phayao

Have noticed the the subject forum over the past few weeks has become somewhat quiet and static.

Have all the gay issues, problems, questions already been covered and discussed?

I have 1 but need to be careful in the wording and obfuscate since talking about the "P" word is verboten here.

Yes, cm-happy, I've noticed that the forum is a bit inactive and I have transmited my ideas to PB in a PM.

In the next few days I'm going to introduce a subject that I expect may be controversial and stir the waters.

Can anybody give me an insight into Samak's background?

Was he a military man? A police officer? Has he any university degrees? Has he studied abroad?

I've tried Wikipedia and other sources and I've got very little, except that he started his political career in the Democrat Party and that he's been in Thai politics for over 40 years now!

Happy New Year !

Yay, even in western places that have gone down the "political correctness" route, with its ups and downs, they downgrade to a "civil partnership".

Not every country that have legalised same-sex unions have downgraded to "civil partnership".

The Kingdom of Spain, with all its background of fascist-catholic homophobia, has recognised same-sex Marriage, not "civil partnership", with every right attached: adoption, nationality, tax benefits, etc...

Sex-changes are paid by the regional goverment in some areas.

I read that Argentine is going to do the same tnext year 2008.

I don't see why Thailand cannot do it in due time.

I find it more difficult in some other countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, USA, North Korea, Egyp or the Vatican.

Tentative Cabinet list ready

Samak Sundaravej would become prime minister...

Can anybody give me an insight into Samak's background? Was he a military man? A police officer? Has he any university degrees? Has he studied abroad?

I've tried Wikipedia and other sources and I've got very little, except the he started his political career in the Democrat Party and that he's been in Thai politics for over 40 years now!

just need to know whether I can say for absolutely certain that I'm not gay.

Don't know if I can say that now, as I'm occasionally in heat for ****.

...maybe its bi and I can handle that.

Just seems messy business, that. Rather do one or the other, innit!

I'm scared stiff to go to a gay bar. So to speak It's also too public.!

My query for you all is: what's a guy to do? Any friendly advice> ?

1- There's no need to label your sexuality: you're "yourself".

2- If you wish to explore "the other side of the fence" and you are now in Thailand thre's no better place to start.

3- Before venturing into a gay bar (there are the "go-go" ones and the ones in Silom soi 4) you may try a sauna.

4- If you want to try a sauna and if you're in BKK you may go to Babylon (lots of "falangs") or a more Thai one (like Chakran).

5- Depending on your looks (saunas and soi 4) or your wallet (go-go bars) you may cool down your "heat" in a short time.

6- Have you try the escort services?

Good luck.

unfortunately, with more ignorant tourists coming here the respecful standards of Thailand are being abused and lowered.

In the past year I've seen public displays of affection that go far beyond just a peck or holding hands´

I remember once seeing a leaflet handed out at Don Muang airport about Thailand Do's & Don'ts and there was a paragraph about public displays of affection. Maybe this should be reprinted and handed to all foreigners when they go through passport control?

I feel ashamed as a "falang" when I see these PDA by westerners. I've never seen them performed by non-white tourists.

The leaflets are a good idea.

Sorry to go off topic, but what are some Kathoey themed movies that are a must watch?

The two best I watched in the last 5 years are: "Transamerica" (USA) and "Beautiful Boxer" (Thailand).

Recaping the information, the list of bookshops in Thailand with some books of LGBT interest are:

Bangkok: Megabooks, 2nd floor Nana Square.

Dasa, second hand books, Sukhumvit, near Emporium.

Boohshop, Domestic Terminal, Dong Muang.

Chiang Mai: Gecko Bookshop, near Tha Phae Gate.

Pattaya: Bookazine, on Jomtien beach.

Thank you again to all the posters.

Phayao, I went to Dasa yesterday and counted almost 80 gay titles in their gay and lesbian section---there are only around 70 left because I bought ten of them! It is upstairs on the LEFT hand wall, lower shelf toward the street. You may have been looking in the sexuality or women's studies section where they used to be housed. Look again. Good luck.

Bad luck; I'm no longer in Bangkok; next time, I hope.

As you seem to have a love for books, like me, I'd would appreciate if you could give me some titles of gay books that you have enjoyed.

Let me give you the names of some gay books that I found very interesting in case you wish to read them:

"Reflections of a Rock Lobster", by Aaron Fricke, Alyson Publications, 1981.

"The World. the Flesh and Myself", by Michael Davidson, GMP Publishers, 1985.

"My First Time", by Jack Hart, Alyson P., 1995.

"Sex Lives of Famous Gays", by Nigel Cawthorne, Diana, 2005.

I wish all contributers and readers of this forum a Happy New Year 2008 (or 2551).

Utopia closed years ago! But I thought most Bookazine branches had a selection ? They have branches in Silom.

OK, pauln, I'm going to try those Bookazines in Silom; I'll let you know, thanks for the hint.

Dasa book cafe in Bangkok, near Emporium and Phrom Phong BTS (between Suk soi 26 & 28) sells used books in English. They have a gay and lesbian section upstairs, sometimes with very good titles and low prices. As they both buy and sell, stock changes regularly and I stop by every month or so.

Thank you ¨"kek" and "popshirt" for your contributions.

I've been this evening to Dasa (upstairs, the small bookcase on the right hand side) and there is not a single GLBT book today; bad luck.

There must be a bookshop in BKK with more than say twenty titles of gay books.

Is Uthopia (off Sukhumvit) still open?

"And he might be looked upon as the family provider. If you can provide that financial security, you will be honestly loved and admired by everyone in the family"Farang Prince.

For the majority of country folk this is true.

I entirely agree with you, this is my case.

I've noticed that some "falang" in Thailand, mainly those over 55 and with little education, treat their TBF (or TGF) as possesions (similar as some money-boys/girls treat their "falang" as trophies). They are very wrong and although their relationships may we rewarding sexually in the short term, they are prune to failure, leaving very bitter resentments in both sides.

If you are looking for sexual gratification for your money, regardless of your age, looks, education or sexual orientation, there are many thousands of boys and girls (and anything in between) in this country ready for the task. But if your intention is to establish a lasting relationship, it has to be based in a more complex interchange than money-for-sex.

I am in very happy relationship (actually we're legally married) that has lasted over 16 years now and I am 25 years older than him. My firm believe is that respect and support is the foundation, but also to give each other a space for freedom and individual development is essential.

The outlet of Gecko Books (around corner from outside corner of Tha Pae Gate, the soi that puts your back to Art cafe as you enter the soi) had a section where I bought one book. You could go to the Gecko ad atop the Chiang Mai forum and ask Gecko.

Thank you PB; I hadn't tried that one as I thought it only had books in Thai; I know where it is.

The wonderful Konukoniya (Emporium) used to have a small GLBT themed section on the right hand side, but not anymore.

Also a bookshop in the middle of Patpong that I've found closed the last two times I visited that soi.

The only one that has something is Bookazine on Jomtiem beach, but it's too far for me.

Any one in Chiang Mai?

Thanks for your help.

Thank you so much to all for the information provided. It's very useful to have a forum like this. I wish I can provide you with my findings in the future.

On the Thai Airways web site there is NO POSSIBILITY of booking ex-Don Muang flights; are they going to be transfered again to Suwanaphum?

I was surprised that IT IS CHEAPER to buy tickets from their offices than on-line, any reason?

Also I booked a MAD-BKK flight last March for this last October and I choosed the seats to be surprised that the seats had been assigned to some others, next time I'll be the first at the check-in and I won't trust them.

US to require 10 fingerprints at all airports

Washington - For foreign nationals upset about being fingerprinted when they enter the United States, it's getting worse. Over the next few months, major US airports from Boston to San Francisco will start requiring 10 fingerprints from most non-US citizens - not just both index fingers - to help prevent terrorism.

By the end of 2008, all US points of entry will enforce the rule, the Homeland Security Department (DHS) said Monday. The new rule will make it easier for border officials to check the fingerprints against a government database of terrorist suspects.

Dulles International, Washington's main airport, started the new procedure November 20. New York's Kennedy airport, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago OHare airport, San Francisco, Houston, Miami, Detroit and Orlando, Florida, will follow during the next few months, DHS said.

To enter the country, most foreign nationals between ages 14 and 79 who arrive in the US or apply for visas will have to provide the digital fingerprints as well as a photograph, DHS said.

- DPA

Another histerical sign of the agonising Bush administration which is NOT going to help anyone lest the perception that the USA regards the rest of the world as "potential terrorists"; very sad.

I'm driving this route next week; could you tell me how many hours for the Phayao-Nan sector please?

It will take you from 2 to 2 1/2 hrs.

my experience with Tiger (sin-bkk october 07) and Air Asia (phuket-bkk, many times , other years & upcoming february 2008)

tiger was efficient, friendly, plane brand new, i ate my own food on the plane, cramped (I am tall), they gave me my choice of a great seat without service charge (i was first in line, no scrum to get aboard), on time. 7 kg for hand luggage is my biggest problem with all lcc because I have a lot of electronic and other valuable stuff, but it was not weighed.

ps sorry I put this post in the wrong thread, so some of it is not all that relevant

I booked a SIN-CNX Tiger flight for a friend last 22nd/November and he arrived in Chiang Mai very furious with the service on board. Apparently he asked twice a flight attendant (all were men BTW) for a Thai inmigration form to fill up during the flight before arriving and he was ignored everytime. Finally he had to fill it up in Chiang Mai airport before clearing passport control and we had to wait a long time for him to collect his luggage as he was the last passanger to exit. Low cost shouldn't mean bad service, or not?

Are there any other nice scenic drives to be had...?

The new, almost empty, 120 road from Wang Nua (Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai) to Phayao offers waterfalls and beautiful mountain views, the last recommended stop before reaching the A-1 and Phayao is from a point (well marked with food stalls and toilets) 851 meters perched over Phayao valley with impresive views of Mount Bussaracam (+1,000 meters), Kwam (Lake) Phayao and Phayao city. Hope you have a clear day.

"Needless to say, i just returned home from watching it at Major Cineplex Central World (all shows with English subtitles), and it is FANTASTIC!! Finally, there is a movie where the main subject is a love story between two guys, and it is NOT full of clichees and does not even have the usual sad ending (either one of them dead or turned straight as in many other gay-themed movies). Even my boyfriend liked this one very much (and he normally, despite being Thai, does not like to watch Thai movies)".

I agree enterely. We went to Central World (with my Thai espouse and his long time friend) and we came out with our eyes all wet. I recommended, BUT possible spectators must know that it's VEEEERY long and slow.

I think if there is a shorter version (maybe 105') if could be easily exported to western countries not as it is now.

Best rates for currency exchange is ...

A money exchange office with a funny name "Super Rich", at the back of the Bangkok Bank branch located in between Big C and Pratunam, opposite Central World, 100 yards in a soi from the canal fly-over. Bring your passport.

... because many foreigners insist on barebacking and will offer all sorts of money to barboys to do it.

quote]

There are irresponsible people everywhere (farang, chinese, japanese or... Thai); as well as very responsible. During my 18 years of visiting Thailand and having sex with many rent boys and gay guys I must say that I used condoms or practice "safe sex" to the delight of everyone. All the "money boys" carried condoms and they were the first things they took off their pockets and placed in front of you. It's not only AIDS, there are many other STDs that can be easely avoided by using condoms.

I don't remember a single one that didn't want to take precautions.

hope i m wrong

It sounds very weird: you (farang) live and work in the USA but he (Thai) lives and works in the UK ?

It's a formula for disaster. Why don't you take him to be with you?

I've met my TBF on 12th/Nov/91, I extended my stay in Thailand until Christmas; we got an apartment to live together and I came back on 2nd/January/92. On 22nd/January I took him with me to my country and we've been living together for...16 years !

We come back every year for some 1-3 months, depending on his/my holidays.

I followed the advice of an expat "old hand": take him with you or you'll loose him, he said.

We're legally married now and in the process of getting my nationality. He's 38, I'm 63. Miracles do happen! Don't loose your hope but be wise.

I'm not 100% sure about the present situation with the Military Junta in power, but the actual Thai Criminal Code states that consensual sexual relations are illegal with any person under 15 years of age; moreover, when money or any other payment is envolved, it is not considered consensual for any person under 18 years of age.