forrestreid

Very nice vids there Suckrates. I know I have just criticised the Philippines as a prospective holiday destination in another thread, but they do seem to have the sexiest male beuty pageants!

From watching the video, it seems the sharp drop in Chinese tourists from 2019 to now is the main issue. Safety concerns might play a small role, but the report points much more strongly to the current tensions between the Philippines and China. That part made me think of what @Moses previously claimed here—that Chinese tourists aren’t heavily influenced by their government’s stance (he mentioned this in the context of Chinese tourism to Japan). But this video suggests they might be more affected than he thinks. To be fair, the suspension of the e‑visa program was probably the biggest factor in this case. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Chinese tourism rebounds once the system is running again. Speaking for myself: I’ve used Bangkok as a base for trips to Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Bali, and Cambodia over the last 12 years, and I’ve considered the Philippines a few times. But it always felt like poor value, mostly because of logistics. I was more interested in Boracay or Cebu than Manila, but it seemed awkward that you more or less have to fly into Manila anyway. I did consider spending time in Manila, and Intramuros (the old city) looked interesting, but the difficulty of getting around the city made it less appealing overall. On top of that, finding a reasonably timed flight from Manila to Caticlan (for Boracay) was more awkward and more expensive than I expected. If I had heard that there were good bars for guys available for hire people or a solid massage scene, I might have overlooked those issues—but from what I remember, even that side of things seemed a bit inconvenient. I know people who have went reported that the apps are good, but I prefer to meet people in a venue when I am on holiday.

I don’t think I have ever seen any videos of dancers from Nice Boys in Sunee Plaza on YouTube! Are you sure that you are not mixing it up with Sunee Bar in Jomtien? Their dancers feature on YouTube a bit.

It’s a mystery to me too…

I am well aware that this is a trend that is conquering the World, alas.

I had this experience in a few places, notably the 1000 Kip notes of Laos. Still and all they irritated me less than the shiny plastic fivers of London that feel as if they are poised to give you a paper cut every time you put your in your pocket.

I must say, I really despise plastic notes — purely because of how they feel in your hand. It always annoys me when I go to the UK and have to handle them - it actually encourages me to use my debit card there instead. It’s also frustrating to know I’ll have to deal with them the next time I go to Thailand, since I tend to be much more cash‑based when I’m there. At least the euros we use in Ireland are still paper notes… though I’ve heard a rumour that the next time they update them, they’ll be plastic as well.😒

Yep, it was broadcast on BBC Two this year. It was also on Irish television - RTE 1 - where I watched it. It’s gone woke itself nowadays - there was a focus on female composers this year. But don’t worry, it still finished with the Blue Danube and the Radetsky March.

For years travellers to Thailand have complained about the dual pricing system at national parks, where at the more popular sites, locals pay 40 baht while international visitors have to pony up 200 baht. Now, according to recent reports, the USA under Trump is set to follow Thailand’s lead by introducing a similar policy. Beginning January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will be charged an extra $100 per person at 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. For example, a US citizen entering Grand Canyon National Park will pay $20 for individual entry, while a Canadian tourist will pay $120 for the same privilege. That’s a much bigger gap than Thailand’s 40 vs. 200 baht difference! Perhaps this new policy will soften the cough from Americans about dual pricing in the Land of Smiles…

Enjoying the Trip report, Jason. their photos really liven it up.

Looks like this is going to be a good report. Love a trip report with a few pictures!

I find reading about prices in Bali confusing because of all the zero's The long-promised redenomination of the rupiah cannot come soon enough: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-plans-bill-redenominate-rupiah-currency-2025-11-08/

Well, as I said I never had any problems with a driver despite my practise to put my hands around their waist, but I also kept well away from the crotch area! It not that hard people, unfortunately there are obviously some out there who cannot help themselves...

Holding on to the handles at the back on a motorbike is dangerous. If the bike seriously buckles or bounces, you will be flipped off like an overloaded buckeroo (for those of you who remember the playing the thing in the 80’s). however, I noticed that’s how a lot of straight men hold on when a passenger on motorbikes. I suppose they feel it’s unmanly to do anything else. However, as a gay man, it safety first, and when I am on a bike taxi I put my two arms around the chest of the driver and cling on like a baby chimpanzee. So far I have not had any driver object. So guys, be safe, be gay, let the straights get the head injuries while you hold on tight….