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I can only say that I would not choose to live me life as you choose to do. Is that sufficiently controversial? Then you failed. But I know that's not a new experience for you..

This has always been a subject sure to raise the hackles of those with opposing views. So to those who do see things differently, I offer this olive branch. To Bucknaway: A tip of the hat for posting a controversial topic with a very clever title. To z909: We agree on a hell of a lot more than we disagree. To Christianpfc; You're one of the most consistent posters on the board and we all love 'ya (how could we think otherwise about a Madrid enthusiast?)

Comparing wage standard of waiters in Japan and the wage standard paid to waiters in bars in Thailand is comparing apples to oranges. The waiters live off their tips, not the 300 minimum wage (if they even get that). Some send a good chunk of their earnings home. If practicing my western custom ends up helping these guys out a bit, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. And I've never had a Thai or other Asian return a tip because he was offended. I'm retired and travel nearly 11,000 miles to get to Bangkok. If I couldn't afford it, I wouldn't be making the trip. But I come because I like Asians and they don't treat me like roadkill. I don't have children or other dependents so I distribute some disposable income this way and feel that I'm more than adequately compensated. Others may disagree and that's fine, too.

From Khoasod English SAMUT PRAKAN — The widow of a retired Navy SEAL who died early July during a volunteer mission to rescue 13 people from a flooded Chiang Rai cave will take up the same job as her late husband. Valeepoan Kunan, 40, will become a security guard at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the same job Lt. Cmdr. Saman “Sgt. Sam” Kunan took leave from to volunteer to save the Wild Boars, Airports of Thailand announced Monday. The announcement came at an awards ceremony honoring 31 airport authority employees who volunteered for the cave rescue. Valeepoan also received an award. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2018/08/28/cave-hero-widow-takes-same-airport-guard-job-as-sgt-sam/

I've never tipped flights attendants but when I was regularly flying Northwest to BKK via NRT here's what I'd do. I'd stop at a small Italian bakery near my home and get a box of assorted cookies. When I boarded the flight, I hand them to the first attendant who greeted me. Since I was frequently departing out Detroit or Minneapolis, I got to know some of the crews and I viewed it as a gesture of appreciation but certainly not as a tip. I once gave a best-seller I was reading (and finished before Tokyo) to an attendant who asked me about it. Regarding tipping go-go bar waiters, if I'm paying by the round, and the bill is say 350, I give them 400 and let them keep the change. If I'm paying the bin after a few drinks, I try to round up so the tip approximates 15%. However, if I'm in a regular bar I tip according to how long I'm there, the amount of my tab and the service I receive. I think an evening of fun in one of my regular bars in bkk is worth something in vicinity of a red note when I leave. Regarding tips to those who service my hotel room, it depends on a few factors. If they leave the room clean and well supplied with fresh towels and bottled water, I tip 40-60 bht per day. As for the comment that farangs have a reputation as cheap charlies, I'm sure there's a minority who are but that's certainly not what I hear in massage shops. Customers from countries where it's customary to tip generously tend to do the same when abroad, I find. Here's a list of 10 other ways you an keep your flight attendants happy from Smarter Traveler: It’s This Easy If there’s one wish every flight attendant has, it’s this: Be nice. “It’s so rare these days that when someone looks at me I notice,” says Heather Poole, flight attendant and author of Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crash-pads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet. “If that same person also says something nice I’m almost always too shocked to respond. A kind word goes further than most passengers will ever know.” You can practice it from the moment you step through the plane’s door: Smile and say hello to the cabin crew—it’s really that easy. Be Ready Have you been behind that passenger who boards the plane, finds his seat, and then blocks the aisle arranging everything he needs—laptop, cell phone, headphones, pillow—while everyone behind him is at a dead stop waiting to get past? Of course you have. Don’t be that person. You have plenty of time at the boarding gate to get those items out of your bag. Or, plan way ahead and bring a smaller, separate “seat sack” with those items and just keep that with you. That will help everyone get into their seats quicker, which will make your flight crew very happy. Check That If you aren’t physically capable of lifting your bag into the overhead bag, and you’re not traveling with someone who can help you, check your bag instead. There’s a good reason for this: Most airlines have strict rules prohibiting cabin crew from helping with bags because of injuries caused by repeated heavy lifting. So, even if your flight attendant wanted to help you, they aren’t allowed to. “It’s about safety for us,” explains one. “They don’t want us going on disability.” Also, on-time departures are a huge consideration for airlines, and the number one cause for delay is baggage. That’s why some carriers encourage you check your bag—for free—at the gate. Seen but Not Heard Ahh, the ubiquitous earphones. Flight attendants are happy that so many people keep themselves occupied during a flight. But when cabin crew members are coming down the aisle with food or drinks, they ask that you take at least one of your earbuds out so you can hear them. “I always ask ‘What can I get you’ and they say ‘What?’” one attendant laments. They get tired of repeating the beverage options over and over to passengers who don’t remove their earphones. If you don’t want service, at least signal that. “It’s common decency to let me know that you’ve seen me, and I’ll go to the next one. If you’re not acknowledging me, I’m moving on.” Kids Will Be Kids If you’re traveling with young ones, come armed to the teeth with everything you need to keep them happy and occupied—toys, puzzles, videos, and even the food they like, which may not be what’s available from the airline. “I’ve had people come on board without a diaper bag,” says one flight attendant. “We love your babies, but … ” says another. Members of the cabin crew are not babysitters, so please don’t ask them to hold your baby while you go to the bathroom. Let Us Help You “If you are a fearful flyer, or are feeling sick, say something,” notes one attendant. “We can help, and we want to help, and we can usually tell by looking at someone what’s going on, but it’s better if you inform us.” By law, attendants aren’t allowed to dispense any medications, even aspirin (so make sure you bring your own medication if you need it). But they can help get you more comfortable, and when necessary, help prevent your last meal from ending up in your lap, or your neighbors’. Don’t Be a Space Invader “Our galley is our ‘haven,’” says one flight attendant. “We go there to prepare for service, to talk, to gather ourselves, to just be. If you want to chat with us we are usually OK with that (we all like people, after all!) but keep it to 5-10 minutes, 15 at most. I have met the most wonderful and interesting people at 35,000 feet and that is one reason I love being a flight attendant. Just be mindful.” Others add that if you need to go to the galley to stretch on a long flight, please ask first—and keep it brief. Police Yourselves There’s no excuse for rude or boorish behavior on a plane, but unfortunately, it happens. When it does, says one flight attendant, you either ignore it or resolve it politely. “I can’t tell someone to put their seat forward, I just can’t. I get that people just need to be heard or sympathized with, but I just can’t get involved in that.” Neither can they force people to change seats because you want to sit next your wife/husband/friend. And if the child in back of you keeps kicking your feet, ask the parent—without being confrontational—to be aware of where those little legs are hitting because, no, your flight attendant can’t get involved in that, either We Want Your Attention It’s really tempting to tune out when attendants are giving the safety instructions, but the attendants’ first job is keeping us safe in the air, and they appreciate it when they have your eyes and ears. “On every flight, our position comes from a place of safety,” says one cabin crew member. “By company and FAA policy we are personally held accountable if we don’t follow FAA guidelines.” If you haven’t buckled your seatbelt, or your seat is reclining on takeoff, that could mean someone’s job. She says there are ghost riders onboard, unknown to them, whose job it is to make sure flight attendants are enforcing the rules. Time to Go Did you know that flight attendants are only paid for the time they work when the doors are locked? That’s why they appreciate it when you board quickly and why they’d like you to de-plane as quickly as possible. “I’ve had people who don’t want to wake their sleeping child,” says one flight attendant. “And I want to say, ‘Your kid is still asleep?’” Have your shoes on, your things gathered, and be ready to get up when it’s your turn. You have places to go, and so does your attendant. https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/11/03/tips-be-nice-flight-attendant/

If so, I'd be interested in your comments.

+1

Both the mid-field and the new terminal are needed to make BKK competitive with Singapore for supremacy in the race for SE Asia international hub title. But unless the frequency and capacity of the Air Link train is expanded, the best airport terminals pale if you can't move passengers quickly and efficiently in and out of the site. And that can only be accomplished by improved rapid transit links.

From The Nation As a gift to supporters of the Dusit Zoo the organisation behind the much-loved animal enclosure will delay its permanent shuttering in central Bangkok until September 30, the operation announced on Friday. The zoo was originally scheduled to close on August 31. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30352887

From Bangkok Post Thai tradition: Sanam Chai Station was designed by renowned Thai architect, Pinyo Suwankiri, a 1994 National Artist in the Visual Arts. The station, expected to open in September of next year, is one of four that will not just become transit points but a feast for the eyes due to their decoration. Subway stations can be more than just spaces where commuters try to hectically get on or off the train. Across the world, there are well-designed and elaborately ornate metro stations like in Moscow, where stepping onto the subway station can be described as a visit to a small museum or art space. Soon, Bangkok commuters can also get a taste of such an experience when the MRT Blue Line's Extension begins service in September of next year. Four of the new 11 stations in the extension will be covered in artwork on the line which will stretch from the existing MRT's Hua Lamphong station to Lak Song (at Phutthamonthon Sai 4). These four stations are Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot (locally known as Wang Burapha), Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap. In contrast to the greyish, blocky stations of the present MRT, these four stations will be donned with unique, intricate designs to reflect the areas above them. This stretch of stations will run directly below Bangkok's Old Town, also known as Rattanakosin Island. Continues with many photos and images https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1528614/thai-style-artwork-to-adorn-the-mrts-heritage-line

This topic has a lot of good ideas born mostly out of bad experiences associated with judging a guy by what we see in a single photo or a series of photos. There's a lot of good advice on how to improve your chances of success but, in the end, it's still going to boil down to the moment of truth when you meet in person: you see what you're getting and he sees what he's getting. Everything up to this moment is foreplay. It's not surprising then that disappointment--on both sides--isn't uncommon. Please don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily disagree with the OP. Pursuit on line reminds me of a quote accredited to--among others--Mark Twain: "distance lends enchantment." GR, Hornet, Grindr or whatever app we use is subject to it. It's not a lot different than choosing a pair of shoes on line. We generally know the style and color we're looking for, the size and about how much we're willing to pay (free delivery is always a plus but we're prepared to compromise on that). So we scan through hundreds of photos on Amazon and other retailers until we limit the search to a handful of ones we're initially attracted to. Then we check out different views of the same shoe. We read the blurbs about them and, if available, check out the reviews. Now this is where the process of chasing guys diverts and we initiate chat sessions with the ones who managed to tweak our lust. This is also where it gets tricky. Is he a MB? is almost always our first assumption. No? Then why in hell is he interested in me? The Q&A goes on until one or both parties decide to cut bait or lose interest out of ambiguous replies or simple exhaustion and move on. But if we're lucky, we pull the trigger and agree to meet, hopefully someplace other than our room. After the pleasure (hopefully) or shock (possibly) of greeting out date in the flesh, the interview, getting-to-know-you phase begins. In most cases, it's brief, no more than the duration of a beer or a coffee. If there's a mutual agreement to proceed, we're not home free but we are more or less committed to the prescribed course of events that got us thus far. And for many, it works out OK. But the posts above remind us that that's not always the case. Not that I haven't dabbled a few times in this process with the same mixed results most readers here have. And it's also why I opt to favor the bars and massage shops because it's so much quicker and far less mentally exhausting. It's probably the same reason I always choose brick-and-mortar over the alternatives. Yes, it's still possible to get a dud but I find it's far less likely. So whatever your means of pursuit, I wish you good luck and may the wind be at your back.

Tarntawan was the very first place I stayed in my first trip in 2002 and was a regular there for many years. For convenience, it's a short walk to most places you'll want to go. The weekly open bar used to be a great take in when most of the visitors were farangs. It served as a great way to exchange information and learn from the more-seasoned visitors (much in the same way this form functions now, sans the alcohol). But I began giving it a pass when my aging back began revolting against the ancient mattresses. I had grown very fond of the outgoing elevator guard who always remembered repeat visitors. But now even he has departed for greener pastures. I believe that "Mac," a one-time bell hop and greeter is now in management and a pleasant host. You'll enjoy your stay there.

Yes, and also about the Montein. Have taken 3 different guys to Dusit Thani in recent years and never had a problem.. The doorman usually nods and smiles. In any case, it closes Jan. 1 and the replacement (part of a commercial, hotel and condo complex on a larger footprint) will take 5 years to build.

Expedia lists availability in Dusit Thani for Monday (27th) for $104 in its annex building (behind but attached to main building). I've seen rates there as low as $87 in past.

From the Nation Products with high export potential are being displayed at Vietnamese Goods and Tourism Week in Thailand, which opened on August 22 in Bangkok. This is the third year in a row the week has been organised in the city as a promotion for both retail items and tourism. It’s part of plan called “Promote Vietnamese enterprises to directly participate in foreign distribution networks up to 2020” set out in 2015. “In recent years, the government has opened opportunities for local businesses to further expand their networks overseas, among which Thailand is a promising market,” Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said at the opening. Thai Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong noted the 42 years of friendly relations between the countries. “These relations have not been just diplomatic, but also strongly involved with economics, trade, investment, culture, education and tourism.” The countries have long exchanged goods and services, with trade volume and value increasing every year. The Thai private sector has been investing in Vietnam and importing its products, Sontijiwarong said. Thailand is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Asia-Africa Markets. Last year, Vietnam-Thailand trade rose to US$15.3 billion from $11.5 billion in 2015, representing an average annual growth rate of 15.5 per cent. Continues with video http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/asean-plus/30352785

From The Nation Story inspires as interactive cave rescue show kicks off at Siam Paragon The “mission impossible” of the Mu Pa footballer rescue from Chiang Rai’s Tham Luang cave has been transformed into an interactive exhibition, “Tham Luang Incredible Mission: the Global Agenda”, which opened yesterday at Siam Paragon. Hosted by the Culture Ministry, the mall’s Lifestyle Hall has been converted into Tham Luang, where the 12 boys and their coach were trapped for 19 days. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday presided over the opening of the exhibition, which runs until September 9. “By learning from the exhibition, we will adapt these lessons from the globally united mission for solving other crises which might occur in the future,” said Wissanu. He added that the Culture Ministry’s National Archive would document the facts and lessons, which were shared by the dozens of rescuers from various fields. Many of what has been learned is also on show at the exhibition. The boys’ experiences in the 18-day rescue operation were shared at the opening by Phayao Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, who was the rescue operations chief, Naval Special Warfare Command chief Apakorn Yukongkaew and Dr Pak Loharnchun. Wissanu said HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn had ordered the government to host an event to demonstrate its gratitude to the local rescue teams for the success of their tough mission, and also to those who took part from across the world. Published by the National Archives, the ministry also launched a Thai-language book about the global rescue mission at the kick-off event. After closing in Bangkok, the show will tour the kingdom. Continues with pics and video http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30352742

It's encouraging to hear the off fee for a model was 500 and drink 350. Perhaps low-low-season dynamic pricing. Look at it this way. if in NYC or London you could have shelled out $500 for two rents and both could have easily disappointed.

After a string of disappointing experiences during his time in Pattaya, he's apparently enjoying a run of consistently positive GR experiences that rival anything I recall reading before. I wish him continued good fortune. In a recent post on GB's board, he describes an unusual event: the management of his 3,000 bht per night hotel (not named but said to be near Lumpini Park) asked him to check out prematurely because he was bringing guests back to his room. He complied and reports choosing the Siam Heritage Hotel on Surawong which, it turns out, collects 900 bht joiner's fee. In 16 years of visits, never had this kind of problem so guess I've just been lucky. Btw, Wikipedia reports that there are three accepted spellings for Bangkok's main park: Lumphini, Lumpini or Lumpinee). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumphini_Park

Could you tell us what you were charged for the model's drink and what was the off fee?

Or a number maybe?

Stickman's narrator may have retired but I was surprised to find that contributors continue to submit posts. I sampled a handful and managed to find something of interest. For the uninitiated, this isn't-and never was--a gay themed site but the writing was always good and don't be to surprised to find restaurant and general travel tips. Check out the submissions: https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/readers-submissions/2018/

From Bangkok Post The next two weeks will be the last for Dusit Zoo, the country's first, and still most popular, zoo. On Aug 31, the 80-year-old national institution will shut its gates for good. Its 1,000-plus animals will be relocated temporarily to six public zoos for three years until the construction of a new zoo at Klong 6 in Pathum Thani province is complete. Yet, when Bangkok Post visited recently, there was hardly a sense of impending doom about the place. The animals remained proudly displayed in their areas while all facilities were open as usual. There wasn't even a sign notifying visitors of the zoo's forthcoming closure. Director of Dusit Zoo Pitak Unson said there will be neither a special event nor a farewell party on its final day. "For the last day, things will be done as they usually are, nothing special," Mr Pitak said. Dusit Zoo, popularly known as Khao Din Wana, was built by King Rama V and was the first zoo to be built in Thailand. King Rama VIII opened the facility to the public in 1938 and, as of last year, it was drawing over two million visitors a year, generating 150 million baht in revenue. The new site is expected to open in three years time and is located on over 300 rai land in Klong 6 in Pathum Thani's Thanya Buri district. The land plot was donated by the present monarch, King Rama X. Continues with pics https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1524942/dusit-zoo-begins-its-long-goodbye

It is, of course, regrettable if some of the dead could not swim. But to use it as a rationale to explain the incident borders on blaming the victim.

When I was there in July for an early show, they fee was only 300. Wasn't aware that it went up for the late show. If you like Viet guys, that might qualify as a redeeming feature.

On last trip found the stage show at Twilight location more choreographed interesting. The guys at the Patpong 2 location seem a bit younger and newer to the scene overall, but very friendly. Think I may have described them as guy-next-door type. Both recommended.