Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2974801]What is the basis for this comment? Many people post similar things. I agree that Thai men wear long pants, I see no reason to mimic them. I wear shorts and running shoes, switch to sandals for raining days. My shirts range from button down to golf shirts to ordinary T-shirts. Always clean clothes and freshly showered. I seem to be welcomed everywhere I go, though I don't go to high end restaurants or 5-star hotels.[/QUOTE]Honestly, l'm not trying to sound like a turd, but my experience as a 25-year resident is that you are treated better overall if you wear long pants. Your opening statement that Thai men wear long pants is a clue to the cultural norms of dress here. You often do see long pants and sandals at times, but again much of this is class dependent. When you see locals wearing shorts the majority of them are lower class workers, although I will admit there are some exceptions when you see middle and upper class folks in shorts, but if they are in shorts they are normally in very nice shorts and like you in golf shirts or button-downs. Personally I never wear shorts in big cities. Sandals in the wet? You're a lot braver than I am. I just don't feel comfortable getting my feet soaked in that dirty water.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974810]Personally I never wear shorts in big cities.[/QUOTE]In Bangkok the cockroaches and rats will crawl up your legs if you wear short pants. They leave their garbage at the curb at night and in the morning the rats and roaches have already feasted. Better to wear socks and long pants.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2974801]What is the basis for this comment? Many people post similar things. I agree that Thai men wear long pants, I see no reason to mimic them.[/QUOTE]Exactly. Happens in many threads. People think they will be able to masquerade as a local even though it is obvious they are not. Nevermind they will mimic what the locals do, not knowing the reason they do it.

For instance people would point out in some of the Latin America threads that the locals wear long pants and dress shirts and never tennis shoes or sandlas and they would recommend others dress the same. They never realized they got this observation from when locals are going about their work day. But when those same locals finsihed with the work day, you could see them outside and at the malls with their families wearing shorts and tennis shoes or sandals.

We already know people in Thailand are afraid to get darker. Could this possibly be a reason for the long pants versus it being some type of cultural norm or way to get treated better as some assume?

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974810]Honestly, l'm not trying to sound like a turd, but my experience as a 25-year resident is that you are treated better overall if you wear long pants. ... Sandals in the wet? You're a lot braver than I am. I just don't feel comfortable getting my feet soaked in that dirty water.[/QUOTE]Thanks for that good reply.

I travel with only 2 pairs of shoes: running shoes and sandals. If the running shoes get wet, it's days to dry out. When the sandals get wet, they dry overnight. My favorite areas have so many puddles that it is often impossible to keep my feet dry.

I agree on the dirty water, so my feet get washed frequently and my sandals get washed about twice a week.

On a related note, have you ever noticed a bar girl showering her whole body? With me, they seem to wash only from shoulders to knees, sometimes less than that. Feet often get ignored. Hair seldom gets washed (and sometimes smells bad).

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2974859]Thanks for that good reply.

I travel with only 2 pairs of shoes: running shoes and sandals. If the running shoes get wet, it's days to dry out. When the sandals get wet, they dry overnight. My favorite areas have so many puddles that it is often impossible to keep my feet dry.

I agree on the dirty water, so my feet get washed frequently and my sandals get washed about twice a week.

On a related note, have you ever noticed a bar girl showering her whole body? With me, they seem to wash only from shoulders to knees, sometimes less than that. Feet often get ignored. Hair seldom gets washed (and sometimes smells bad).[/QUOTE]Showering. I'm oily and fiwfans only and would most of them shower with you it seems mainly they're nether regions that are getting washed although there are a few that's so down their whole body. I would imagine they have to be a little bit careful with their skin drying out especially if they're seeing multiple customers per day.

When traveling I usually only take one pair of shoes myself, and that's a good pair of trainers, either water repellent or Gore-Tex, or if it's cold Gore-Tex boots. I tend towards Hi-Tech fabrics when I'm traveling like Merino wool tops, socks, and underwear and pants that I can wash in the sink and will dry quickly.

I like to travel only with a 7 kg backpack as a carry-on even when I'm going to cold climates.

I thought you were a resident. My bad.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974899]I thought you were a resident. My bad.[/QUOTE]No, just 2 trips per year totaling about 13 weeks in Thailand.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974810]Honestly, l'm not trying to sound like a turd, but my experience as a 25-year resident is that you are treated better overall if you wear long pants. Your opening statement that Thai men wear long pants is a clue to the cultural norms of dress here. You often do see long pants and sandals at times, but again much of this is class dependent. When you see locals wearing shorts the majority of them are lower class workers, although I will admit there are some exceptions when you see middle and upper class folks in shorts, but if they are in shorts they are normally in very nice shorts and like you in golf shirts or button-downs. Personally I never wear shorts in big cities. Sandals in the wet? You're a lot braver than I am. I just don't feel comfortable getting my feet soaked in that dirty water.[/QUOTE]As another long term resident, I agree with your points on the cultural norms of dress here. And especially how a lot of it is class dependent. However, I value comfort, and I do find shorts to be far more comfortable than long trousers in this climate. So I guess I would include myself with the exceptions you mention of middle and upper class folks in shorts; but like them I wear nice, tailored shorts with a smart shirt. Of course it depends where I'm going, so if I'm going to a smart restaurant or a 5 star hotel then I will wear long trousers, but anywhere else I find my smart shorts and shirt are accepted just fine.

[QUOTE=JustLoggedInto;2974803]That's the wrong approach though. You have to think like the girl. Where would the girl go to where she would make the most money and the most business.

And IMO the hottest ones are in Nana and Soi Cowboy or Walking Street Pattaya.

Looks are a subjective thing but I found the girls in Rainbow 5 prettier than the ones in Billiards. I think Billiards they were all tattooed, dark and not my style, more what Farang like. Rainbow 5 girls and the girls in Walking Street Pattaya were definitely where I found prettier girls. There's another place near where Nataree used to be (Ratchadapisek) and there's pretty girls there too but I stopped going there since it's too long of a BTS ride but those had some stunners. PIMP isn't worth it. PIMP is a ripoff, you'll see prettier girls in Nana Plaza / Soi Cowboy / Walking Street. Again, think like the girl. Where would the girl go if you knew you were hot. Not there.[/QUOTE]See how folks turn a good observation into the start of an ego war. ? What is "More what farang like"? You speak for all "farang"? You "farang" yourself?

If you mean Billboard, I find the girls there to be the overall best in Nana. On MOST days. There are usually about 50 ish girls, all types. Sometimes its heifer friendly. Not all girls are tatted up. I'm a farang that doesn't like heifers. Raibow 5 to me is no 2, all the rest. It depends.

I have about 25 visits to Nana last year.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974810]Honestly, l'm not trying to sound like a turd, but my experience as a 25-year resident is that you are treated better overall if you wear long pants. Your opening statement that Thai men wear long pants is a clue to the cultural norms of dress here. You often do see long pants and sandals at times, but again much of this is class dependent. When you see locals wearing shorts the majority of them are lower class workers, although I will admit there are some exceptions when you see middle and upper class folks in shorts, but if they are in shorts they are normally in very nice shorts and like you in golf shirts or button-downs. Personally I never wear shorts in big cities. Sandals in the wet? You're a lot braver than I am. I just don't feel comfortable getting my feet soaked in that dirty water.[/QUOTE]Exactly. This has been the rule for 40 plus years. The girls will respect you more if you are dressed in what they consider to be indicative of a higher social standing.

Flip flops or barefoot sandals are another class indicator. Folks that wear shoes in public are simply viewed to be higher class. Thais are very class conscious.

I don't make the rules, I just follow them. What Goatscrot says is absolutely correct.

ProTip: Nothing is more fun on your first mongering trip that getting your foot cut up and then infected. Make sure then you wear flip flops while walking drunk down Soi Nana. I have never worn open toed sandals of flip flops in SE Asia outside my home. Never in 40 years. I like my toes and I don't get free health care. Its a basic health measure.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;2974899]Showering. I'm oily and fiwfans only and would most of them shower with you it seems mainly they're nether regions that are getting washed although there are a few that's so down their whole body. I would imagine they have to be a little bit careful with their skin drying out especially if they're seeing multiple customers per day.

When traveling I usually only take one pair of shoes myself, and that's a good pair of trainers, either water repellent or Gore-Tex, or if it's cold Gore-Tex boots. I tend towards Hi-Tech fabrics when I'm traveling like Merino wool tops, socks, and underwear and pants that I can wash in the sink and will dry quickly.

I like to travel only with a 7 kg backpack as a carry-on even when I'm going to cold climates.

I thought you were a resident. My bad.[/QUOTE]Exactly. Traveling with a small backpack is the best as is quality gear. I prefer Merrill MOAB Goretex boots myself, and when I do exploration trips, even to junglish places, they are all I need. As to shoes, take a look at the line of Keen Sandals, like the Arroyo. Very comfy and fashionable if you have nice fluorescent socks. And the tootsies are safe and covered.

Pants: I like the zip off legs, which means I can hop off a train from Lopburi, put the legs on, and end up in Mixx (no shorts). I get those from LL Bean, Marmot or Columbia.

UnderArmour Heat Gear is very nice too.

I can go 4 plus days out of an Osprey Talon 11 liter.

Before I begin my rant, let me just say that I've traveled to Thailand more than 12 times stretching back to my first trip back in '98. When I lived in Singapore in the mid-2000's, Thailand was a frequent destination for getaway weekends, etc. I recently got the DTV visa for the purpose of testing the waters for longer stays because in the past, I've really enjoyed Bangkok's cosmopolitan mix of dining, shopping, leisurely activities, cost of living, etc. My last trip was last year and I enjoyed myself.

What happened?

I haven't had a breath of fresh air since I arrived over a month ago. I've grown accustomed to the occasional wafting of future air from the canals or the sewer grates, But I thought I was quite a depth in knowing which areas to avoid and bypassing risky spots. But the air on this trip has been unbearable. Not a day has gone by where on multiple occasions, I haven't felt the urge to hurl the contents of my stomach due to the stench. My throat is raw due to the effects of air pollution that reminds me of India or Egypt. For the first time in my life, I've resorted to walking around with a mask on and even that is just borderline effective. On the 200 m walk back from the local restaurant to my Thonglor boutique hotel, Tears came to my eyes as I watched mothers walk their young ones out for a Sunday stroll, and the only thing I could think about was the irreparable damage they were doing to their young lungs.

I have traveled here in January and February before so I thought I was ready for what I knew was the bad season. But this is unreal. Am I overly sensitive or has anyone else noticed the severity?

I originally had the intention of staying here for three or four months, but now I'm looking for an escape. I tried going to Phuket. That was abysmal. My first mistake was going to Rawai which is a complete shit hole. Nai Harn beach smelled like raw sewage. I tried going swimming in Kata and Karon, but the sea lice in both had me running out of the water. I left Phuket five days before the end of my prepaid stay.

From a hobbyist perspective. It also seems to me that the quality of talent in Nana, Cowboy and Patpong has seriously gone downhill. As early as last year, I was getting great action from 7's, 8's and occasional 9's. This year, I've barely managed to locate an 8. Most are dark-skinned 6's that locals wouldn't even bother with. All the girls have decent quality seemed to have gone to the Japanese and Korean KTV's. Even T-Ded 99 seemed to have higher caliber girls than most of the go-go's in Nana.

I know I'm going to get flamed. Have at it. But as someone who's thoroughly enjoyed himself here over the years.

On a (hopefully) more positive note. Can anyone let me know if the air quality in KL or Singapore is markedly better than Bangkok? I remembered being so, but I know they also suffer some smog during this season.

Yesterday evening at a s/t hotel in Asok near to Soi Cowboy. Met her via Tinder then took the conversation over to LINE. 19 years old (could be a little bit older) and pretty, but could do with losing a few kg.

She wanted 3k for s/t, I offered 2k and she readily accepted, but declined when I told her no condom. She quickly changed her mind when I offered her another 500.

She offered to go to my room. I live in a condo unit in Nonthaburi and do not bring girls to my room, so gave her the option of meeting near to her home or meeting at MRT Sukhumvit which is only about a 40 minute journey for me on the MRT. She chose the MRT option.

She arrived 10 minutes early (I was 20 minutes early, and we went straight to the hotel after we met). No fare money was asked for, and none was given.

I normally go out to the bars on Saturday evenings for a few beers (Patpong/Nana/Cowboy) and did so after our meet, which was an enjoyable start to the night.

[QUOTE=JustLoggedInto;2974803] There's another place near where Nataree used to be (Ratchadapisek) and there's pretty girls there too but I stopped going there since it's too long of a BTS ride but those had some stunners.[/QUOTE]Whoa there, JLI; so you are telling us that there is new place now open in the building where Nataree used to be, and they have pretty girls? This is very interesting news. Tell us more like what is the setup there? Is it a bordello like Nataree was or a pickup bar like Thermae? In it's day, Nataree was a meat market, but was a great place because they had a ton of young, pretty, girls from the north before the authorities shut it down). It's location never deterred me from going, but then I used to go Kings Castle 1 & 2, Patpong at least once a week and I didn't care if I had to travel all the way from Thong Lo to get there. I will always go the extra mile for pretty girls and a little variety.

[QUOTE=Hcqygauqas;2974613]Hi everybody, I am looking for the absolute best of BKK, the hottest girls around, and willing to pay for it too. If you have any recommendations where the absolute VIP girls would go outside of the usual Nana / Soi Cowboy / Patpong, would appreciate it. Price is no object. Feel free to PM me if easier. Thanks. In advance.[/QUOTE]So what is your definition of hot? That's a very subjective term. But regardless, hot girls can be found everywhere and on occasion, nowhere. As someone else said, if price is no object, you're in the wrong city. Head down to Singapore if that's the case.

[QUOTE=FernandoAlonso;2974494]As I consider myself an old Bangkok hand and having had previously good experience with local joints I just had to do T-Ded. While having significant Thai experience for literally decades I do not speak Thai nor do I particularly like the party setup thing. I am no heavy drinker, monger alone so it is kind of not my sweet spot.

T-Ded is easy enough to find, BTS Saphan Kwai, walk 10 minutes past the Big see turn left two times and it is difficult to miss. Action starts around 9 pm, they are open until 5 AM. The place is in urgent need for renovation, nothing high end here. Just a run down gogo bar with dancers in bikinis. I entered around 9:30 after a massage nearby as I had arrived too early. The massage was good but most interesting was the special negotiation going on in the next section. My therapist and I had a good laugh.

So back to T-Ded. You just enter, the manager speaks 3 words of English, get a table or a private room (150 Bath per hour). Order drinks and food or pick a girl first. Manager is very helpful but you will be the only white Falange. There were at least 50 girls, most GND and really almost all doable. I picked one, who turned out to be a dancer so she will be away for a couple of minutes occasionally but no worries she will be back. The private rooms have glass doors so not much privacy, I did not experience or saw a lot of naughty action therefore. Communication via google translate was easy. The food costs 150 to 400 bath a plate, beer also 150 for a big bottle. They will try to get you to order more and everyone wants a 100 baht tip. So watch it. It will add up. I stayed 2 hours with my girl and paid 2200 including tips, it will be difficult to get much less. The 100 baht lap dances are lame. She grinds you for 3 minutes and lets you grab her naked tits. You give her 100. Not sure why that is in any way appealing. Take out to a nearby dump hotel with only cold water is 2500 all inclusive, she wanted 6 k for the night but leave at 6 am. No good deal IMHO. So I took her ST, which was short but a full GFE delight. Tipped her 500. So the whole evening came to a little more than 5 k plus 65 baht motobikertaxi back home. And I doubt you can get this much lower. It is absolutely no problem to go there as long as you know how to behave in Thailand and watch your expenses. It was it worth for me to experience it once but is it really cheaper? I visited Geisha to see my lovely Bam and had a bar tap of 1 k for 3 lady drinks plus my beer. BF 1 k and she would have gotten another 3 k. So no big difference. But thanks for finding this place and keep more local options coming. There is much more to Bangkok than Nana, Soi Cowboy and the usual MPs!

FA.[/QUOTE]Great report Fernando. Did you happen to notice all the girls sitting along the back corridor and the ones at the far end? They normally have about 200 total. 5000 Baht is not a lot to spend for the time you were there. Of course if you go into a go go, buy three lady drinks and then bar fine it will be cheaper. However here you spent more time and that same time and drinking action at a go go bar in Bangkok would cost more.

About local talent. Thursday I tried a local haunt near my home for the first time. Small Karaoke bar. I was the only customer for the night. I ended up drinking with 6 out of the 10 ladies working there. I stayed for about 4 hours and drank and ate and bought shots and played drinking games with 100 baht notes. Had a blast. Bill was 10,000 baht. I didn't take a girl form there because by the time I got around to thinking about it, it was time to meet my regular at T-Ded.

Off I went. Arrived there just about 2 AM. How is this Fernando? I sat down with her, ordered a Heineken, talked for 5 minutes? Paid the 310 baht total bill for the beer and 1 hour sit down with the girl, and the 2500 baht total for ST including the room and left. Full GFE and consensual BBFS CIP unlike what I just read about in a report from Thermae . Love T-Ded 99!