William_R

The author of this article clearly does not understand Thainess, or does no wish to acknowledge it. Your point is made...only with the ignorant. Thailand is the land of denials. When will people realize this and just embrace it?  You talk as if you're scoring points. With who? This is a self congratulatory piece, and for what? People have come to believe westerners are no longer welcome...go figure.

Yes, they pay corrupt officials/extortionists to be allowed to stay in heavy (primarilly falang) foot traffic areas.

Thus, making a lot more money than if in a Market where people who follow rules sell their wares.

Actually, take out (primarilly falang), as this goes on all over the city and has nothing to do with what/who that foot traffic is. The only difference is what products are offered. For example, the Silom area being discussed here is not clogged with food vendors, while in other parts of the city, and Silom, that's all you will see. Just take a stroll down Ari for a taste of what I'm talking about. And its one of thousands of places in BKK and other cities.

I don't think there is any more or less traffic in the markets. From what I have been told, market stalls cost more. And there's probably little or no politics going on between the vendors in markets...compared to what goes on with the street vendors.

I would speculate that the higher cost of stalls in markets is due, at least in part, to costs of corruption being passed down from the market owner. Nothing gets done in Thailand without someone's palm getting greased.

And if you think about it, everyone is following the rules. They aren't the rules that are on the books. They are the rules that are being enforced buy those that have power. The only reason vendors are on the streets is because someone is profiting from it and therefore encouraging it. Point being...don't blame the vendors!

But why pay rent at a market when they can illegally obstruct footpaths for nothing?

Selfish.

I can assure you they are paying someone for that spot on the street. All I have gotten from my Thai friends is they pay the "street police". I assume that translates to BMA.

There is no entry fee for Wat Arun.

The first photo shows the staircase which lead you to the highest allowed point possible. You must be fit to climb that high, only 1 person at a time, once you're on the stairs, you can't come back down because the way down is on the other side. If I'm not wrong, there are 3 stages before reaching to the top. At each retreat you can walk around and view a beautiful Chao Phraya river.

Tiles on photo 6 display the King Rama II and King Rama III interest in Chinese culture, they are mainly made of broken/unbroken Chinese bowls.

There is indeed a fee for foreigners though I am not sure if it is for the whole compound or just the main stupa. I bekieve it is 50 baht and the ticket booth is to your left if you are looking at the stupa from the riverside area. No one checks the tickets and there are no gates so it may be the case that some just miss it.

I just did a quick Google search and there are plenty of tourist web sites stating the fee is 50B for foreigners.

If it needs doing, then it has to be done. But if i was a tourist i would not want to pay money to goto a replica of the wat.

I might be wrong, but I thought admission for Wat Arun is free of charge. Besides, if you go there you'll still be able to see the stupa.

I've been to the temple several times over the years. It was 40B and now I think they charge 60. Free for Thai citizens, of course.

I agree he was probably afraid to go to that particular hotel for some reason, such as problem with mafia or police.

I'm guessing there is some sort of funding they can tap into if they have a designated world heritage site.

I think an important consideration is that if one is aware of all the hazards, he/she can take steps to avoid being a victim on the baht buses. Things like don't ride the bumper, hold on with at least one hand, grab something quickly while getting on as the bus may drive off before you are seated. But on a motorbike, other than wearing a helmet and protective clothing, there is little or nothing one can do to increase their safety.

Yes I understand full well that probably most Thai people don't have enough knowledge about sexuality to see the difference between actual transsexuals and effeminate males. So what? Does that mean they're right because of an obvious cultural blind spot?

Actually it appears to be you who keeps wanting to redefine words and terms even what straight and heterosexual means.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladyboy

Kathoey or katoey is a Thai term that refers to a transgender or an effeminate gay male in Thailand.

The complete paragraph...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladyboy

Kathoey or katoey (Thai: กะเทย; RTGS: Kathoei [kàtʰɤːj]) is a Thai term that refers to a transgender or an effeminate gay male in Thailand. While a significant number of Thais perceive kathoeys as belonging to a third gender, including many kathoeys themselves, others see them as either a kind of man or a kind of woman.^[1] Related phrases include sao (or phuying) praphet song (Thai: สาวประเภทสอง,"a second kind of woman") and phet thi sam (Thai: เพศที่สาม, "third gender"). The word kathoey is of Khmer origin.^[2] It is most often rendered as ladyboy or lady boy in English conversation with Thais and this latter expression has become popular across South East Asia. Some English sources gloss kathoeys as non-males.[

Question:

So if a guy likes a ladyboy, is he straight?

Ladyboys answer:

If the man likes to take a ladyboy, he is not gay. What does a ladyboy look like? She has long hair, big hips, big breasts and looks like a lady! He is not gay! If a guy wants to have sex with a ladyboy with short hair who looks like a man then maybe he is gay!

An Afternoon With Some Ladyboys...

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/StickmanBangkokWeeklyColumn2010/Bangkok-Ladyboys.htm

And for the record I agee 100% with everything Jingthing has posted on the subject.

remember 25% of thai GDP is tourism, if i were in that situation i would under report crime and danger, everything from road accidents, dangerous bus, gun violence , street crime is all under reported to keep those tourist dollar,euro,rublesand now yuan coming. chinese have been in for a surprise no crime in china lots of it here.that why they have been staying norfth lot less crime .

Many of the danger warnings cited in the posts above sound more like the U.S. than Thailand.

When preparing to visit Thailand, it's best to consider that there are two different Thailands in the one country.

The one Thailand appeals mostly to sex tourists. It attracts riff-raff from around the world. This Thailand comprises many of the well-known (but unseemly) tourist areas of Pattaya, Phuket and some areas of Bangkok. The advantages of visiting this Thailand is you don't need to learn the language. The down side -- you will usually pay 2-5 times as much for accommodations and food. You will also incur a much higher risk of being scalped by the scammers who congregate in these areas to prey on tourists. You will also miss out on the beauty of the Real Thailand.

The other Thailand (the Real Thailand) is an awesome place.

To get maximum enjoyment from your visit to the real Thailand, get online and learn at least a few dozen simple everyday expression in Thai. It will help a lot. Also, make sure to leave your condescending prejudices at home. It also helps to smile a lot. This is Asia, it's centuries old traditions and custom are very different from the West. With these ideas in mind, travel all over the country (except the far south) and you'll usually be treated with genuine politeness, warm kindness and respect.

Personally, I'd recommend visiting the old city (downtown area) of Chiang Mai. A marvelous place, full of ancient history, rich culture, modern infrastructure and all sorts of other enchantments. After 26+ years in Asia, living in many places in many countries, I chose Chiang Mai for my retirement home. Now, living here, I like it much better than anyplace I've ever lived in my life.

Well said!

Read up on popular scams in Thailand. It is easy to find with a simple google search.

Be extremely suspect of any well dressed Thai, usually a middle aged male, that approaches you on the street for friendly conversation and speaks very good English. Thai people are very shy, even with other Thai strangers, so most likely that individual is sizing you up for a scam. The same goes for Africans, probably Nigerians, in BKK. A common approach is to find out what country you are from and then say they want to do business in your country and maybe you can help. Its a scam!

Never get in any vehicle at the recommendation of someone you have just met, no matter how good the "deal" sounds. This includes tuk tuks and taxis! NEVER!

If you are staying in a nice hotel, carry their phone number, as they can often be of assistance. A 4-5 star hotel can also be trusted for advice on things like where is the best place to rent a vehicle. In Thailand it is common for people to get a kick back for making referrals, but the 4-5 star hotels will also have your best interest in mind. Generally speaking, staff at a 4-5 star hotel are more likely to have your best interests in mind, as a tourist, than anyone else in Thailand.

Be very much aware of pick pockets, particularly in concentrated areas such as shopping and any public transportation, including baht buses in Pattaya. Keep in your wallet only what you can afford to loose and the rest in the hotel safe. If you are going to carry credit/debit cards make sure the phone number for each is written down and in a secure location, like your hotel room.

In Thailand, if someone is really pestering you and you just want to get rid of him/her, simply say you are going to eat and he/she will most likely smile and back off. If asked where you are going to eat, just say anything...it won't matter. Its a cultural thing.

Never leave an open drink unattended. Finish it before going to the toilet or take it with you.

If you end up at a bar in the early morning hours, don't try walking back to the hotel, unless it is close by and on a populated route. Better is to ask the manager if one of the staff can run you back to your hotel on their motorbike and offer to pay 100 baht. As log as you have behaved during your stay at their establishment you can feel reasonably confident they will get you home safe and sound.

In urban Cambodia, do not carry a shoulder bag, or simply let a camera hang from your shoulder. Keep a tight grip on things. Some would argue the same is true in certain areas of Thailand, but urban Cambodia is notorious for slash and grabs, usually from a passing motorbike.

No matter how angry or frustrated you are. No matter how right you are. Avoid confrontation at all costs.

It is impossible to over use a smile in Thailand. :-)

^I have never in my time in Thailand seen a Thai man with a katoey in public. Perhaps you extrapolate from your experiences in the gay areas?

Actually I only recently learned of this when I moved to a remote farming village. In the 6.5 years I lived in BKK and Pattaya I never saw or heard of it. I doubt it is as common in urban areas because city life is very different from rural. Boys tell me, in the city, girls have become very forward and will actually approach a guy for sex. In rural Thailand it is far more likely that a young couple caught fooling around will be forced to marry. Thus, the Ladyboy option is a very attractive one.

How is saying that guys who like ladyboys are homosexual derogatory?

...

That part isn't derogatory but it is incorrect. The vast majority of men into transsexuals identify as straight. The vast majority of gay identified men have ZERO interest in female presenting transsexuals.

Absolutely correct, and that includes Thai males, as well. Although, with Thai males its a bit more complex as they identify as straight if the can pass for straight. It has very little to do with what they actually do behind closed doors.

And how do you know all this?

In addition to being gay and living amongst it for many years I've also read academic papers that generally agree with what I have experienced, observed or been told by Thais. But the easiest way to confirm this is to simply ask. Most younger Thai males, with reasonably good English skills, particularly those in the lower classes, will candidly agree.

Something else most don't know, and I only recently discovered, is it is quite common for straight males to take a Kathoey "girlfriend" until he marries a girl that will give give him children. And its done right out in the open with absolutely no retribution.

There is no 'third gender', no matter what people would like us to believe (and use, as a phrase). All too often we see reports and evidence that 'ladyboys' - or transvestites as they are correctly known - intimidate those around them with the intention of committing fraud or other crime.

Although the Press is likely trying to hurt this pub's business, I think that it may just increase their customer base.

I believe that their are many people that would be Happy to go to clubs that are free of the troubles that are usually associated with the third gender.

And then there is the old adage that any publicity is good publicity, especially when it is free publicity.

If anyone cared to ask the owners or managers of Route 66 why they may - or may not - be discriminating against transvestites, we may find out a) real and genuine reasons (not press speculation and self-reporting by the group which is hungrily seeking publicity and sensible reasons for such actions.

kathoeys, as they are correctly known IN THAILAND, or the English equivilant "Ladyboys", as they are correctly known IN THAILAND, are generally considered BY THAI PEOPLE as a third gender or "woman of another kind". Transvestites, Transsexuals, or Transgender are about as well understood, by the majority of Thais, as Bisexual or even gay. And Thai people don't give a damn about what we outsiiders believe or don't believe!

You missed the "IMO" off your post - important because that's all it is - your opinion.

And the findings of The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction

http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/ccies/th.php

How is saying that guys who like ladyboys are homosexual derogatory?

...

That part isn't derogatory but it is incorrect. The vast majority of men into transsexuals identify as straight. The vast majority of gay identified men have ZERO interest in female presenting transsexuals.

Absolutely correct, and that includes Thai males, as well. Although, with Thai males its a bit more complex as they identify as straight if the can pass for straight. It has very little to do with what they actually do behind closed doors.

There is no 'third gender', no matter what people would like us to believe (and use, as a phrase). All too often we see reports and evidence that 'ladyboys' - or transvestites as they are correctly known - intimidate those around them with the intention of committing fraud or other crime.

Although the Press is likely trying to hurt this pub's business, I think that it may just increase their customer base.

I believe that their are many people that would be Happy to go to clubs that are free of the troubles that are usually associated with the third gender.

And then there is the old adage that any publicity is good publicity, especially when it is free publicity.

If anyone cared to ask the owners or managers of Route 66 why they may - or may not - be discriminating against transvestites, we may find out a) real and genuine reasons (not press speculation and self-reporting by the group which is hungrily seeking publicity and sensible reasons for such actions.

kathoeys, as they are correctly known IN THAILAND, or the English equivilant "Ladyboys", as they are correctly known IN THAILAND, are generally considered BY THAI PEOPLE as a third gender or "woman of another kind". Transvestites, Transsexuals, or Transgender are about as well understood, by the majority of Thais, as Bisexual or even gay. And Thai people don't give a damn about what we outsiiders believe or don't believe!

I would, there are thousands of Russians coming to Thailand now on very cheap package tours.

What percentage of the total are spending big or even likesay a european tourist?

I have talked to a lot of Thais here in Pattay about the Russian tourists and all say the same thing. They hate the Russians because they are rude, brash, laud and very cheap.

I know a bar tender at the Camelot who told me the Russians, who dominate the hotel, go to 7 Eleven and buy booze and then want to sit in the hotel bar and drike it. When told they have to pay a table fee they get outraged.

In Pattaya a bunch of existing hotels are being renovated, and new ones being built, by a Chinese company. This includes hotels like VC and Day Night. Their target is Chinese tourists. While the hotels employ Thai workers, the big profits are staying in Chinese pockets. Like the Russians, Chinese tourists come here on a pre-paid package, take lots of photos and spend very little money. Why this sort of thing is being allowed by the authorities is pretty easy to figure out. :-)

Even these Chinese tourists are spending money here every time they sleep in an hotel or take a bus drive to see some tourists attraction. It does not matter who owns the company. The money is just not paid directly to the local companies, but routed trough travel agency.

The Chinese nor Russians did not scare other tourists away. It was the greed of local businesses.

If there would not be large masses of Chinese and Russian tourists, Phuket would be quite quiet place at the moment. This would suit for many of us, but it would not be good for people who are dependent of the touristic money in a way or another.

The hotels they are sleeping in are Chinese owned and operated.

The Russians own and operate large fleets of tour buses, such as Pegas. I suspect the Chinese are doing the same, or will be.

But I do agree that Thai greed is coming back to bite them in the butt.

In Pattaya a bunch of existing hotels are being renovated, and new ones being built, by a Chinese company. This includes hotels like VC and Day Night. Their target is Chinese tourists. While the hotels employ Thai workers, the big profits are staying in Chinese pockets. Like the Russians, Chinese tourists come here on a pre-paid package, take lots of photos and spend very little money. Why this sort of thing is being allowed by the authorities is pretty easy to figure out. :-)

I don't know what things are like after 5000 more people entered the Rajprasong intersection area over the past weekend, but I walked every inch of that camp on 3 May and it was VERY well maintained. I just reviewed the 200+ photos I took that day and can find no evidence to support the claim that this place was garbage strewn, at least while I was on the scene.

They have large plastic bags everywhere for collecting garbage and everyone is using them. I stood next to the huge truck on property that is clearly being used to haul off refuse. The smell of urine reported by one individual is coming from two large buses that have been converted into portable toilet facilities. They do create an odor, but the waste is clearly being collected and not dumped on the street.

I have lived in BKK for many years and visited numerous areas of the city that ARE garbage strewn and/or there is a strong smell of urine…on the ground. Should we then label all people in BKK "dirty cun_ts" as one poster describes the red shirts?

I do NOT support what the red shirts are doing, but the majority of participants are just simple country folk with little education and totally ignorant of what is really going on at higher levels. They are just pawns on a chess board, nothing more.

If you want to vent your frustration over this situation direct it at those responsible, and not the innocent who can't even be faulted for their ignorance. Some of the comments I've read in this thread smack of mob mentality and blatant prejudice. Shame on you!

If you want to base your public opinions solely on what the news media tells you, and/or your observations from the perimeter and then bolt at the first whiff of urine, you do the situation an injustice. This is an historical event that deserves to be reported on accurately and without bias.

When the red shirts moved the barricade away from the hospital in Silom it was reported they made quite a mess, but to their credit they cleaned it all up. If 5000 additional protesters over the weekend got things a bit trashy I bet you will fine it too will get picked up, and not because of the statements of some news reporter or the prejudice comments found in this forum.

The need for Thai language skills isn't nearly as important as some might think. When the bars are open everyone is there to have fun with the friends they came with. When the bars close and everyone dumps out onto the street is when they all make their moves. Just hang out in the crowd for the next hour after things close and those that can speak English will come to you. At all times show no interest - don't cruise. Let them come to you and play slightly hard to get, but always very polite. In all likelihood those that approach you will only want to exchange phone numbers, and then make arrangements later for a meeting. Do not assume the first meeting has sex on the agenda, as it most likely will not.

I think King and Queen are more about mannerisms than a preference for top or bottom, particularly with the Queens. I know boys that are obviously Queens, and will tell you they are. But they will also tell you they prefer to top, AND only want partners that are outwardly masculine. I would go so far as to suggest there's a larger percentage of Queens that prefer to top than there are Kings that prefer to bottom. I believe there are a much larger percentage of Kings (by mannerisms) in Thai society than Queens, but a larger percentage of openly gay Queens than Kings.

I don't believe most Thais think of it in terms of gay or straight, as those lines tend to get very blurred. Its only when they are openly gay that the terms King and Queen come into play. For most I think its more about how obvious their same sex activity is to others in the community, and in particular their family.