanwhile, they allow us to live vicariously though the adventures of others. Fortunately, for the best trip reporters, we have no reason to doubt the veracity of their posts because we either know them personally or know their reputation for accurately portraying their visits. It's always a pleasure to read them and we eagerly look forward to their TR's (just ask Vinapu who is not shy in reminding trippers to crank out their reports). And here's the crux of my argument for accuracy in posting. Once we begin to adopt a "what does it matter" approach to reading some posts, it likewise diminishes the efforts of those posters who take pride in their accurate reporting. True events described by those who experience them have become very popular in recent years. In the US, public radio and television feature programs like Stories from the Stage and Ted Talks. People willing to share major events if their lives with us have the power to change attitudes and open our minds and hearts. Why would we want to tamper with that? I'm a reader of not just news but I enormously appreciate good fiction that I read almost daily. And fiction can not only entertain but also expand our minds and attitudes. But it's nice--no necessary--to be able to distinguish between fiction and non-fiction if the trust between reader and author is to remain in tact.

....or a player to be named later. GO KC CHIEFS!!!

I remain baffled that not a single individual can verify that anything in this story is true yet so many individuals are prepared to believe it. Half a million dollars, really? You write as if you know this is gospel. No more than williewillie can back up anything that he wrote in the OP. And he adds insult to injury with this gem of logic: "I knew some would want proof..." You're right on that count. You had no problem with putting this tale out there and making it easy to identify the players. But all you have to back it is an unnamed source who took you into his confidence and related this tale. Not exactly an unimpeachable source, either. You admit that this source is no longer on friendly terms with the alleged generous farang. So my question to you: if you knew some would want proof, why did you proceed without it? Was it just too good a hoax to ignore? Other than me, not many I guess. LOL. At least you knew this was true because you were personally witness to it. But you can't say the same in this case. IMO, this whole thing would be, as DivineMadman says, just a guilty pleasure of someone else's misfortune, if not for the fact that anyone who wants to know the identify of the generous farang knows it by now. Even if he still has his half million and the bar guy is still working offs because he never got a sent from the farang. All you had to do, williewillie, was omit the name of the bar and the particulars of the generous farang's identity. Hopefully, you'll never find yourself embarrassed by someone else's lack of judgement. BTW, did you ask the guy who allegedly told you this yarn that you were going to publish it?

Don't disagree that there's relevance to a lesson for all readers here but it could have been made without making it easy to identify the parties supposedly involved. And certainly agree that what we choose to do with our money is of no one else's business. I acknowledge that few of the guys are likely to make their earnings work for them. Many are sending a share home and spending the rest on their life in BKK or Patts. Nevertheless, as you say, there are exceptions and I think we all know a few who use it to finance their education or simply save a bit of it. A small minority of these guys actually realize they can't work the bars indefinitely and manage to plan ahead.

Here's what troubles me about this thread: Until someone comes forward and announces that they have genuine first-hand knowledge that the events portrayed here are indeed factual, everything remains hearsay. The gay farang ex-pat community in Pattaya is not huge, and it becomes smaller as the number of venues where they gather dwindles. Although the OP does not identify the generous farang by name, he identifies the particular bar where the young man works and he describes the generous farang by nationality and age. The OP, however, does acknowledge that he has met the generous man several times. The OP identifies the person who relates the story as a "life-long" friend of the generous man. And contrary to the OP's claim that this life-long friend didn't discuss his generous friend's finances, he goes into specific detail about amounts of cash allegedly given to the young man for various purposes. The life-long friend did "fall out" with his generous friend. Hummmm..... By this time, much of the gay Pattaya community is aware of this yarn and speculation is ripe as to the identities of both the generous man and the bar worker. And a few questions come to mind: Did the life-long friend provide the information with the understanding it would be posted on a gay Thai forum? Did the OP author tell the life-long friend he'd be writing on line about it? Since he says he knows the generous man, why didn't the OP go to him with his concern that he was being taken advantage of? The bottom line in this thread makes unfounded allegations about two individuals who can be identified with minimal effort by those in the Pattaya gay community. There is no evidence whatsoever that anything criminal, immoral or untoward has occurred. Yet two people are subject to embarrassment. I don't believe the OP set out with this outcome in mind. He most likely just wanted to circulate a piece of what appeared to be salacious gossip. And for the life of me I cannot figure out why a bar worker, who has reportedly amassed half-a-million USD from a benefactor, is still doing ST regularly at the Ambiance.

This is about hearsay supposedly gathered at a bar in Pattaya. I wouldn't be inclined to take it to the bank. But regardless of the veracity of the account, I'm sure you can think of other qualities this guy has that are worthy of praise. Given your obvious concern that this farang might be getting fleeced, it would be magnanimous of you to step forward and offered him--and others like him--some free and unsolicited financial advice. However, I suppose it's worth keeping in mind that he's already the millionaire. Maybe he could share some advice with you? Since the lad still seems to be in the vicinity, why not ask him. May be he could benefit from some financial planning advice? The more I consider your post, the more I'm persuaded that you're just the person to help these young men recognize the errors of their ways and get them on the road to financial independence. This Lao guy has already indicated an interest. Then, if you're successful, they wouldn't need to work the bar scene. I'm truly impressed with your good intentions.

Worked for it? Invested sagely? Started a successful business? It's the dream of most Americans--and Thais alike--to achieve financial independence. And if the farang was indeed a millionaire, he's among over 15 million others worldwide who are free to do what they wish with their wealth. In this case, it seems he choose to educate a young man. I can think of a lot less appealing tasks bar guys have been asked to do for a lot less compensation. And, as the OP states, the boy was very popular and could be seen bringing shorttime customers to Ambiance hotel two or three times a night, he clearly demonstrates entrepreneurial resolve in his own right. More power to him: nothing succeeds like success.

Libraries represent one of the very best uses of public funds. They provide services that many residents cannot access or otherwise afford. And they have traditionally been a haven for gay people of all ages.

Actually, I consider Foodland restaurant's coffee pretty good stuff. And when you consider that it comes with egg, meat, toast and juice for a price most of the specialty shops will charge you for just the joe, what's not to like? I'm not a Starbuck's fan except for their "light" roast blend: Veranda. It also comes in Starbuck's instant form ("Via") which I find indistinguishable from the real thing. Before traveling, I pickup up a few packs ($9.95 for a dozen individuals packets) and tote them along. Beats the Nescafe in the room.

From Conde Naste Traveler 11 Best Places For Coffee in Bangkok Bangkok gets a bad rap for its very sweet drinks (I’m looking at you, Thai iced tea), and their coffee drinks are no exception. But that hardly encompasses the city's entire coffee culture; the coffee shop scene in Thailand overall is nothing to scoff at. Whether you like your blends light or medium, pour over or espresso, even the most uppity coffee snobs jonesing for a good cup can find a perfectly brewed blend in the city, whether from a hipster chic spot or mom and pop cafe. Read on for our picks of Bangkok's best coffee shops and cafes, and plan where to get caffeinated while you're in town. https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-for-coffee-in-bangkok From Perfect Daily Grind Top 5 Specialty Coffee Shops to Visit in Thailand https://www.perfectdailygrind.com/2015/12/top-5-specialty-coffee-shops-to-visit-in-thailand/ From Fousquare The 15 Best Places for Coffee in Bangkok https://foursquare.com/top-places/bangkok/best-places-coffee

Very true. If a guy takes liberties in the bar, he's destined to disappoint in the room. "If in doubt, walk" is good advice for veterans and newcomers alike.

From South China Morning Post (Jan. 13) Three reasons Thailand is winning on same-sex rights in Asia Success for the gay rights cause in Thailand lies in, as the old Chinese formula goes, the “right time, the right place, the right people” Last month, the Thai government supported a bill that would make Thailand the first Asian jurisdiction to allow same-sex civil partnerships (“Thai government approves same-sex civil unions”, December 25). It is significant progress in the battle for sexual equality in Asia, in contrast to the failed referendum on gay marriage in Taiwan. Success for the gay rights cause in Thailand lies in, as the old Chinese formula goes, 天時地利人和 (tian shi di li ren he), or the “right time, the right place, the right people”. The right time: Asia has become more open-minded with regard to LGBT culture, as evident from increasing media productions featuring sexual minorities. The past few years in Thailand have seen a number of local movies and TV dramas portraying homosexuals and transgender people, which received worldwide exposure through web platforms such as Line TV and YouTube. Never before have sexual minorities received so much attention in the media and popular culture, which makes it the best time for Thailand to advance LGBT rights. The right place: Thailand appears more relaxed about sex and sexual orientation in general. The sex industry, especially sex tourism, thrives in Thailand. Walk down a street in Bangkok and you will probably see a number of transgender entertainers. Their performances are welcomed by not only Thais but also overseas tourists. The atmosphere of openness in Thailand makes it the right place to promote same-sex marriage. The right people: the country is facing political instability, as a result of the military coup and delayed general elections. The junta has been slammed for the political crisis. To stay in power and gain public confidence, it has to show the nation and the world that it has taken steps to promote human rights. The move to back an LBGT rights bill helps the military government promote a positive image and stay in the good books of the sexual minorities. https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2181660/three-reasons-thailand-winning-same-sex-rights-asia

I have fantasies about pizza delivery guys, room service waiters, and some of those 7-11 workers. Or guys on the train, bus, boat. Or those who set up and tear down the Patpong night market. Or some of guys who work in sidewalk stalls. Or..........

Find it encouraging that government agencies are actively promoting gay tourism. Just hope that they don't lose sight of the fact that some come not only for headline events like the White Party, but many of us for the bars, massage shops and go-go's that have been the meat and potato venues bringing gay dollars to Thailand for decades. I appreciate the place the big events play in the greater scheme and acknowledge the role of apps in the evolving gay scene. Nevertheless I remain hopeful that there will continue to be a place--and a demand--for brick and mortar venues that will be displaced as commercial development moves ahead. Excerpts from The Nation (Jan. 12) While marriage equality is yet to clear the legislative thicket, advocates are encouraged by the country's efforts to woo more LGBTQ tourists The Life Partnership Bill still has a long bureaucratic path ahead and an election and post-election uncertainty to endure before it could become law. But its recent approval in the Cabinet was an important initial step in making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognise same-sex civil partnerships. Brightening prospects further for Thailand’s sizeable LGBTQ community is the government’s interest in pursuing “pink dollars” – revenue derived from tourism programmes that appeal to LGBT travellers. With a social climate widely seen as tolerant towards non-heterosexual orientations, Thailand has been called a haven for the gay and transgender lifestyle. The authorities are increasingly seeking to capitalise on that global reputation by encouraging more visits by foreign LGBT tourists, as well as the rights activists and artists who support the community. “LGBTQ are seen as a high-potential market with an above-average level of disposable income,” TAT deputy governor Srisuda Wanapinyosak told The Nation Weekend. “In tourism terms, they tend to travel more frequently than the demographic average.” In a recent report, LGBT Capital estimated the global LGBT population at 496 million, with 4.5 million LGBT people living in Thailand. Global purchasing power was calculated at US$3.6 trillion and spending on tourism at $5.3 billion. Srisuda said the TAT had begun targeting this segment five years ago, but the market remained niche and hasn’t yet reached its full potential. With the Cabinet’s endorsement of the Life Partnership Bill, though – however troubled its future might be – the marketing is growing more aggressive both domestically and globally. “The key to tapping into the LGBTQ market is to understand the diversity of preferences and respond accordingly,” she said. “It’s also important to welcome LGBT people genuinely and not be superficially ‘LGBT-friendly’.” There are three main components to the TAT drive – events spanning entertainment and lifestyles like the Songkran festival and the Wonderfruit and White Party gatherings; high quality in the destinations, hospitality and cuisine on offer; and legal support from the government. The TAT hosted an LGBTQ symposium in Bangkok in September that drew travel agents from 50 countries. This month Srisuda will lead a road show in Spain. About 20 Thai tour operators will join her at Fitur, an international tourism-trade fair being held in Madrid. “LGBTQ is a game changer for the tourism business in Thailand,” gender academic Thitirat Duangkong told The Nation Weekend. “Gender diversity and equality are goals of the United Nations and other global bodies and are even part of the election platforms for some Thai political parties. So it’s quite relevant to the tourism business,” added the guest lecturer at Thammasat University. “We’re stepping forward ahead off our neighbouring countries like the Philippines and Singapore, so we’re on track.” Tourism and Sport Minister Weerasak Kosurat said a new Bt30-million Digital Tourism Platform introduced by Kasikornbank will further boost the “pink economy”. “LGBT people have purchasing power and also tend to be creative,” he said. “Our new Big Data platform will provide information about all target groups, including LGBTQ. They can easily select destinations, activities and services designed specially for them and book online. “Besides more pink dollars, we want to see more big smiles from the gender-diverse community visiting Thailand.” Complete article available at http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30362082