2003 General Reports

[Globotto]

Globotto is providing Guide Services in Bangkok.

Tapping my experience will send you light years ahead and save you money. Whether your looking for a wife, girlfriend or casual sex, I can advise you on where to go and what to expect to pay. Advise on where to stay and how to get around the city and country. I will help you to identify and avoid touts and transsexuals. I can provide Thai language interpretations and cultural interpretations.

My rate is 500baht/hour.

If you pay by Paypal I can pre-book your room and /or greet you at the airport.

Contact me via a private message by clicking PM below here at WSG Forum.

EDITOR's NOTE: The above report, while technically a SPAM advertisement, constitutes an exception to the Forum's No SPAM rules in that I generally permit what I call "Local Tour Guides" to promote the availability of their services in the Forum. Of course, in exchange for this privledge they are expected to answer questions and otherwise contribute relevant information to the Forum. Thanks!

[Will John]

Anyone got any idea what the AVA Bar is like off Sukumvit 11, near the Ambassador? I have heard mixed reviews.

Any advice appreciated.

[Joe Zop]

Chantawipa Apisuk, you go girl! And Chumpon as well!

[Nobody Home]

One of Thailand's biggest industries has been illegal for decades and pays no taxes. It fosters police corruption and treats its workers like second-class citizens.

Clearly, the government says, it's time to open a debate on legalizing prostitution, a multi-billion-dollar industry that employs 200,000 women and provides livelihoods to millions.

On Thursday, the Justice Ministry will hold an unprecedented public discussion on a Justice Ministry proposal to legalize prostitution and register sex workers. Representatives of the government, sex industry, non government organizations and academics will participate in the one-day conference to discuss human rights, legal, economic, cultural, social and moral aspects of the sex trade.

"We tackle this problem one way or another," Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said in a recent interview. "Maybe we will approach the problem of prostitution differently than we do now."

Prostitution has been illegal for 75 years but is widely accepted as part of the society, operating openly in garishly lit bars in Bangkok's infamous Patpong street, massage parlors and in unassuming brothels in the countryside. Proponents say legalization would give sex workers access to social services, health care and protection from abuse while exposing corruption among the industry's gatekeepers
police, politicians and business owners.

"We just want to take care of ourselves," said Noi, a 26-year-old who has worked as a prostitute for the past two years and asked to be identified only by her nickname. "But we need insurance, we need everything."

She said if prostitution becomes legal "we won't have to hide from the police" and would have recourse against customers who beat them or refuse to pay.

Chantawipa Apisuk, who runs Empower, an educational organization promoting the rights of sex workers, says as long as prostitution is illegal, "the mafia will be the employer and ... the sex slaves will be employees."

Legalization would also allow the government to tax prostitutes, diverting income from Thailand's massive underground economy, something Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has touted as a possible strategy for boosting the economy. By the same reasoning, he has already moved to massively expand legalized gambling.

The extent of police exploitation of the sex industry came to light earlier this year when Chuwit Kamolvisit, a business tycoon who owns a massage parlor chain in Bangkok, claimed he has been paying millions of dollars in protection money to police. Chuwit made the government realize that such amounts could, and perhaps should, go into its coffers instead, said Pasuk Phongpaichit, a professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University who has co-written a book on Thailand's illegal economy.

According to Pasuk revenue derived from the sex trade is roughly about 174 billion baht ($4.3 billion) a year, or 3 percent of the gross domestic product. But critics fear that legalizing sex trade is not a solution for ending the exploitation of women.

"If it's about the dirty police force, clean it up. Legalization will not help," said Virada Somswasdi, a professor at Chiang Mai University, who will be a panelist at the debate.

In other countries, such as Australia, where prostitution has been legalized, "a lot of underground activities still go on," she said. "It's proved that it doesn't work."

Prostitution became an integral part of Thai society in the early 1900s when brothels proliferated to serve an influx of Chinese immigrants, many of them unmarried men. The trade was legal, regulated and zoned. Prostitution was made illegal in 1928, and the laws against it strengthened in 1960 just a few years before an influx of American soldiers during the Vietnam War opened up a whole new facet of the trade catering to foreigners.

[Scorpio]

Hola Jaimito,

thanks for your reply !
I made a mistake regarding Soi 3, it was Soi 4 of course.

Cheers, Scorpio

[Globotto]

Ladyboys of Bangkok:

Thailand has some of the worlds most beautiful men who have changed their sex up to 100% by surgury and hormones. This appearence is more western due to broader shoulders and longer legs.

Some of these guys have had their eyelids augmented that makes them look like an android.

Some of these guys have silicone implants.

Some of these guys still have penis.

If you do not prefer a penis then be carefull because some of these guys will tell you they are a lady. You can look for an adams apple.

American Consultant Travel service can help you to identify such gender benders on a guided tour of the Sukhumvit area at 500B/hour or $12.50/hour plus expenses if their are any. ACT now.

EDITOR's NOTE: The above report, while technically an advertisement, constitutes an exception to the Forum's No SPAM rules in that I generally permit what I call "Local Tour Guides" to promote the availability of their services in the Forum. Of course, in exchange for this privledge they are expected to answer questions and otherwise contribute relevant information to the Forum. Thanks!

[Jaimito Cartero]

Cal Guru- What's your budget? If you stay near Sukhumvit you'll be paying more than if you go a few miles out. Bright City Towers on Soi 11 (near Grand President) has some decent monthly rates that include laundry service. 17k baht per month for their Studio.

It's a mid sized place, so you need to reserve in advance. Not sure if they'll go lower for longer term.

www.brightcitytower.com

You can probably find other nice places for 10k or so if you further out.

I'd ask why you want to stay in Bangkok for that long? You'll save a lot of money if you go to Pattaya. Good food, movies, shopping centers and lots and lots and lots and lots of very nice girls there.

Freeler has some good budget ideas in Pattaya. Check out that forum for lots of ideas.

You'll also need an extended visa or do a visa run to stay that long. I've read about it, but have no firsthand knowledge, so check on it before you go.

[Jaimito Cartero]

Scorpio - It's not too hard to find DFK, and BBBJ. I had a couple of girls that swallowed in my monthlong stay in August/September, but I didn't request it.

The only time I had a girl that wouldn't do BBBJ was in a massage place. I always mentioned "smoke" in the negotiation phase with beer bar girls or freelancers.

I don't recall a German restaurant on Soi 3. Things change a lot in 6 months, not to mention 6 years. There is plenty of action though. I think I prefer Pattaya for reasonable action, reasonable prices and lots of selection.

I stayed in Bangkok for over 3 weeks this summer, and only 5 days in Pattaya. I'd reverse it next time, and maybe throw in a Laos trip.

Odd number sois are on the other side. The Nana side uses even numbers.

[Scorpio]

Gentlemen,

Did my last trip to Thailand about 6 years ago and I will be back there at the end of December.
Things probably have changed, maybe the girls and their attitudes as well (hopefully not for the bad).
I don't really worry about prices and the going rates, it probably hasn't changed that much.

But I am curious about one thing these days, is it easy or rather difficult to find bar-girls or freelancers or others willing to do BBBJ until completion (cum in mouth, maybe swallowing) or don't they like to perform such ?
And how about deep french kissing these days ?

I remember a place located maybe 50 Meters (150 ft) away from Nana Plaza on the same side of the street (think it was "Soi 3") where a certain "Mister Jack" had about two dozen girls for rent at reasonable prices.
There used to be some kind of German bar-restaurant nearby too.

Any advice on the BBBJTC with CIM issue would be appreciated !

Cheers, Scorpio

[Globotto]

Some tips for Newbees to Bangkok.

Do not go with Tuk Tuk drivers because thier objective is to rip you off. They may tell you can ride for 10 baht and then they will take to all theses places you do not want to go to because they get kickbacks from tailors and Bathhouses. They will tell they know of a good Bathhouse then take you too a crappy one.

You can refer to the Bathhouse section on this site and take an air conditioned taxi which is metered.

If you want the experience take the Tuk tuk for a short ride to your destination at a predetermined price of 20 to 40 baht.

Do not go with any taxi driver standing around outside wanting to take you around on a tour without the meter.

Do not waste your time negoitating with touts on the street recommending Massage which would be a crappy Bathhouse where they get a kickback. They will tell you its Happy Hour at any hour including 2am.

[California Guru]

I need a recommendation for best place for an extended stay in Thailand during Oct thru Apr. I'm retired so I'm interested in a quiet and safe apartment within proximity to good pooning and fun places to hang out.

Thanks,

Cal Guru

EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions for capitalization and punctuation. To avoid future delays, please refrain from using the "chat room" style of writing with no caps or punctuation. Thanks!

[Freeler]

in the news today: more flooding!

southern rail link under water

prachuap khiri khan, phetchaburi worst hit

traffic around the popular beach resort of cha-am, phetchaburi province, grinds to a halt yesterday amid heavy flooding. - tawatchai kemgumnerd
all southern train routes have been closed and tourism in cha-am and hua hin has been badly affected by heavy floods in phetchaburi and prachuap khiri khan after three dams there released water on friday night.

the meteorological department is warning that a new depression will cause heavy rains in the upper south and lower central region. it could cause sudden floods in risky areas of four provinces.

several districts of phetchaburi and prachuap khiri khan and sections of phet kasem highway in phetchaburi, pran buri and hua hin were flooded after the three dams in the two provinces _ the phetchaburi, the kaeng kracharn and the pran buri dams were forced to release excess water on friday night.

tourists in cha-am and hua hin cancelled hotel reservations and some travellers changed their minds en route and went elsewhere.

several roads were under high floodwaters and impassable by small vehicles, and a bypass road between cha-am and pran buri was closed from 9am yesterday.

the state railway of thailand suspended operations of all southern-route trains after heavy floods in hua hin and cha-am.

sukumal sritula, chief of the srt's public relations division, said passengers could return their tickets for full refunds. parts of baan cha-am and hua hin railway stations were severely inundated.

passengers of three trains between yala and bangkok, butterworth and bangkok, and sungai kolok-bangkok were transferred by bus to bangkok yesterday.

in prachuap khiri khan, floodwaters at bang saphan hospital were receding, but the situation in hua hin and sam roi yot districts was still of concern amid continued heavy downpours.

floodwater levels on friday evening were 15cm in thab sakae district, 50cm in bang saphan district, 50cm in kui buri, pran buri and hua hin districts, and up to 1m in bang saphan district's tambon wong prasart.

in surat thani, the 1st and 2nd naval fleets continued searching for 24 missing crewmen including seven thais and 17 aliens after the fishing trawler chongsathaporn 8 sank. they hold out little chance of finding them alive.

naval aircraft yesterday spent two hours flying around a 100-square-mile area where the boat capsized, but found no survivors or wreckage.

on the same day, the second fleet was asked to send a speedboat or a helicopter to rescue wichian sriruang, 47, a crewman of the krissada 29 fishing boat who lost one leg in an accident in the south china sea on thursday.

the meteorological department said a low pressure belt was moving from burma into the andaman sea and would intensify into a depression.

the new storm would cause heavy downpours in the upper south and the lower central region and could cause sudden floods and forest runoffs in low-lying and risky areas of prachuap khiri khan, phetchaburi, ratchaburi and kanchanaburi.

fishermen have been warned to put to sea with care amid strong winds and 2-3m-high waves in the gulf of thailand.

in songkhla, the province set up a disaster relief centre at provincial hall to help victims.

the navy opened a 24-hour flood relief centre at songkhla naval base which can be contacted at tel. 074-311-075 and 074-313-982.

[OttoGraham]

UNCLE OTTO’S CHARITIBLE FUND DRIVE!

Support WSG Charities, increase your charitable giving by 50%!

As you know, the WSGForum comes to you completely free of charge, thanks to the hard work of our webmaster, Jackson. Sites that provide far less entertainment and information charge big bucks for “memberships.”

Some of you may not realize that Jackson is also the moving spirit behind WSGCharities, which was formed for the express purpose of collecting funds to be used to purchase food for hungry children in Argentina.

The website is www.wsgcharities.com.

Between now and November 30th, for each $2 you contribute to WSGCharities, I will kick in an additional dollar, up to the breaking point of my own bank account. Your contributions are 100% tax deductible and totally in the good spirit that our community has.

In order to donate, visit the www.wsgcharities.com, and click on “donations.” After you have sent in your Pay Pal or snail-mail contribution, send me an email (ottograham@hotmail.com) with “I’m a friend of Uncle Otto” in the subject line, with the donation amount listed in the body of your email. And for every two dollars you contribute, I will match it with another dollar.

Thanks!

-Uncle Otto

[Freeler]

In the news today, heavy rain and floods in parts of Thailand:

Two more rescue craft look for lost crewmen of capsized boats
Two found near gas rig, 24 still missing

Floodwaters rage across a road in Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The province has been hit by widespread flooding.
The navy is continuing its rescue operations with two more warships dispatched to search for the remaining 24 fishermen reported missing after their boats capsized off the coast of Surat Thani and Satun on Wednesday.

Eighteen crew from the Indonesia-bound freighter Jong Sathaporn 18 and eight Thai fishermen from the Chok Bunmacharoen were reported missing but two Indonesian crewmen were rescued yesterday while floating near a gas rig off Satun province.

Navy chief Adm Chumphol Pachusanon said rescue operations were continuing, with an aircraft carrier and five other warships on stand-by in the Gulf of Thailand.

The navy has also sent a Dornier rescue aircraft to patrol the area.

Adm Chumphol said he had ordered the deployment of two more warships in the rescue operations.

- The navy has taken 275 tourists off the resort island of Koh Tao off the coast of Surat Thani province, after ferry services were suspended due to heavy storms on Thursday.

Two navy vessels picked up the tourists and the remaining 400 tourists would be picked up soon.

Koh Phangan district chief Thanaphol Antimanon said the situation on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao had returned to normal, with clear skies and no rain. Ferry boats resumed their services yesterday, he added.

The Meteorological Department yesterday warned residents in the upper Central Plains, the East and the upper South to brace themselves for possible flash floods and run-off as a depression moved northwest.

Provinces likely to be affected are Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanthaburi.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, heavy rain caused by the depression brought flash floods that inundated several low-laying areas.

Several districts have been flooded and roads damaged.

In Kui Buri district and Sam Roi Yot sub-district, floodwaters rose to more than two metres due to continuous heavy rain since Thursday night.

Several roads in Pran Buri district were cut off and floodwalls damaged. The water level rose to more than three metres in the district, forcing residents to seek refuge on their rooftops.

In Hua Hin municipality, flash floods hit the area, with water levels rising more than one metre in less than an hour.

Police and rescue workers have been sent to flood-hit areas to help residents.

A hospital in Bang Saphan district evacuated patients to higher ground yesterday.

Earlier, the local meteorological office warned people living in mountainous areas of possible flash floods and mudslides.

The Meteorological Department yesterday warned operators of small fishing boats against leaving shore.

[Baby Huey]

Everyone,

A group of us from the board are having a get together in Bangkok for some fun and bullshit on the 7th of November. We are going to get together at 7:30 that night, probably at the new place call Privilege or at the Blue Wave Bar that is below the Privilege, both are located on Sukhumvit Road, between Soi 2 and Soi 4, for a few drinks and a little bull shit before hitting the streets, for a night of fun! A group of us did this last year and it was great! If you are going to be in Bangkok on the 7th, join us it will be party!

If you are intested, please e-mail me at jimhart69@hotmail.com

Hope to see you!