MaxBKK

One of the distinguishing features of this massage shop, Phoenix Spa. They are all versitile - งานครบ.

I agree completely. Phoenix is also responsive to requests for staff/masseur recommendations on their LINE app when making reservations (e.g. I'm looking for....). If their shop was a bit closer to BTS Sapan Kwai, I would go more frequently. @reader yes, it will be interesting to see if the other shops follow their business model. I think they need closer proximity to the BTS station to realize their full potential. There are a number of underperforming massage shops just steps away from the BTS. I imagine they would get much more foot traffic in a similar location.

I agree this would not be a good development. However, many dual taxation treaties would likely mitigate financial losses, but a huge headache nonetheless....hopefully this won't happen.

Great place! And, I have you thank for motivating me to give it a try. Like you described previously, their business model is in-house staff, rather than on-call. I think this makes a big difference in a positive way. Also, they’re good at recommendations/questions via LINE. Another example of good customer service.

Taxi from BTS Sapan Kwai to Phoenix massage is only 40-50 baht. There are usually plenty of taxis. The north end BTS exit on the right has an elevator down to the front of the IDEO Mix condo. This is a good place to catch a taxi. Tell the taxi driver you want to go to Inthamara 25 (the taxi driver likely won't know Phoenix massage). Get off at the front of the soi and walk there in a few minutes. The front of the IDEO Mix is also a stop for the EV Tuk Tuk service called MuvMi. MuvMi has a stop at Merlin Mansion on Inthamara 25 near Phoenix.

Same-Same. For me, this is one of the trade-offs for living here.

There is also Timberland massage a few shops away from GBeat.

This is exactly why I no longer allow body to body massage while I'm face down. This unwrapped 'Oops, sorry' back door insertion attempt is not at all uncommon....unfortunately

This looks like a very well considered plan with a lot of great exploring and experiences to look forward to. Kudos to you 👏 🙌 👍

The Thai Revenue Department has indicated that all savings from abroad prior to January 1 2024 are exempt from consideration of tax. Some (current year) pension income is also exempt depending on dual taxation treaties. Many retired expats will not have enough assessable income to owe taxes. Some will have assessable income below the threshold required to file a tax return (120K THB). There are several legal firms offering free 30 minute VDO consults in which they will assess your situation. This might be worthwhile information to have as you compare retirement locations around South East Asia.

Reader - have you tried Timberland massage? It's on the same U soi as 15M. This shop used to be the Bridge Massage. I recently tried Zen massage just behind Big C parking lot. A very nice facility and reasonably priced. Not too many masseurs to chose from.

Yes, that's the best way to send the wire.

It's crowded and festive that week and through the New Year. Nice time to visit if you're looking for a different time of year than your past visits.

Tell the bothersome mamasan that you "want to talk to my friend two people" ..and don't take no for an answer. Shift your seat, or his, if you have to. Don't let them push you around.....

My favorite was Solid Bar. Low-key hands-on friendly place with guys in white underwear and small go-go stage. I met some very nice guys there 👍

Gop usually means Frog. Drug resistant TB is an increasingly serious problem and very difficult to treat. If Gop was co-infected with HIV, the odds were stacked against him.

I think they made it googuy to resemble google Possibly comes from the Thai word กู or Goo. Used by younger Thais, mostly guys, for the first person pronouns of I and me. Considered informal and friendly among young friends. Polite society typically considers Goo to be, well, rather impolite....

This is the current rate for Thai customer massage shops -> non-sex massage shops in non-tourist areas.

Most years, there's a noticeable drop off in tourist numbers after Songkran. Overall much less crowded if that's your preference.

Many HIV prevalence surveys of MSM are not client or facility based; rather, MSM population based in specific geographic areas. The numbers actually are shockingly high. This represents a failure of the current interventions and outreach efforts to the reach the MSM community effectively.

Most of the surveys conducted look at MSM or male sex with male, rather than those who identify as gay only.

Local guys on Prep. Best to assume a limited understanding of the compliance issues involved. Also quite expensive for many local guys. How long can they afford to buy it, do they really take it everyday, are they doing regular testing for HIV and other STDs, and so on.

Matthew Shepard

Mechai Viravaidya

His name is Lahno