PattayaMale

Maurice, if your correct, hope you enjoy dinner at Manhattans

I am truly amazed that no one picked up on the post that talks about farting. This maybe hard to talk about since so many of us do it especially as we get older. I do not know if it is age or the medicine that I take but I notice that some times I fart alot. I know it is rude and I really try not to do it when out in public, but there are times a fart (or several)just slip out. I use to say "excuse me" but found that also embarrassing so now I just try to blame some one else in the group. One technique I found useful; when a person in the group gets up to go pee, I lean into the group and say, "Wow, Tom (anyname)must have had alot of beans today." The nice thing is that everyone usually laughs but does not say anything when the group member returns. This allows me to fart all night long and no one thinks it is me.

I am trying to understand if you are serious or just making up a story to see what reaction you may get. It is unfortunate if you are that insecure, but do you think a few drinks will improve your judgement? If holding hands makes you feel anxious, why do it? If you feel ok doing it, do it. Your Thai friends speak the language and certainly can summon help if you are in trouble. Good luck

I agree that many people may need help in sorting out issues. For some medicine is of great help. But as it relates to Jay, do we really know? When I use my own bathroom, I lock the door. If I would fall, become unconscious, have a heart attack while in there...the door would need to be broken down to get to me. The topic about where people can find help is a good one for another thread.

Martin always wore hundreds of Buddha amulets around his neck. He spoke many different languages and also different dialects. He could sound like he was a New Yorker, a southerner, even a valley girl. I never knew he was ill either. Last time I saw him he was driving a Volvo convertible through Day Night area. It seems that we (Pattaya Community) are losing many of our old time iconic Friends. Martin always made me and my Thai friend laugh. His Thai was very good.

I have bought 3 properties in Pattaya. The price was the price. In a condo they did buy a new aircon. If you think it is a good buy, buy it. With all the property in Thailand for sale I am sure you will find one right for you.

I too was amazed when I saw this posted on Thaivisa. The poster however was a past president and founder of Pattaya Expat Club, and an owner of Spice magazine, also a respected businessman who has lived in Thailand longer than many have been visiting. So considering this, what would be the reason he would post this if so "ridiculous"?

Police Crackdown On Foreign Operated Sex Bars PATTAYA: -- Informed sources from several police divisions have told the Pattaya Times that a very serious crackdown will begin next month to catch foreign business people who are financial backers of gay bars, beer bars and a go-gos where there is sex for sale in Pattaya. These bars charge a "bar fine" to the customer and let the employee leave for the night or a "short time" usually about two to three hours. It is suspected that many of these rendezvous are sexually related, police said. Police investigations will determine who pays the bills and gets the profits. If the person is a foreigner then their visa will be revoked and they will be expelled from the Kingdom. If it is a Thai they will be arrested if sex is for sale. There is much concern about organized crime in the nightlife venues, said one official. "Where did the money come from? Who is behind it? Where does the money go?" asked one policechief rhetorically. In a related matter, there will be an Interpol office opening in Pattaya to help catch more than 2,000 foreigners wanted in Thailand on various charges. "Keep in mind, Thais are pretty easy to find compared to foreigners, Thais have a mandatory National ID Card and associated number with a microchip of their history on the card. They must be registered in a House Book so that at all times there is someone who can say where the person is living if the police want to talk with them. This crackdown on foreigners built up to this point because it is relatively easy for us to disappear in the villages and big cities. Or to simply leave the country," said Drew Noyes of PAPPA Legal Services in Pattaya. "I advise anyone who has invested in a bar that might be suspected of illegal acts to clear up the problem and make sure they are not associated with any business that is engaged in illegal activities. The Thai police are taking this very seriously. Sure, in the past we have heard rumors of crackdowns, but I don't think we have ever seen a crackdown like the one that is about to happen," said Drew Noyes, former three-term Expat Club leader and 13 year resident. "There are many bars that we foreigners like to go to relax and part of the attraction of Pattaya is this nightlife. If everyone will make sure that nothing offensive to Thai culture occurs inside these places and no foreigner is associated managerially or financially by a paper trail with these clubs then this crackdown may not cause many people problems. It is great to see the police crackdown on underage sex, drugs and many of the associate problems that come with the bar business, but it is important that foreigners know the law and make sure bars they are invested in are not under scrutiny by the police for prostitution. There are ways to protect yourself now," Managing Director of the Pattaya Times Drew Noyes added. -- Pattaya Times 2010-01-22

Until I started traveling outside of the USA in the late 1960's I thought that everywhere the system was the same. In Europe, UK, and Australia I saw that they had a system where you paid what was on the menu. I thought that was fair. Friends that visited me in the US mentioned the difference several times. So when I came to Thailand I was happy to see the price listed was the price charged. Actually, Amore use to charge the menu price.

I stopped going to Amor after he raised his prices and put on an additional 17% charge that most places do not. (10% service +7% vat). The vast restaurants, bars, entertainment and retail establishments include it in the posted price (in Thailand), some do not. Here is my reasoning: If you order a 400 baht steak and I order a 150 baht salad, you pay 40 baht for the service and I pay 15 baht. My salad would probably take more actual prep time and bring a salad or a steak to the table probably takes the same time. So you pay 25 baht more than I do for that one item. You of course can continue the excise add on a 150 baht glass of wine while I have a 30 baht bottle of water. You pay another 15 baht to have it poured and brought to the table and I pay 3 baht more. You have now paid 65 baht more and I have paid 18 baht more. Wonder if the service is very slow or the waiter forgets that you asked for a sauce? You sit there waiting to eat and try to get the waiter's attention. You pay a high price for poor service. At the end of dinner, your 550 baht meal ends up costing 643.50 (93 baht or $3.00 more) When I go to most other places my 550 baht meal cost 550 baht. After dinner I go to Oscar's for a glass of wine. The menu says 150 baht. I pay 150 baht, not 175. Many posters would raise hell if a waiter brought back 25 baht change instead of 50 baht when given a 200 baht payment. Why not mark the menu accordingly to include the 17%, since that is the real price?

I am not sure about this. I believe even in private sois, you can not block "the right of way". If you could, a business could build up to "their half" of the street. Oud's bar which is directly across from the Persian, prohibits parking by putting tables in the road. At first it was for smokers since smoking was prohibited in a premise. Now smoking is allowed everywhere inside Oud's bar so the tables could be removed and people could park directly in front of the bar. I think people became use to parking in front of the Persian bar (before it opened as their bar).

GT mentioned the possibility of having an education in the USA. I don't remember if his BF has been there before. But if possible, I would take him and let him talk to other Thais his age that are living and working and going to school there. Several months ago my Thai friend and I went there. One of my objectives was to go places we would meet Thais he could talk to. Los Angeles (Long Beach), San Francisco, Las Vegas, Washington DC and the Grand Canyon (there is a program where college students intern) were the best places for us. Many work in restaurants and casinos. My friend became very impressed at the fact many Thais lived there and at how much money they were making. He also learned that those we met really enjoyed living in the US. Several were there after overstaying there visa (student or tourist). But none were having any trouble. I am sure most of us have meet guys in the bars here in Thailand where the guys have been to trade school or finished college. They work there because many college graduates make a small salary or they could not find a job after graduation. The bars allow them to make much more. However, many Thai waiters in the USA make a very good living in contrast and are connected to other Thais there. Many are working at Thai places while going to school. They have learned very good English, have an international (USA) college or trade degree, and find getting work at better salaries much easier in ASEAN. As RichLB mentioned, well paying jobs in Thailand are few unless the family is connected. I would like to hear what Traveler Jim thinks as he has helped several boys through college. I never talked to him about how the boys were doing 3 or 4 years after graduation though.

It was really nice meeting Bob for the first time. Very thoughtful, brought me a nice chocolate cake and a Bangkok Post. While he was visiting, the doctor came in and announced that I have non resistive e-coli bacteria which they are now specifically treating. Maybe bad meat? Thanks again Bob

Thank you for your support and concern. They still have not learned what I have, so I am not sure it was Dengue. But I truly hope none of you are unlucky enough to get it. It is miserable.

I am currently in Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. I came up for the opening of Lavender Lana. Made one day. The next night I spent shaking uncontrollably in my hotel listening to my Thai friend say but the doctors are right next door. The next day I did go to the emergency room. Saw an internist who sent me more for blood work X ray (and when I passed out) for a EKG and straight to ICU for 2 days while they figured out what kind of infection I have. I am in a regular room now being fed antibiotics, and another solution by IV. Headache, difficulty urinating............... I understand they have to grow the culture for 76 hours before they tell me what it is. Man am I tried. Off to bed

Has anyone tried it yet? Looks good.

Yes, some words do sound derogatory (and are) like queer, fag, nigger, spick, etc...... I prefer to call them friends since that word is kinder and has such a broad inclusive meaning to me. I have many Thai friends that make me very happy and seem very happy when I walk into their bar too. Life is great!!

I just remember him looking at me with his beautiful brown eyes, smiling and saying "ah-ha". I have not asked him to go there since though.

"GB is 100% on the button on this one. You have to face facts. They don't answer your mails because they haven't a clue who you are. Three months have passed. How many other guys have they met since then? And as for remembering you when you return, they will have to use all their mental resources to even recall having met you. This must all sound heartless and downright callous. But TIT (this is Thailand)!"...... Some of the Thai guys have too good a memory. Several years back my Thai friend and I would go to Cafe Royal to eat maybe once a week. We did not go to any of the bars in the area since it made no sense to me to take my long term Thai friend to watch other Thai's hoping to hook up with a farang. One evening after we ate we did go across the street into Funny Boys. As we were sitting there I noticed that one dancer seemed to keep looking at me with a bit of a grin. I was curious and asked him if he wanted a drink. Bit of a mistake. It happened that about 4 years before this night I had offed this guy when my Thai friend was at his home in Korat. He said that he had been seeing me and my friend go into Cafe Royal alot. I said he must be mistaken because I didn't remember him. He said he was sure and started to describe where I lived, what the condo looked like and describe a few pictures I had inside. He even remembered what city I was from! This guy's memory was way too good!!!

I have great memories of ICON. The former staff was so much fun. I remember taking some to Xzyte or was it Hollywood??? No matter, it was fun. The show, from the pictures, looks much different than the show in Pattaya. But it was always very professionally done.

I was in Funny Boys and saw that in the last few days they have added a few new boys. One of them starts tonight (Friday) on his 18 birthday. I was at Funny Boys for Loy Katrong and amazed at the number of guys I saw offed in just the 45 minutes I was there. I recall 5 offed in that short time.

"A Global Witness Report earlier this year claims he has been implicated in incorrupt dealings relating to rights to exploit the country's oil and mineral wealth." The Bangkok Post suggests that a possible "deal" was made with Puea Thai party, headed really by Thaskin. If Hun Sen helps Thaskin, they will help Hun Sen with the disputed maritime border which is suppose to have lots of oil underneath. In my view this is possible as both men are very wealthy and in my view have no real desire to help their own countries. Ego, power, accumulation of more wealth is their only real goal.

Ok, I posted it on other boards hoping the owners would notice and buy me a free drink. But it would be great to see some other Pattayans there. Our Grand Opening ceremonies will include: Friday NOV 20 4pm Special monk ceremony--hotel lobby and hotel spirit houses 7pm Opening cocktail reception at lobby and lobby bar 10pm Grand Opening show at PBCM with special guest performers and lots of surprises Saturday NOV 21 9am Gay Day Trip with Asian Plus Travel and the men of PBCM 8pm Grand Opening Ceremonies at Lavender Sky--An Evening Under the Stars with special music, performances, dancing, and more. Includes tours of the facilities Sunday NOV 22 Noon BBQ at swimming pool Thank you for your interesting. Matchima Luangrahaeng (Tammy)

I have never had a problem anywhere in Thailand, but several years ago in West Hollywood, CA (very gay city) I did have a problem. 2 "jerks" thought it would be funny to open a car door and hit me with the door as I was passing when I was with my boy friend. They of course then yelled "fags", to which I simply said "big mistake" and kept walking....the the sheriff's station where I reported the incident and gave the car plate number. I knew nothing would really come from the report, but it made me feel a better. A few days latter detectives came to my door and showed me 6 pictures, asking if I could recognize any of the guys as one who "assaulted" me. I picked the guy out and that was that until 2 weeks latter when I received a summons to appear in court. It was more of an office with a judge than a courtroom. When I and my boyfriend went in, the guy that perpetrated the incident was sitting. Apparently, the guy was on parole. At first the guy tried to say that my boyfriend and I were sitting on a wall making out, which we denied. Actually the judge also asked him if he thought this was a reason to assault someone. The guy realized he made a big mistake in saying this even if it were true. So then he started to apologize to us and actually started to cry. (I think he didn't want to go back to prison). The judge then gave the guy a pretty stern lecture and extended his parole by 6 months. When the proceeding were over, the guy walked with us as though we were now his best friends. He continued to apologize all the way out the building where we shook hands and parted. I admit I felt pretty good about the whole thing. For me I thought it came out better than expected. In Thailand though, I feel much happier.