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If a recall correctly from a vinapu post on a different thread, 947 angels can dance on the head of a pin.

. I recall that when Lucas was still managing Tarntawan place hotel, when the bib overnight shift came on duty, a handful of brass would gather in the lounge for coffee, their cycles and vehicles in the driveway. I like to think they like to gossip, just like us. Stayed once at the Ibis just after it opened. Found it's tiny room clean but the place was soulless compared to Malaysia. Also tried the Pinnacle a few times which was also a good value and where MB's were well represented at the breakfast buffet with their farang hosts. You're spot on about the neighborhood. Good, reasonable restaurants, and no trouble finding company.

You're right about the marketers capitalizing on the discrimination that light-skin Thais (particularly the hi-so) perpetuate on those they treat as second-class citizens, or even less. It demeans the country's working class, the very guys we find perfect just as they are.

Agree it's a brisk 25-minute walk from Silom no matter what route you take and quite doable if you have no physical restrictions. But if your base of operations is going to be Silom/surawong area, most venues are within a few minutes apart but no more than seven. And when you head home for the night--alone or with others--your hotel is in the neighborhood.

Makers of skin whitening products have created the need for their product through mass marketing, Persuading people that they'll be more attractive, more successful, more popular if they just have whiter skin is illogical as it is absurd. But through advertising, the absurd has become reality. The basis for the argument is a throwback to colonialism: white is better. Manufacturers simply capitalize on it by making those with darker skin feel inferior. It's sad to realize just how successful their efforts have been.

Not so sure that it's so easily chalked up to human nature, spoon. Michael Jackson wanted to be white in the most destructive way. Think it has more to do with image that media and advertisers project.

Nor me. It's a grande old dame of a place but 14 years on, convenience to Silom trumps legend.

yes.

Agree with above who recommend starting your exploring with a massage. You really can't make a mistake. Even if you cum early the guy will know how fill the time. Resurrecting this thread provided another example of a newbie (potatolmaster) seeking advice, receiving it and then never reporting back. Unfortunately this is not uncommon.

The only thing I find repelling in Thailand is going into a Boots or Watsons and find isles dedicated to skin whitening creams. Thais, Cambodians, Vietnamese and other southeast asians have naturally attractive skin tones. Whatever influences them to believe otherwise does a great disservice.

Pong, we've obviously had different experiences in the places I mentioned. Regarding the the shops in the more remote locations, I'm unable to agree or disagree because I've never ventured beyond the Silom/Surawong/Sukumvit areas because they're so convenient to get to by Skytrain or MRT. Having said that, my good experiences considerably outdistance the disappointing ones. There are so many options--with constantly changing faces--in the SSS area that I find it more than I can handle on any given trip. Wishing you luck in uncovering new surprises in bkk's outer reaches!

Think the best way to get the most out of your time is to take a room in a well-located hotel like Raya for the night and sample 2-3 different massage shops in the Silom/Surawong area, all in easy walking distance. There are dozens to choose from that feature twinks and some hunks so they cater to all tastes. Most are open from early afternoon to midnight. It may well be the most cost-effective way to maximize your time. Soi 6 bars can be quickly toured, also. Super A will have a lineup and Golden Ccck a smaller one. Or you take the high-end route and go to Jupiter on Soi 4 and off a guy from there. The options are limited only by your imagination. I'd avoid clubs like Scewboys where it's too easy to make a bad choice after spending time watching show.

Took a look at the website and although these appear to be upscale facilities I'm not convinced they'd be my first choice for the type of massage jason1975 has in mind and none are convenient to Silom where he intends to explore nightlife. If you're planning to visit Jupiter in Soi four, you can easily locate a few places in the Soi. Adam massage will probably have a handful of guys at the corner of Silom (blue polo shirts) looking for customers. A good way to determine if they're up for the task is to ask if they can do "body-to-body" massage. If so, the price is 500 baht for one hour oil, 700 for 90 min. Would expect to tip 1000 for satisfactory hour. If over on Twilight, there's a few established places: Bangkok and Bonny, where I believe it's 600 for one hour and boys might want 1200.

I'd be hesitant to put that to the test. The French may be liberal but the Italians may see it differently and more in the vain that that Thais view this display: self indulgent, crude and culturally insulting

Some of my best massages experiences were with "otherwise " straight guys and when I find one who checks my boxes, I tend to remain loyal. For me, this has resulted in a group of regulars who I feel comfortable with. We've learned what each other enjoy. I realize the most satisfaction when I know the guy is at ease and responds in kind. I'm regularly surprised--pleasantly so--when straights do this, suggesting just how fluid sexuality between men can truly be. I also derive satisfaction in reversing roles and massaging the guy. This is a key moment in a massage with a new guy. If I sense he's not into it, it will my first and last time with him. It's also more important to me that he cums than if I do. Know that's a bit unorthodox but it floats my boat. Guess it comes down to experiencing some intimacy rather than a purely functional massage (he rubs, you cum, you shower).

In its salad days, Babylon was a candy store to be sure. In the period I frequented the place (2003 to 2007) I considered it world class. I'd arrive for lunch in the coffee shop and wouldn't leave until they started tuning the lights up near midnight. But gradually it evolved and Thais migrated elsewhere and the farangs began to be the dominant source of customers. It began closing earlier and the place once reknown for its cleanliness began to get a bit seedy. Maybe the Chinese will provide the impet to bring back the luster--and the younger thais--but I'm not optimistic.

Sorry but no cigar.....not that that will disappoint you. On a trip (think it was in 2003) I asked taxi driver at Don Meaung if he knew Malaysia Hotel. "Know well," he shot back and off we went. As I registered, there seemed to be as many BIB as MB's in coffee shop. Ah, I thought, it's great to be home again.

What veteran traveler here hasn't spent at least one night at this landmark hotel? It turns 50 in December and this article from khaosod English does it some well-deserved justice. http://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2017/11/24/salute-50-years-late-nights-bangkoks-malaysia-hotel/

Judging by your questions, your interest seems to be primarily academic. NGOs particularly have an appetite for this line of inquiry.

Don't recall seeing the term "barfining" used in forums. It's a term usually only used when discusssing lady bars.

Although I'm willing to kick in some baht if the guys but on a good show, I feel the same as steveboy when it comes to mail solicitations. When I moved into my current home several years ago, I was--and remain--bombarded with pleas from organizations across the board. Biggest mistake was filing a change of address form with post office. My age (from voter registration data at old address) and new zip code and address made me a prime candidate. Lesson learned: if I had simply just notified those that I wanted to (or needed to) get mail from I would have been better off. Even the old junk mail would have become undeliverable.

As a much--very much--younger man I used poppers occasionally and agree that they can heighten the experience somewhat. But I'd be reluctant--as a much older man--to use them now. If you have a preexisting heart condition you really want to understand how this inhalant acts--especially since they're frequently taken after consuming alcohol. Thinking about lurker's experience (and I'm not in any way suggesting he used them) we owe it to ourselves to be informed, and particularly when the source is in doubt.

Also nice jesture on your part to briefly summarize your reactions to the posts. Not only does it acknowledge contributors, it also helps keep thread on topic. Thanks, as they say, for sharing. Yes, we should take prudent precautions but one of the reasons we make the journey is to get to know these guys a little better and that invariably requires some degree of vulnerability on our part. We can't know all the issues they're facing and have to react as we see fit when something goes awry. No one got hurt here. The thief lost some face, but only in front of you and not his peers. All told, not a bad outcome considering the alternatives.

Last time I took guy back to hotel for LT, we had a good hour between 1 and 2 a.m. then he slept like rock until I had to awaken him at 11 a.m. He raced out because he was late for work, or so he said. Think vessey has settled on the best practice, assuring that he gets what he's paying for and his guest delivers what he agreeed to. Although we sometimes can't avoid romanntizing, in the end it's always about money and we shouldn't feel ackward discussing it before the deal is sealed. Otherwise they're free (in a term American football fans will recognize) to call an "audible."'