General Reports

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2923809]Two thoughs personally you are making a mountain of a mode hill.

No one really hsd a clue including Lawyers and tax lawyers foerign or Thais.

Originally, the stink was to catch Thais who were making money abroad and not paying taxes, it has already been noted a million times it accidentlly swept in Expats. These Thai are the riches of the rich like the family who owns the 7/11.

Now that it has like always Thai leaders are out for blood the problem like the daily hot air out of their mouth not a clue how to go about it.

[b]Let me ask you if you are so concern why ask here although Sub puts it right don't give advice outside of your profession[/b].

Instead of running around go anywhere try finding someone NOW who can read and sort out you return as I noted go down the revenue office across the road from immigration see if anyone can help you in English fill out the form.

When you narrow it down Thai know there is a treaty with the USA that they can't double tax as with a number of other countries, [b]I resd somewhere these Mother Fuckers are trying to overturn these treaty.[/b]

I personal not worry they can't even figure out how to impose a 300 bahtTourist fee to cover tourist medical cost taxes LOL.

[b]It can happen but until I see it force I'm not worry plus even if one does it has been noted so many write off how much can they actual get this was to target the rich.[/b]

Like the man said " you been served ".

How you like me now. LOL.[/QUOTE]I like you a lot. You keep in real up in here. Shutting up the chicken little "the sky is falling" mother fuckers and forcing them think in a logical fashion.

You pretty much summed up my thoughts about the issues over all. I've read the same about the tax treaty. That requires an act of the law making body here in Thailand. Not a simple rule change. You make a good point. Why does the revenue want to receive bunch of returns that it has to process if there is no revenue due? That just costs them money without making money. Does not accomplish the purpose of the rule change (which is to generate more revenue). I'm quite comfortable with the advice I have received for my personal tax situation. Ultimately everyone will have to handle their own business their own way.

[B]I just know that doing five to ten in the pen for tax evasion is bad for my health.[/B] I will do what I need to in order to satisfy the requirements of the controlling legal authorities that I must answer too.

We're not going to get useful tax advice here, but I want to know how many of Thai residents here plan to file a tax return next year for Thailand? Will it be your first tax return here?

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2924280]We're not going to get useful tax advice here, but I want to know how many of Thai residents here plan to file a tax return next year for Thailand? Will it be your first tax return here?[/QUOTE]Correct, what we will get is only opinions neither you or I are correct. Because nothing has happen when it does it becomes fact.

I do my extension in Jan I would be real shock if my application is stopped due to not filing a tax return.

When it happens I will deal with it just like I've dealt with every bullshit thing these stupid leaders have put forth in the past and for sure future.

If it happens I'm sure a side business will be created just like the 90 day, TM30 by so call agent A lilttle donation and they will look the other way.

You know all these bar girls and their stories, Ive been here 20 years
I know of no locals any working girl in the profession or not doing a tax return or have a tax I.D.
Never seen my son. Daughter in law file a return, My wife never have paid any tax on house or income from our rentals.
If push come to shove I need will get a account and run down their system by the time Im done I might get a refund from these stupid fucks.

This whole Thai tax issue will probably be a boon to Cambodia.

Unless Thai people work in a factory, they are usually not paying income tax.

The question is how many residents here are filing tax returns next year.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2924280]We're not going to get useful tax advice here, but I want to know how many of Thai residents here plan to file a tax return next year for Thailand? Will it be your first tax return here?[/QUOTE]I will only if I get a written notice from my Thai bank that I must do so or my ATM card, deposit, withdrawal and online transfer options will no longer work or if it is listed as a requirement on the Thai Immigration website or the Immigration Officer at crunch time tells me I must do so or I can not extend my retirement visa.

Otherwise, I am not going to do it just because an article in the Bsngkok Post says I need to do it or any other publication or anyone here.

However, I am fine with anyone posting anything they hear, see or read about it here. You never know where a lead to a clever workaround or convenient short cut for that or any other required process might pop up.

[QUOTE=TooDirty;2924488]This whole Thai tax issue will probably be a boon to Cambodia.[/QUOTE]Without a doubt. Other locations also. If the reinterpretation of the tax rule imposes enough taxes on current residents to cause them to evaluate if they should pay or just stay for 180 days, it could have negative effect on the amount of money the spent in Thailand on a variable basis.

Got excited a while ago hearing about this new site Fiwifans and the possibilities and also the prices. So from my research girls are FLers, advertise and you go to them at their place (although seems some can come to you). Obviously pics could be heavily airbrushed.

Question is. If staying in the heart of paradise. Suk Rd / NEP area. Is there any value / need for this way of meeting ladies? Some look very cute (if its them) and very cheap.

Some posters rave, is it just another site like TF or Smocchi? Or could it be a whole lotta effort for very little reward. And BTW with Bangkok traffic would it be worth the hassle going to and back from a rendezvous? Please educate me or correct my misunderstandings.

NI.

[QUOTE=NewImage;2924892]Got excited a while ago hearing about this new site Fiwifans and the possibilities and also the prices. So from my research girls are FLers, advertise and you go to them at their place (although seems some can come to you). Obviously pics could be heavily airbrushed.

Question is. If staying in the heart of paradise. Suk Rd / NEP area. Is there any value / need for this way of meeting ladies? Some look very cute (if its them) and very cheap.

Some posters rave, is it just another site like TF or Smocchi? Or could it be a whole lotta effort for very little reward. And BTW with Bangkok traffic would it be worth the hassle going to and back from a rendezvous? Please educate me or correct my misunderstandings.

NI.[/QUOTE]Use the search box and search FiwFans here.

Hi All,

I have a business trip to Bangkok (first time) and read a lot in the forum.

I have one free full day during the trip and I am thinking of going to Pattaya.

My questions are:

1. Is it worth it to go for one day to Pattaya or better to focus on Bangkok?

2. I am staying in Avani Riverside hotel (Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok) and have lots or colleagues with me.

A. Is it girl friendly?

Be. Do I have to pickup the girl from the lobby or she can come to my room directly?

I am free at night during the first few days of work. Any recommendations for evening mongering (I need to be efficient)?

Any general recommendations or advice?

Many thanks in advance.

There has been long discussions about this on Aseannow.

[QUOTE=Maringos;2924950]1. Is it worth it to go for one day to Pattaya or better to focus on Bangkok?

2. I am staying in Avani Riverside hotel (Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok) and have lots or colleagues with me.
[/QUOTE]1. Pattaya is roughly 2 hours each way these days from the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok. You have 1 day so imo it's not worth wasting 4 hours of time in a taxi and checking into your hotel just to go to Pattaya. You have 1 night in Bangkok. We all know the song. Enjoy it.

2. Personally I'd rent another hotel near the action for some fun unless your work colleagues know you do this sort of stuff. Is it worth the risk? Bangkok hotels aren't expensive unless you want something high end.

[QUOTE=Maringos;2924950]1. Is it worth it to go for one day to Pattaya or better to focus on Bangkok?[/QUOTE]If you have gone across the world to some place you have never been, it is always worth it to take a day trip to another place you have never been. Kill 2 places in one trip.

When a lady comes to my condo, we usually start with drinks, sometimes for hours. I find that the key is to let the lady talk about themselves, which is their favorite thing to do.

They sometimes get very emotional about their Farang customers, to the point of obsession. The ladies who come rarely obsess over their current boyfriend customer, but usually it's a different customer every time they come.

Their major complaints are customers who promise big money, but fail to deliver, ie underpay. Or promise to be a sponsor, and reneg.

Rarely do they complain about sex with long time customers. It's not a big deal, since most bargirls have a Thai boyfriend. And they almost never complain about a Thai man, unless they are at the end stage of the relationship.

And they talk about money. A lot.

I had a lady come over for drinks, and she told me she borrowed 30,000 from a loan shark. The terms are that she pays 9,000 baht per month as interest. She doesn't have any way of paying down the principal.

I suspect this is a very common situation in Thailand.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2925047]If you have gone across the world to some place you have never been, it is always worth it to take a day trip to another place you have never been. Kill 2 places in one trip.[/QUOTE]Mybe I' incorrect but the way I read his post was that he had 1 free day in either Bangkok or Pattaya. So either way he sees the RLD in only one of the 2 cities.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2925188]I had a lady come over for drinks, and she told me she borrowed 30,000 from a loan shark. The terms are that she pays 9,000 baht per month as interest. She doesn't have any way of paying down the principal.

I suspect this is a very common situation in Thailand.[/QUOTE]Yes. I think I posted last year about a business owner in some town who went to a loanshark then had to go to another to pay off that one. He repeated the same process about 5 times until he could no longer. They were coming after him and he went to the police. The police told him the best thing to do is move to a different city.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2925188]I had a lady come over for drinks, and she told me she borrowed 30,000 from a loan shark. The terms are that she pays 9,000 baht per month as interest. She doesn't have any way of paying down the principal.

I suspect this is a very common situation in Thailand.[/QUOTE]More common than you think! For reason drugs, alcohol, gambling, even living beyond their means, live is real tough for Thais especially in general the poor they want things just like everyone else but lack of basic education and the inability of parents who come from the same school this pattern has continue for centuries. This pattern extends to what many here taught about Thai men and girls working or not how they behave it they get a bit of money. Get a job a little money coming in first thing they do go out and finance a motorbike, next level small car, reason you go to lots auction you see so many vehicles. They all want to keep up with the Jones. They will ask to borrow money if you ask them how you plan to pay back, got any like gold, bike etc. For me to hold on they look at you as Mr. E said " why you being so mean to me ".

Here is a true story! A Thai wife married to foreigner living here has a good life they have a number of kids, for whatever reason she goes to a loan shark borrows using the house 1. 5 million baht, payment 50.000 baht a month. She got no jobs she is a home maker that gets nothing except money to run the household.

Here is another! Thai wife, foreigner, one kid, ended up losing 50 million in cash and assets. Two years prior I visited their house for a BD party told another expat looking at her and friends something smells with this situation. Expat said he is rich just by watching her looking at her face skin tone signal to me she was becoming an alcoholic if not already. One day on my bike helmet on Benz comes flying by me I noticed it was her so I followed straight to a known gambling Thai house run by the police Two years later ask me for help so I set up basically an intervention at their home with her close cousin and Thai lawyer husband.

By now while talking to her she had lost 30 million in the bank, the house 4 million, the Benz 5 million, everything was gone given up for more loans. In conversation I told her for your kid sake what is coming in on pension can be workable but I said you got a problem. Face red, 50 pounds heavier said " I got no problem " Told me she has a friend if you lend me 250,000 baht I can get everything back and still have more credit line. LOL do the math! With the friend he gave me full control of his pension instead of her the reality he was going to lose everything soon particularly the house but I said let the loan sharks have it all don't look back he could start over. I found him a nice house for him to rent at 7000 baht a month with a community pool.

The guy was also medically not well a diabetic that needed 3 treatment a week. In private you better man up and learn how to say NO, a month later from my brother, he said they left town to go live at her family village I said to my brother he would be dead in less than a year. A year later he passes didn't even have money to pay the Temple for the cremation two years later we found out he was sitting on the shelf in the Temple in a 7/11 plastic bag, the remains were finally sent to my brother by a cousin FedEx it was in one of those 20 baht candy jars, the family sent my brother money to put him in a proper container and after Thailand opened from Covid, my brother did the necessary paperwork required and brought the remains back to the family in the USA.

This is he ugly truth about Thailand!

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2924490]Unless Thai people work in a factory, they are usually not paying income tax.

The question is how many residents here are filing tax returns next year.[/QUOTE]When my son and daughter in-law was working for various companies Flash, DIY,. Makro, HomePro, taxes were removed but general majority of those working independent selling food don't pay taxes. Just last year I have several laundry machines, water filter system machine in 15 years no one ever ask me about anything including cleaning but I did the research and kept it up. Last year, a government official came and put a tag on the machine saying it had to be register so my wife went and did just that. I told her if we got to pay a lot of taxes I will just take everything out. After registration the clerk ask her how much you make from the machine I gave them a low number really the truth and whatever taxes we expected to pay was waved LOL.

Today it is one big happy family everyone works at the restaurant they pay no taxes on all the income. Agreed they give me two thousand baht a month and I match it like a 401 K plan, I buy mutual funds with the money and plan to wire the profit each year to their Thai bank accounts. The money from the machines I collect and use it to buy them health insurance. If taxes at some point are force on me to pay I will do exactly what I do at home each year ME VS THE USA, get a tax person who will take the Thai system and get every baht deduction out of the system whatever means it takes so I pay as little as possible and if I do get a refund heading down to W. S. And blowing it on drinks! LOL.

Information I gathered says you are allowed to enter the Kingdom of Thailand twice overland and 6 times via air.

But the immigration officer has final say. If their determination is that you are trying to live in the Kingdom of Thailand without getting the proper visa then you are going to ge denied.

Now, I know all the different ways to work the immigration system here in the Kingdom. I was schooled by a young immigration vet that claimed to be have been living here seven years without a long term visa. Of course he was from a VISA EXEMPT country that is very prominent on the world stage. That might have factored into his ability to work the system.

FYI: it does not matter what type of VISA you hold or are trying to enter on. The immigration officer has the final say in all cases. So, you better act right.

Technically, you are allowed to enter 2 times per calendar year on visa exemption. However the immigration officer allows everyone in to Thailand on his or her's discretion. However, some travelers have been allowed in more than 2 times in one calendar year and some get questioned and refused entry because of their previous entry history from a previous year. Therefore, immigration can do what they want. There are stories of guys coming in as much as 10 times on visa exemption when others can't get away with more than 2.

How to reduce the risk of being denied entry as a tourist to Thailand entering on visa exemption? First step is always be able to show a return or onward flight if the immigration officer asks. Secondly, be prepared to show proof of travel funds of 20,000 Baht or equivalent in foreign currency. Thirdly, be prepared to show proof of accommodation if asked. The IO may ask for one or two or all three or none. When it comes to your behavior, be polite, dress appropriately with a neat appearance, and cooperate with all their requests.

Next, you can apply for a single or multiple entry tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. However, you should still be prepared to show some or all of the above if requested by the IO. Note that tourists are not supposed to be in Thailand for more than 180 days per calendar year. If you find yourself approaching this, doing a visa or border run with an agency may get you one more entry or one more tourist visa plus an extension in country as the agency makes prior arrangements with the land border immigration. If you enter many timers by air as a tourist, this can be dangerous as the airport is where the entry rules are more strictly enforced as it's not impossible to use an agency to enter by air.

Finally, there is no secret way or secret visa that you can buy before or after you are initially refused entry that can help you enter Thailand. However, with the help of a lawyer, you can appeal the refusal of entry and if you are lucky and you have a valid reason, after a couple of days, they will allow you to enter. Most people don't know about this or can't be bothered to try or pay for this.

About the 60 day visa exemption and DTV. These two new initiatives have been approved by the new government to begin sometime in the near future once the legal process has been finished. The details of both of these initiatives are still not clear. What's unknown? For the visa exemption for 60 days, according to the law, the officer has the authority to extend a visa exempt entry for 30 days at their discretion. We are hoping this will continue for the 60 days visa exemption so you can extend your stay to 90 days. For the DTV, there are so many things unclear we will just have to wait and see.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]About the 60 day visa exemption and DTV. These two new initiatives have been approved by the new government to begin sometime in the near future once the legal process has been finished. The details of both of these initiatives are still not clear. What's unknown? For the visa exemption for 60 days, according to the law, the officer has the authority to extend a visa exempt entry for 30 days at their discretion. We are hoping this will continue for the 60 days visa exemption so you can extend your stay to 90 days.[/QUOTE]I'm planning on being in the Kingdom for 80 days this winter. In the past, I have gotten a 60-day tourist visa from the Royal Thai Consulate in LOS Angeles and could extend that 30 more days. If the new 60-day visa exemption goes into effect, the question is whether it can be extended another 30 days. If the new 60-day visa exemption does not allow extending by 30 more days, will I still be able to get a 60-day tourist visa from the Thai Consulate so that I can extend that? I suspect we will not know any of this until the new process goes into effect.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]Technically, you are allowed to enter 2 times per calendar year on visa exemption. However the immigration officer allows everyone in to Thailand on his or her's discretion. However, some travelers have been allowed in more than 2 times in one calendar year and some get questioned and refused entry because of their previous entry history from a previous year. Therefore, immigration can do what they want. There are stories of guys coming in as much as 10 times on visa exemption when others can't get away with more than 2.

How to reduce the risk of being denied entry as a tourist to Thailand entering on visa exemption? First step is always be able to show a return or onward flight if the immigration officer asks. Secondly, be prepared to show proof of travel funds of 20,000 Baht or equivalent in foreign currency. Thirdly, be prepared to show proof of accommodation if asked. The IO may ask for one or two or all three or none. When it comes to your behavior, be polite, dress appropriately with a neat appearance, and cooperate with all their requests..[/QUOTE]Actually there is a Special Visa Process whereby you can enter the next day if denied entry.

Caveat. The stipulation is that you have to leave Thailand. It's not Free but very price reasonable.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2925327]More common than you think! even living beyond their means, live is real tough for Thais especially in general the poor they want things just like everyone else but lack of basic education and the inability of parents who come from the same school this pattern has continue for centuries. This pattern extends to what many here taught about Thai men and girls working or not how they behave it they get a bit of money. Get a job a little money coming in first thing they do go out and finance a motorbike, next level small car

This is he ugly truth about Thailand![/QUOTE]Three of my Thai friends have good jobs in the USA in the trucking business, and they spend every bit they make and even more. Their spending on food alone is huge. If you loan them money then every single person they've ever known from Thailand comes before paying back your loan. LMAO.

[QUOTE=TooDirty;2928841]Three of my Thai friends have good jobs in the USA in the trucking business, and they spend every bit they make and even more. Their spending on food alone is huge. If you loan them money then every single person they've ever known from Thailand comes before paying back your loan. LMAO.[/QUOTE]I only know 2 Thai people in USA well enough to understand their financial status. One is a typical Thai mooch. The other got almost nothing when her USA husband died 20 years ago, but she is one of the hardest working people I have ever known. She has had multiple successful businesses in USA and she owns multiple pieces of real estate in USA, only 1 has a mortgage. She might be the most frugal person that I know.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]Technically, you are allowed to enter 2 times per calendar year on visa exemption. However the immigration officer allows everyone in to Thailand on his or her's discretion. However, some travelers have been allowed in more than 2 times in one calendar year and some get questioned and refused entry because of their previous entry history from a previous year. Therefore, immigration can do what they want. There are stories of guys coming in as much as 10 times on visa exemption when others can't get away with more than 2.

How to reduce the risk of being denied entry as a tourist to Thailand entering on visa exemption? First step is always be able to show a return or onward flight if the immigration officer asks. Secondly, be prepared to show proof of travel funds of 20,000 Baht or equivalent in foreign currency. Thirdly, be prepared to show proof of accommodation if asked. The IO may ask for one or two or all three or none. When it comes to your behavior, be polite, dress appropriately with a neat appearance, and cooperate with all their requests.

Next, you can apply for a single or multiple entry tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. However, you should still be prepared to show some or all of the above if requested by the IO. Note that tourists are not supposed to be in Thailand for more than 180 days per calendar year. If you find yourself approaching this, doing a visa or border run with an agency may get you one more entry or one more tourist visa plus an extension in country as the agency makes prior arrangements with the land border immigration. If you enter many timers by air as a tourist, this can be dangerous as the airport is where the entry rules are more strictly enforced as it's not impossible to use an agency to enter by air.

Finally, there is no secret way or secret visa that you can buy before or after you are initially refused entry that can help you enter Thailand. However, with the help of a lawyer, you can appeal the refusal of entry and if you are lucky and you have a valid reason, after a couple of days, they will allow you to enter. Most people don't know about this or can't be bothered to try or pay for this.

About the 60 day visa exemption and DTV. These two new initiatives have been approved by the new government to begin sometime in the near future once the legal process has been finished. The details of both of these initiatives are still not clear. What's unknown? For the visa exemption for 60 days, according to the law, the officer has the authority to extend a visa exempt entry for 30 days at their discretion. We are hoping this will continue for the 60 days visa exemption so you can extend your stay to 90 days. For the DTV, there are so many things unclear we will just have to wait and see.[/QUOTE]I have entered Thailand 6 times this year exempt. Its two by land and as many times as you want by air.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2928872]I only know 2 Thai people in USA well enough to understand their financial status. One is a typical Thai mooch. The other got almost nothing when her USA husband died 20 years ago, but she is one of the hardest working people I have ever known. She has had multiple successful businesses in USA and she owns multiple pieces of real estate in USA, only 1 has a mortgage. She might be the most frugal person that I know.[/QUOTE]Your frugal lady sounds like she is Thai Chinese.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]Technically, you are allowed to enter 2 times per calendar year on visa exemption. However the immigration officer allows everyone in to Thailand on his or her's discretion. However, some travelers have been allowed in more than 2 times in one calendar year and some get questioned and refused entry because of their previous entry history from a previous year. Therefore, immigration can do what they want. There are stories of guys coming in as much as 10 times on visa exemption when others can't get away with more than 2.[/QUOTE]In my personal case I only entered under the "visa exemption" program twice during a calendar year. So, unlike others are reporting, I have never had a problem entering The Kingdom of Thailand.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]How to reduce the risk of being denied entry as a tourist to Thailand entering on visa exemption? First step is always be able to show a return or onward flight if the immigration officer asks. Secondly, be prepared to show proof of travel funds of 20,000 Baht or equivalent in foreign currency. Thirdly, be prepared to show proof of accommodation if asked. The IO may ask for one or two or all three or none.[/QUOTE]The actual factual items to be presented to the immigration officer are excellent preparation and everyone should have them ready to be presented immigration if requested.

Should be noted that I entered the Kingdom of Thailand once when my return ticket was 60 days away from my entry date. I only received permission to stay for 30 days. No problems with the immigration officer. In fact, none of those questions listed by the [B]OP[/B] were even asked. I was dressed nice enough be let on the plane, I was polite. I was prepared to cooperate with all requests. I certainly had no intention to fail the "attitude test".

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]When it comes to your behavior, be polite, dress appropriately with a neat appearance, and cooperate with all their requests.[/QUOTE]Seems to be pretty basic suggestions and universal when entering a county other than your own. The only time I smart off to immigration officers is when I am entering my country of origin. I have had many tete-a-tete with mother fucking dumb ass immigration officers as I enter my country of origin. One of my favorite occasions was when a male immigration officer asked what was my profession. I told him I was a photographer. He the proceeded to ask me what kind of photography. I told him pornographic. After I pregnant pause, I said to him, perhaps you have seen some of my work. His response was: welcome back to the US. [B]LOL[/B]!

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]Next, you can apply for a single or multiple entry tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. However, you should still be prepared to show some or all of the above if requested by the IO. Note that tourists are not supposed to be in Thailand for more than 180 days per calendar year. If you find yourself approaching this, doing a visa or border run with an agency may get you one more entry or one more tourist visa plus an extension in country as the agency makes prior arrangements with the land border immigration. If you enter many timers by air as a tourist, this can be dangerous as the airport is where the entry rules are more strictly enforced as it's not impossible to use an agency to enter by air.[/QUOTE]I have entered by both air and using an agency to make a border run. Both times were seamless.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]Finally, there is no secret way or secret visa that you can buy before or after you are initially refused entry that can help you enter Thailand. However, with the help of a lawyer, you can appeal the refusal of entry and if you are lucky and you have a valid reason, after a couple of days, they will allow you to enter. Most people don't know about this or can't be bothered to try or pay for this.[/QUOTE]Interesting. Where to you live / stay? In the airport while waiting for your appeal to be processed?

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2928813]About the 60 day visa exemption and DTV. These two new initiatives have been approved by the new government to begin sometime in the near future once the legal process has been finished. The details of both of these initiatives are still not clear. What's unknown? For the visa exemption for 60 days, according to the law, the officer has the authority to extend a visa exempt entry for 30 days at their discretion. We are hoping this will continue for the 60 days visa exemption so you can extend your stay to 90 days. For the DTV, there are so many things unclear we will just have to wait and see.[/QUOTE]The Destination Thailand Visa sounds interesting. I am waiting for the details to be confirmed by government officials. I really do not like high season in Thailand. So 180 days is enough time each calendar year for me. Gives me plenty of time to enjoy the Bus Bar, the girls of Thai Friendly, the girls of [B]Beach Road[/B] and my ATF.

[B]How you like me now?[/B]

One of the struggles of living in Thailand is to retain small bills. They are useful for paying Bolt taxi, and tips, but since I pay for stuff electronically, I don't often get small bills as change. Yesterday I went to the ATM to withdraw 900 baht so I had some small bills.

Today's lady helped me out. She had 500 baht in small bills that she needed to deposit in her bank account, so I took her cash, and transferred 500 baht to her bank account.

I just received my LTR visa. It is a 10 year multiple entry visa stamp with no requirements needed except once a year reporting which is waived if you leave and reenter Thailand. But it only has a 5 year stay permit which has to be renewed. The cost was 50,000 Baht. I think the renewal is required so they can revalidate that I continue to meet all of the requirements and so they can collect another 50,000 baht for another 5 year stay. I'm not sure about the additional cost but I'm sure it won't be free. LOL.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2928990]One of the struggles of living in Thailand is to retain small bills. They are useful for paying Bolt taxi, and tips, but since I pay for stuff electronically, I don't often get small bills as change. Yesterday I went to the ATM to withdraw 900 baht so I had some small bills.[/QUOTE]Bolt and Grab you can use your CC. Bolt also has a wallet so just throw a few thousand baht in there and use that. If I need small bills I go to a 711 and buy a 10 baht water with a 1000 baht bill. Then ask for 20's and 100's back for change.

[QUOTE=Houston Player;2929021]I just received my LTR visa. It is a 10 year multiple entry visa stamp with no requirements needed except once a year reporting which is waived if you leave and reenter Thailand. But it only has a 5 year stay permit which has to be renewed. The cost was 50,000 Baht. [/QUOTE]

Good to know I'll look into this. At only 10,000 baht per year and really no reporting since I would never stay in Thailand for one year straight this seems like the right Visa for me.

I can qualify as a retired person with no provable monthly income at all?

So Prompt Pay extended to Singapore, HK, and Japan earlier this year. Having accounts in these places its obviously more attractive to keep my money in the account for better exchange rates and security. Businesses and bars would obviously not have any problem accepting it.

So my question is, have any of you had any experience in paying the girls with prompt pay? I'm guessing they would accept it, but would they like to see cash instead?

Cheers.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2929136]Bolt and Grab you can use your CC. Bolt also has a wallet so just throw a few thousand baht in there and use that. If I need small bills I go to a 711 and buy a 10 baht water with a 1000 baht bill. Then ask for 20's and 100's back for change.



Good to know I'll look into this. At only 10,000 baht per year and really no reporting since I would never stay in Thailand for one year straight this seems like the right Visa for me.

I can qualify as a retired person with no provable monthly income at all?[/QUOTE]LTR has strings attached.

Simple solution to VISA issues.

Everyone gets 30 days.

After that $200 /$300 . Per month up to 10 month max on a calendar year. You get to choose your subscription.

So brilliant it will never be implemented.

The poors won't be able to afford. Win for Thailand.

The elite who have money can stay and Spend. Win Thailand.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2929021]I just received my LTR visa. It is a 10 year multiple entry visa stamp with no requirements needed except once a year reporting which is waived if you leave and reenter Thailand. But it only has a 5 year stay permit which has to be renewed. The cost was 50,000 Baht. I think the renewal is required so they can revalidate that I continue to meet all of the requirements and so they can collect another 50,000 baht for another 5 year stay. I'm not sure about the additional cost but I'm sure it won't be free. LOL.[/QUOTE]Price is 50 k for 10 years. There's no collecting of another 50 k at the 5-year mark. Did you really get an LTR visa?

[QUOTE=XXL;2929178]Price is 50 k for 10 years. There's no collecting of another 50 k at the 5-year mark. Did you really get an LTR visa?[/QUOTE]Yes I really did get an LTR visa. I was surprised by the 5 year stay that has to be renewed. I said I wasn't sure about any additional cost. They told me I had to renew after 5 years, I didn't ask about the cost but I bet there will be some fee.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2929136]Bolt and Grab you can use your CC. Bolt also has a wallet so just throw a few thousand baht in there and use that. If I need small bills I go to a 711 and buy a 10 baht water with a 1000 baht bill. Then ask for 20's and 100's back for change.



Good to know I'll look into this. At only 10,000 baht per year and really no reporting since I would never stay in Thailand for one year straight this seems like the right Visa for me.

I can qualify as a retired person with no provable monthly income at all?[/QUOTE]Sorry if I wasn't clear. I had to qualify for the LTR visa with proof of annual income and health insurance coverage. But after qualifying and receiving the visa there are no additional requirements like my OA visa had. No 800,000 baht in the bank or monthly deposits and no 90 day reporting. I seldom had to do a 90 day report anyway because I travel more often than that.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2929245]Sorry if I wasn't clear. I had to qualify for the LTR visa with proof of annual income [/QUOTE]Thanks HP. Well I'm out then.

[QUOTE=XXL;2929178]Price is 50 k for 10 years. There's no collecting of another 50 k at the 5-year mark. Did you really get an LTR visa?[/QUOTE]XXL, I added an attachment. First attachment for me so it may not work.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2928990]One of the struggles of living in Thailand is to retain small bills. They are useful for paying Bolt taxi, and tips, but since I pay for stuff electronically, I don't often get small bills as change. Yesterday I went to the ATM to withdraw 900 baht so I had some small bills.

Today's lady helped me out. She had 500 baht in small bills that she needed to deposit in her bank account, so I took her cash, and transferred 500 baht to her bank account.[/QUOTE]I just goto the grocery store. I always buy whatever I need with a 1000 THB note. Get the change. When I am at the bank I give them a 1000 THB note. They give me change.

Have a completely different idea of what a struggle is. For me a struggle is getting a girl here to swallow my cum, letting me blast my splooge into their ass or even taking it in the ass in the first damn place. No ass, No ass, No ass must be a Thai song. [B]LOL![/B].

This is live starting Monday July 15th guys. Happy travels.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2929451]60 day visa exemption for select counties

This is live starting Monday July 15th guys. [/QUOTE]It's in the Royal Gazette now cause I didn't see it there when I read this on another site earlier today.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2929485]It's in the Royal Gazette now cause I didn't see it there when I read this on another site earlier today.[/QUOTE]This is 1 million percent live on Monday. However the DTV will not be implemented quite yet as Immigration are still working through the kinks. Hopefully Monday they will announce the specifics.

I'm looking for a tolerable area to relocate to from the USA. Condos around Asoke look ok but not sure how life would be after a few months. Any advice or recommendations appreciated. I've been to Thailand a couple of times but only for a few weeks, and not sure how it would be after a few months. The islands seem overdeveloped. PM me or post if you have thoughts or if there is an expat forum somewhere. Thanks!

Stan.

Great new visas guys.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2930748]Great new visas guys.[/QUOTE]I guess I qualify for the DTV if I sign up for cooking classes. That's something I could do and would be cheap.

So I sign up for 1 cooking class and pay 10,000 baht and I get a 5 year multi entry Visa (never concerned that I have to leave within 180 days since I travel so often).

[QUOTE=OneNightStan;2930706]I'm looking for a tolerable area to relocate to from the USA. Condos around Asoke look ok but not sure how life would be after a few months. Any advice or recommendations appreciated. I've been to Thailand a couple of times but only for a few weeks, and not sure how it would be after a few months. The islands seem overdeveloped. PM me or post if you have thoughts or if there is an expat forum somewhere. Thanks!

Stan.[/QUOTE][URL]https://aseannow.com/[/URL]

[QUOTE=OneNightStan;2930706]I'm looking for a tolerable area to relocate to from the USA. Condos around Asoke look ok but not sure how life would be after a few months. Any advice or recommendations appreciated. I've been to Thailand a couple of times but only for a few weeks, and not sure how it would be after a few months. The islands seem overdeveloped. PM me or post if you have thoughts or if there is an expat forum somewhere. Thanks!

Stan.[/QUOTE]There is a BIG difference between visiting Thailand and living there. I visit for 2-3 months every winter, and as a visitor, I do not have to concern myself with daily tasks, like cooking, shopping for food, cleaning, paying utility bills, and all the other things that come with living. Also, if I lived there, what would I do every day? What would my daily routine be like and who would be my friends?

I enjoy visiting Thailand, and enjoy being at home in southern California. Yes, southern California is expensive, but it is a good place. Looking forward to returning for 3 months in Thailand (BKK, Chiang Mai) starting mid-November.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;2931063]There is a BIG difference between visiting Thailand and living there. I visit for 2-3 months every winter, and as a visitor, I do not have to concern myself with daily tasks, like cooking, shopping for food, cleaning, paying utility bills, and all the other things that come with living.[/QUOTE]Paying bills takes all of a half of an afternoon. Almost everything can be done online. I pay my phone and electricity online and my water in person at my building. Cleaning is not a big deal. I have been cleaning my whole life and actually enjoy cooking. The clean up afterwards is not any fun. It would be nice to have someone to do that for me. I have that while I lived in View Talay 6. I have a robotic vacuum and a robotic mop. Both of which do a much better job on my floors than I ever did. Lastly shopping for food is also not a time consuming task.

You can eat out all the time considering the effort it takes to cook. I cook the meals I like and dine out or consume delivery the rest of the time. I don't have any friends in Thailand and I like it that way. If I get lonely I just go and sit in the Bus Bar read works of fiction written about it. LOL! I don't care if I ever step foot in the (Dis) United States of America again. My fellow Americans are the worst farangs I run into here in Thailand.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;2931063]There is a BIG difference between visiting Thailand and living there. I visit for 2-3 months every winter, and as a visitor, I do not have to concern myself with daily tasks, like cooking, shopping for food, cleaning, paying utility bills, and all the other things that come with living. Also, if I lived there, what would I do every day? What would my daily routine be like and who would be my friends?[/QUOTE]Things would be the same way they are now except it would be in a different place.

[QUOTE=OneNightStan;2930706]I'm looking for a tolerable area to relocate to from the USA. Condos around Asoke look ok but not sure how life would be after a few months. Any advice or recommendations appreciated. I've been to Thailand a couple of times but only for a few weeks, and not sure how it would be after a few months. The islands seem overdeveloped. PM me or post if you have thoughts or if there is an expat forum somewhere. Thanks!

Stan.[/QUOTE]Living in Thailand works for me. I blew the bolts in SoCal, sold my house and moved to Pattaya.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;2931063]There is a BIG difference between visiting Thailand and living there. I visit for 2-3 months every winter, and as a visitor, I do not have to concern myself with daily tasks, like cooking, shopping for food, cleaning, paying utility bills, and all the other things that come with living. Also, if I lived there, what would I do every day? What would my daily routine be like and who would be my friends?

I enjoy visiting Thailand, and enjoy being at home in southern California. Yes, southern California is expensive, but it is a good place. Looking forward to returning for 3 months in Thailand (BKK, Chiang Mai) starting mid-November.[/QUOTE]I visited Thailand many times over 20+ years before retiring here. I tried living in Bangkok. No way. I still visit BKK 3 or 4 times a year, but can't stomach the regular daily BS (traffic, immigration, etc.). Have you ever lived overseas? Make plans to stay somewhere for 3 to 6 months. Just getting a car & driver's license is not a walk in the park. And why drive in BKK if that's where you want to stay? Do you have a budget or are you well off and costs do not matter? That makes a BIG diff. Maybe some place like Chiang Mai (but not from Feb-Apr) could be a starting place. Lots of farangs there if that's your cup of tea. They can support your efforts to settle in to the culture. Don't sell eveything at home until you are 100% sure Thailand is for you. New tax requirements could also make your choice of here or somewhere else a good selection.

I know the challenges, but just need a change. Corruption and hustlers are constant in Thailand, but for one thing I think the US is in for some strange days ahead. My situation is not the same as yours, most friends have moved away, covid killed my work, I am likely a lot older than you and income is social security plus savings. I would rent for a few months anyway before buying. Facing an illegal eviction so I will have to make a move somewhere next year. First choice is Europe but that is turning into a shit show. With climate issues everything is unpredictable. Japan or Philippines also considered.

Your CA life sounds better than mine BeachDrone, good routine!

Anybody please chime in or PM me.

Thanks so much!

Stan.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;2931063]There is a BIG difference between visiting Thailand and living there. I visit for 2-3 months every winter, and as a visitor, I do not have to concern myself with daily tasks, like cooking, shopping for food, cleaning, paying utility bills, and all the other things that come with living. Also, if I lived there, what would I do every day? What would my daily routine be like and who would be my friends?

I enjoy visiting Thailand, and enjoy being at home in southern California. Yes, southern California is expensive, but it is a good place. Looking forward to returning for 3 months in Thailand (BKK, Chiang Mai) starting mid-November.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OneNightStan;2931183]I know the challenges, but just need a change. Corruption and hustlers are constant in Thailand, but for one thing I think the US is in for some strange days ahead. My situation is not the same as yours, most friends have moved away, covid killed my work, I am likely a lot older than you and income is social security plus savings. I would rent for a few months anyway before buying. Facing an illegal eviction so I will have to make a move somewhere next year. First choice is Europe but that is turning into a shit show. With climate issues everything is unpredictable. Japan or Philippines also considered.

Your CA life sounds better than mine BeachDrone, good routine!

Anybody please chime in or PM me.

Thanks so much!

Stan.[/QUOTE]12 years ago I moved to Bangkok. Also from Southern California, where I still own rental property. With a good management company, my interaction with it is minimal. I get or need to reply to an email about something or other maybe twice a year.

I submit my 90 Days Residence Report on the Thai Immigration website. Takes about 3 minutes. Two days later I get a confirmation of its acceptance by email.

Extending my O-A Non Immigrant Long Stay (Retirement Visa) requires me to stop by my Thai bank branch to order a 12 month print out of my statement to show the proper (65,000 baht) minimum monthly Foreign Tranfers, which costs 200 baht. I come back to pick it up in 4-5 days and get a letter of verification from a bank officer confirming I am the person stated on my account, whatever. Costs 100 baht and takes about 15 minutes.

Next comes the one day per year I take that print out and proof of my health insurance coverage (another letter of verification from the insurance company) to Immigration along with the usual photo copies of my passport photo page and, yes, that is going to take an entire day. Cost is 1900 baht. There is now a direct skytrain connection between lower Sukhumvit and the front gate of Immigration at Chang Wattana. Either a 20 minute walk or a 2 minute motorbike taxi ride within the grounds of the complex gets you to the right building.

So far, the above is the entirety if my interaction with the Thai government in order to live here. However, that is before whatever new tax info requirement kicks in, if ever. At this point I have only heard reports of some new 1 page form / report to fill out and submit. Mostly just a repeat of the bank info I give them anyway. But time will tell.

Otherwise, my life here has been incredibly comfortable and fun. From the pussy to the food to the public transportation to the onventional Western entertainment options as in music, movies, parks, nightclubs, convention events, whatever, there is always some pleasant diversion to be enjoyed in this city. I am even fine with the year 'round weather.

And there are two easily accessed by skytrain or subway airports to explore the rest of the world anytime.

Now, I might not be the template for what life into old age offers here because I consider what happened to me lately to be rather rare; after plenty of new and sweet pussy and mouths, as I hit 70 years old, I happened upon a truly sweet young lady who is not a bargirl or a freelancer but who is more devoted to my pleasure and happiness than any prior girlfriend or wife I ever had. I wasn't looking for that and still not sure I am ready for such devotion and affection. I still have plenty of wildness in me. But there it is.

I mention this only because that finale is something several expats or wannabe expats have told me they hope to find here for a more perfect life. And with extras on the side. I suppose it has happened that way for me even though I was not hoping for it or looking for it.

Oh, one other thing. For years I walked and used public transportation for everything in Bangkok. During the Covid closures I bought a nice electric bicycle. One big enough to carry a passenger. I love it. Imo, this is the best and most pleasurable, easy breezy way to cruise around this city, cut through traffic, see the sights, hit the various restaurants, malls and entertainment venues. It has greatly improved my quality of life here. If you feel confident about maneuvering through town on a two wheeler, I strongly recommend getting one.

Hi.

Just wondering if there is a 'go to' App or site to use for translating terms such as OWO, CIM etc etc into Thai? I know the answer is probably, if the girl doesn't know the very basics of lingo in English then it's probably best to avoid her, but at the same time a few times in bars and street I've got some very funny looks when negotiating price and when I show my translations on my phone which leads me to believe I've copied a poor translation off the net.

[QUOTE=PgReal;2931228]Hi.

Just wondering if there is a 'go to' App or site to use for translating terms such as OWO, CIM etc etc into Thai? I know the answer is probably, if the girl doesn't know the very basics of lingo in English then it's probably best to avoid her, but at the same time a few times in bars and street I've got some very funny looks when negotiating price and when I show my translations on my phone which leads me to believe I've copied a poor translation off the net.[/QUOTE] wrong quote.

[QUOTE=PgReal;2931228]Hi.

Just wondering if there is a 'go to' App or site to use for translating terms such as OWO, CIM etc etc into Thai? I know the answer is probably, if the girl doesn't know the very basics of lingo in English then it's probably best to avoid her, but at the same time a few times in bars and street I've got some very funny looks when negotiating price and when I show my translations on my phone which leads me to believe I've copied a poor translation off the net.[/QUOTE]I've never had a problem with google translate. I try not to use slang (e.g., I would never use the terms "cum" or "bare back"). When in doubt, I repeat using different words until I'm sure she understands.

There are a few times where she changes her mind in the room and just doesn't want to do whatever was pre-arranged, but that's different than a translation problem.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2931207]12 years ago I moved to Bangkok. Also from Southern California, where I still own rental property. With a good management company, my interaction with it is minimal. I get or need to reply to an email about something or other maybe twice a year.

I submit my 90 Days Residence Report on the Thai Immigration website. Takes about 3 minutes. Two days later I get a confirmation of its acceptance by email.

Extending my O-A Non Immigrant Long Stay (Retirement Visa) requires me to stop by my Thai bank branch to order a 12 month print out of my statement to show the proper (65,000 baht) minimum monthly Foreign Tranfers, which costs 200 baht. I come back to pick it up in 4-5 days and get a letter of verification from a bank officer confirming I am the person stated on my account, whatever. Costs 100 baht and takes about 15 minutes.

Next comes the one day per year I take that print out and proof of my health insurance coverage (another letter of verification from the insurance company) to Immigration along with the usual photo copies of my passport photo page and, yes, that is going to take an entire day. Cost is 1900 baht. There is now a direct skytrain connection between lower Sukhumvit and the front gate of Immigration at Chang Wattana. Either a 20 minute walk or a 2 minute motorbike taxi ride within the grounds of the complex gets you to the right building.

So far, the above is the entirety if my interaction with the Thai government in order to live here. However, that is before whatever new tax info requirement kicks in, if ever. At this point I have only heard reports of some new 1 page form / report to fill out and submit. Mostly just a repeat of the bank info I give them anyway. But time will tell.

Otherwise, my life here has been incredibly comfortable and fun. From the pussy to the food to the public transportation to the onventional Western entertainment options as in music, movies, parks, nightclubs, convention events, whatever, there is always some pleasant diversion to be enjoyed in this city. I am even fine with the year 'round weather.

And there are two easily accessed by skytrain or subway airports to explore the rest of the world anytime.

Now, I might not be the template for what life into old age offers here because I consider what happened to me lately to be rather rare; after plenty of new and sweet pussy and mouths, as I hit 70 years old, I happened upon a truly sweet young lady who is not a bargirl or a freelancer but who is more devoted to my pleasure and happiness than any prior girlfriend or wife I ever had. I wasn't looking for that and still not sure I am ready for such devotion and affection. I still have plenty of wildness in me. But there it is.

I mention this only because that finale is something several expats or wannabe expats have told me they hope to find here for a more perfect life. And with extras on the side. I suppose it has happened that way for me even though I was not hoping for it or looking for it.

Oh, one other thing. For years I walked and used public transportation for everything in Bangkok. During the Covid closures I bought a nice electric bicycle. One big enough to carry a passenger. I love it. Imo, this is the best and most pleasurable, easy breezy way to cruise around this city, cut through traffic, see the sights, hit the various restaurants, malls and entertainment venues. It has greatly improved my quality of life here. If you feel confident about maneuvering through town on a two wheeler, I strongly recommend getting one.[/QUOTE]If you feel confident about maneuvering through town on a two wheeler, I strongly recommend getting one.

[QUOTE=TConor;2931421][b]A death wish, get your will updated. And make sure you have long term health ins.[/b]
If you feel confident about maneuvering through town on a two wheeler, I strongly recommend getting one.[/QUOTE]I have ridden bikes in the streets of LOS Angeles and New York. Riding one in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is much safer in every way.

First of all, most of the time there is barely any movement in that area other than the bikes that are maneuvering between traffic lanes to get to the front of the line at the next 3 minute red traffic light stop.

In the 3 years I have been riding my bike through these auto / truck / bus traffic jams day and night I think I saw one minor fender-bender between a couple of cars and no accidents with a motorcycle, much less with an electric bicycle.

I don't use it to travel from Nana to Immigration. Not due to safety, just because the skytrain is now much faster. But I will ride it from Nana to Silom / Patpong (takes about 10 minutes compared to 5-6 times that by skytrain / subway or taxi), to Khaosan Road or Chinatown (25 minutes to Khaosan Road vs an hour or more by car taxi). And zipping around from Nana to Soi Cowboy or from MBK to Ekkamai is a cool snap compared to climbing up and down skytrain platforms, standing in the heat waiting for the next train, squeezing into the crowded train cars.

When I arrive at my destination, it being a "bicycle" I have no problem parking and locking it at the nearest sidewalk bicycle rack right outside the front door of the mall, restaurant or entertainment venue.

The risks of riding a two wheeler in the lower Sukhumvit area where I and most locals would ride a bike in their daily rounds is way overstated, imo. I have seen more pedestrians barely dodging potential serious injury while crossing Sukhumvit IN a crosswalk WITH the traffic light on their side and in a crowd of other pedestrians than I have seen for myself and other bike riders in those same areas.

I now see women in evening gowns riding one of those foldable, stand up electric scooters through traffic on Sukhumvit Road on their way to the bar areas. LOL.

Maximum speed possible with an electric bicycle like mine is about 35 kilometers per hour and most of the time I top out at only 18-20 kph, which I believe cuts way down on the risk of an accident. We're just not going fast enough to get into much trouble from our actions. But certainly faster and literally cooler temperature-wise than walking. Yes, I know some drunk driving a truck can slam into me on the street, having nothing to do with any safety measures I might take. But he could also slam into the taxi next to me, the pedestrian crossing the street or even up and onto the sidewalk.

I don't recommend this option to anyone who is not confident that they can maneuver between traffic lanes without clipping every side view mirror in the line up.

[QUOTE=PgReal;2931228]Hi.

Just wondering if there is a 'go to' App or site to use for translating terms such as OWO, CIM etc etc into Thai? I know the answer is probably, if the girl doesn't know the very basics of lingo in English then it's probably best to avoid her, but at the same time a few times in bars and street I've got some very funny looks when negotiating price and when I show my translations on my phone which leads me to believe I've copied a poor translation off the net.[/QUOTE]Why don't you download some pictures from Google to your phone and show them to the girls? That will be easier to understand. Just a thought.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2931427]I have ridden bikes in the streets of LOS Angeles and New York. Riding one in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is much safer in every way.

First of all, most of the time there is barely any movement in that area other than the bikes that are maneuvering between traffic lanes to get to the front of the line at the next 3 minute red traffic light stop.

In the 3 years I have been riding my bike through these auto / truck / bus traffic jams day and night I think I saw one minor fender-bender between a couple of cars and no accidents with a motorcycle, much less with an electric bicycle.

I don't use it to travel from Nana to Immigration. Not due to safety, just because the skytrain is now much faster. But I will ride it from Nana to Silom / Patpong (takes about 10 minutes compared to 5-6 times that by skytrain / subway or taxi), to Khaosan Road or Chinatown (25 minutes to Khaosan Road vs an hour or more by car taxi). And zipping around from Nana to Soi Cowboy or from MBK to Ekkamai is a cool snap compared to climbing up and down skytrain platforms, standing in the heat waiting for the next train, squeezing into the crowded train cars.

When I arrive at my destination, it being a "bicycle" I have no problem parking and locking it at the nearest sidewalk bicycle rack right outside the front door of the mall, restaurant or entertainment venue.

The risks of riding a two wheeler in the lower Sukhumvit area where I and most locals would ride a bike in their daily rounds is way overstated, imo. I have seen more pedestrians barely dodging potential serious injury while crossing Sukhumvit IN a crosswalk WITH the traffic light on their side and in a crowd of other pedestrians than I have seen for myself and other bike riders in those same areas.

I now see women in evening gowns riding one of those foldable, stand up electric scooters through traffic on Sukhumvit Road on their way to the bar areas. LOL.

Maximum speed possible with an electric bicycle like mine is about 35 kilometers per hour and most of the time I top out at only 18-20 kph, which I believe cuts way down on the risk of an accident. We're just not going fast enough to get into much trouble from our actions. But certainly faster and literally cooler temperature-wise than walking. Yes, I know some drunk driving a truck can slam into me on the street, having nothing to do with any safety measures I might take. But he could also slam into the taxi next to me, the pedestrian crossing the street or even up and onto the sidewalk.

I don't recommend this option to anyone who is not confident that they can maneuver between traffic lanes without clipping every side view mirror in the line up.[/QUOTE]Just did some research and found out that 74% of all deaths on the roads of Thailand are motor cycle deaths. Around 45 every day.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2931116]Living in Thailand works for me. I blew the bolts in SoCal, sold my house and moved to Pattaya.[/QUOTE]I had planned on retiring in Thailand but covid interrupted that. Now that covid is over I am having second thoughts. Selling my house is such a big deal and so final. I have found where I live now to be not so bad even though I'm quite perturbed about the future in this country. I'm of two minds and procrastinating.

[QUOTE=Turgid;2932024]I had planned on retiring in Thailand but covid interrupted that. Now that covid is over I am having second thoughts. Selling my house is such a big deal and so final. I have found where I live now to be not so bad even though I'm quite perturbed about the future in this country. I'm of two minds and procrastinating.[/QUOTE]Right now the future is so uncertain. In 2010 I was working in China nearing retirement and China did not look bad as a place to retire. Then the new leader in 2012 changed all that. Before covid Vietnam looked good as a retirement place. But Vietnam forced a lot of people to leave during covid and I don't think hardly any have returned. Thailand looks promising but I am worried about the tax law changes. But with the real estate market in the US the way it is I would be stupid to sell now. I guess I will keep visiting for now. No easy choices.

[QUOTE=Turgid;2932022]Just did some research and found out that 74% of all deaths on the roads of Thailand are motor cycle deaths. Around 45 every day.[/QUOTE]That is impressive but I did not recommend getting a motorcycle nor do I own or drive one.

I am talking about riding a bicycle (which happens to have a 300-400 Watt electric motor as well as pedals) and NOT a motorcycle.

You do know I am not talking about traveling on an open road from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, right? Electric bicycles have a distance range of about 30 kilometers on a full battery with an adult man sitting on it and tops out at about 30 kilometers per hour.

I am quite sure 74% of the deaths for people traveling between Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, between Patpong and Khaosan Road or to and from Foodland Market on Soi 11 are not bicycle riders. In fact, I would be surprised if there was more than 2 death per year of any kind for any reason in any vehicle along those routes in a year. And those 2 were probably guys hit by a tour bus side view mirror while standing near the curb on Soi 4.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2931427]I have ridden bikes in the streets of LOS Angeles and New York. Riding one in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is much safer in every way.

First of all, most of the time there is barely any movement in that area other than the bikes that are maneuvering between traffic lanes to get to the front of the line at the next 3 minute red traffic light stop.

In the 3 years I have been riding my bike through these auto / truck / bus traffic jams day and night I think I saw one minor fender-bender between a couple of cars and no accidents with a motorcycle, much less with an electric bicycle.

I don't use it to travel from Nana to Immigration. Not due to safety, just because the skytrain is now much faster. But I will ride it from Nana to Silom / Patpong (takes about 10 minutes compared to 5-6 times that by skytrain / subway or taxi), to Khaosan Road or Chinatown (25 minutes to Khaosan Road vs an hour or more by car taxi). And zipping around from Nana to Soi Cowboy or from MBK to Ekkamai is a cool snap compared to climbing up and down skytrain platforms, standing in the heat waiting for the next train, squeezing into the crowded train cars.

When I arrive at my destination, it being a "bicycle" I have no problem parking and locking it at the nearest sidewalk bicycle rack right outside the front door of the mall, restaurant or entertainment venue.

The risks of riding a two wheeler in the lower Sukhumvit area where I and most locals would ride a bike in their daily rounds is way overstated, imo. I have seen more pedestrians barely dodging potential serious injury while crossing Sukhumvit IN a crosswalk WITH the traffic light on their side and in a crowd of other pedestrians than I have seen for myself and other bike riders in those same areas.

I now see women in evening gowns riding one of those foldable, stand up electric scooters through traffic on Sukhumvit Road on their way to the bar areas. LOL.

Maximum speed possible with an electric bicycle like mine is about 35 kilometers per hour and most of the time I top out at only 18-20 kph, which I believe cuts way down on the risk of an accident. We're just not going fast enough to get into much trouble from our actions. But certainly faster and literally cooler temperature-wise than walking. Yes, I know some drunk driving a truck can slam into me on the street, having nothing to do with any safety measures I might take. But he could also slam into the taxi next to me, the pedestrian crossing the street or even up and onto the sidewalk.

I don't recommend this option to anyone who is not confident that they can maneuver between traffic lanes without clipping every side view mirror in the line up.[/QUOTE]Risk reward = it may only take 1 time to end your life if you are lucky or if unlucky make you a physical or mental cripple. Buying a car is is so small a cost for life insurance. How do you get those cases of beer home on a bike. Convenience is a separate matter. Especially when it rains.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932160]How do you get those cases of beer home on a bike.[/QUOTE]I have a high capacity box on the back of my bike.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932160]Convenience is a separate matter. Especially when it rains.[/QUOTE]I have rain gear. I actually like it better when it is raining because the streets are deserted.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932160]Risk reward = it may only take 1 time to end your life if you are lucky or if unlucky make you a physical or mental cripple. Buying a car is is so small a cost for life insurance. How do you get those cases of beer home on a bike. Convenience is a separate matter. Especially when it rains.[/QUOTE]When it rains I walk the 1-2 kilometers to Nana bts or the subway station at Terminal21 with an umbrella.

Of course, it only takes one collapse of an escalator in that or any other mall to kill or mentally cripple a half dozen of us with our Mister Donut muffin still in our mouth.

And there was that lady who somehow managed to get her leg severed on the pedestrian people-mover at the airport.

Now, don't say it can't happen. I have read it does. It only takes one.

My bike has a place to put a couple of six packs. But for me it is going to be soda, not beer.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932160]Risk reward = it may only take 1 time to end your life if you are lucky or if unlucky make you a physical or mental cripple. Buying a car is is so small a cost for life insurance. How do you get those cases of beer home on a bike. Convenience is a separate matter. Especially when it rains.[/QUOTE]Somebody died on a flight to Thailand when the plane hit turbulence. You going to stop flying now? [B]LOL[/B].

I still don't know if I am going to wake up each morning. Probabilities are that each day that passes the likely hood of that increases. Doesn't stop me from living my life to the fullest. I'd never live my life based on fear. I live it based on personal preferences and service to others.

[B]EihTooms[/B] Ride on brother! Hell ain't half full.

LOL!

[QUOTE=Turgid;2932024]I had planned on retiring in Thailand but covid interrupted that. Now that covid is over I am having second thoughts. Selling my house is such a big deal and so final..[/QUOTE]

Never sell a house and move to any city/country whether it be Frankfurt, AC, Tampa, Tokyo, Bangkok, etc unless you lived there for at least a year first. Rent your house out for a year and try to live in the city/country you want to retire in. Living somewhere is NEVER the same as visiting even if you visit 2+ months every year. A country, its rules, and often its people wear on you if you are continuously there. Now if you're not happy on where you live now then just go for it. Make a call if the housing market will go up or down in your home city before selling your house.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2932171] it only takes one collapse of an escalator in that or any other mall to kill or mentally cripple a half dozen of us with our Mister Donut muffin still in our mouth[/QUOTE]Mister Donut muffin. Too funny.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932239]Never sell a house and move to any city/country whether it be Frankfurt, AC, Tampa, Tokyo, Bangkok, etc unless you lived there for at least a year first. Rent your house out for a year and try to live in the city/country you want to retire in. Living somewhere is NEVER the same as visiting even if you visit 2+ months every year. A country, its rules, and often its people wear on you if you are continuously there. Now if you're not happy on where you live now then just go for it. Make a call if the housing market will go up or down in your home city before selling your house.[/QUOTE]I couldn't agree more. You also have to secure the legal right to be somewhere else for the learn term before turning your back on and cutting ties completely. Of course if you leave a place (like I did) that resembles the Titanic then maybe the plan should be to just stay on the move instead of trying to return home.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932167]I have a high capacity box on the back of my bike.

I have rain gear. I actually like it better when it is raining because the streets are deserted.[/QUOTE]Gore Tex is your friend. Rain keeps the tourists away.

Rain costs more. Larger tip to my Remorque chauffer because he gets drenched on the 2 mile ride to Angkor.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2932179]Somebody died on a flight to Thailand when the plane hit turbulence. You going to stop flying now? [B]LOL[/B].

I still don't know if I am going to wake up each morning. Probabilities are that each day that passes the likely hood of that increases. Doesn't stop me from living my life to the fullest. I'd never live my life based on fear. I live it based on personal preferences and service to others.

[B]EihTooms[/B] Ride on brother! Hell ain't half full.

LOL![/QUOTE]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.

There are lies, damn, lies and statistics.

The absolute numbers you gave do not show me the statistical probability of actually being involved in a motorcycle accident. Makes perfect sense that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident there are more fatalities. Rich people die in weird ways most regular people don't. It does not matter how many people die in ski accidents each year. I don't ski.

Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. That is not my point. My point is: [B]I don't live my life in fear[/B].

What is the expression? If you are scared find the institution that suits you and attend it. LOL!

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2931427]I have ridden bikes in the streets of LOS Angeles and New York. Riding one in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is much safer in every way.

First of all, most of the time there is barely any movement in that area other than the bikes that are maneuvering between traffic lanes to get to the front of the line at the next 3 minute red traffic light stop.

In the 3 years I have been riding my bike through these auto / truck / bus traffic jams day and night I think I saw one minor fender-bender between a couple of cars and no accidents with a motorcycle, much less with an electric bicycle.

I don't use it to travel from Nana to Immigration. Not due to safety, just because the skytrain is now much faster. But I will ride it from Nana to Silom / Patpong (takes about 10 minutes compared to 5-6 times that by skytrain / subway or taxi), to Khaosan Road or Chinatown (25 minutes to Khaosan Road vs an hour or more by car taxi). And zipping around from Nana to Soi Cowboy or from MBK to Ekkamai is a cool snap compared to climbing up and down skytrain platforms, standing in the heat waiting for the next train, squeezing into the crowded train cars.

When I arrive at my destination, it being a "bicycle" I have no problem parking and locking it at the nearest sidewalk bicycle rack right outside the front door of the mall, restaurant or entertainment venue.

The risks of riding a two wheeler in the lower Sukhumvit area where I and most locals would ride a bike in their daily rounds is way overstated, imo. I have seen more pedestrians barely dodging potential serious injury while crossing Sukhumvit IN a crosswalk WITH the traffic light on their side and in a crowd of other pedestrians than I have seen for myself and other bike riders in those same areas.

I now see women in evening gowns riding one of those foldable, stand up electric scooters through traffic on Sukhumvit Road on their way to the bar areas. LOL.

Maximum speed possible with an electric bicycle like mine is about 35 kilometers per hour and most of the time I top out at only 18-20 kph, which I believe cuts way down on the risk of an accident. We're just not going fast enough to get into much trouble from our actions. But certainly faster and literally cooler temperature-wise than walking. Yes, I know some drunk driving a truck can slam into me on the street, having nothing to do with any safety measures I might take. But he could also slam into the taxi next to me, the pedestrian crossing the street or even up and onto the sidewalk.

I don't recommend this option to anyone who is not confident that they can maneuver between traffic lanes without clipping every side view mirror in the line up.[/QUOTE]This is a excellent opinion as to Bangkok!

Hong Kong tourist dies falling off a baht bus on Second Road today.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]And how many of the 15,000 were not wearing helmets? Of the 5,000 that were not motorcyclists, how many were not wearing seat belts? How many were because someone was intoxicated?

Decision is each his own!

Funny, how people will not ahere to safe sex but won't ride a motorbike, then you got those who do ahere to safe sex and take the chance and do, then you got those who would wear a mask but wont wear a helmet. Humans?

I've had over 3 decades association with the transportation system commercially it has opened a lot of door for a guy who missed out academically. I've not touch a motorbike since my late teens due to having my life flash before me on late evening. Not planned but right place at the right time mid 90's I got the opportunity to be properly trained by the CHP in California never in my dream of all the training I got would it benefit me to staying alive in Thailand. I just completed my 3rd 5 year renewal for a Thai motorbike and Car license.

In my 20's, along with other sports I was a road bike cyclist, did rides from San Francisco, along the coast Hwy 1, down to L. A. , did rides around Lake Tahoe a number of times. Here in Thailand a bit over 10 years trained rides to Sattahip, Chon Buri, Rayong, to make self personal satisfying rides to Bangkok 160 KM, once a year along the Sukhumvit traffic to Nana Plaza Hotel for overnight.

I own several vehicles in my years living here car I've made journeys to 70% throughout northern Thailand, current twice a year now North to Sukhothai KM, clock I would say 100,000 by car. What is surprising I also have a number of motorbikes in which my favorite a Honda PCX 150,2012 have logged over 200 KM here in Pattaya alone.

As noted it isn't for everyone but for Pattaya it is by far the best transportation there is if you are willing. As noted by ET, the traveling is very different in Bangkok and outside of it particularly in Chon Buri which Pattaya is a part. Chon Buri, has one of the highest rate of accidents and death. The correct stats are far beyond 15,000 death, it is closer to 30,000, and motorbike accidents account for 80% of the death. The two main causes speeding and drinking add that to poor training and education. The death toll is only the one's who die at the scene there is a huge number of death larger that aren't accounted in the numbers. The cost to the country goes into the billions to care for those who do live.

There are many foreigners who ride and rent act as if it is a toy (a vehicle is a weapon just like a gun) as if it is the first time they learn to ride a bicycle grown men act like kids. Sure as noted it only takes one time that one time here was riding home on the Darkside traveling 30 KM / H slow by Thai standard a dog ran out of the bushes in front of me I hit roll over him I went down lucky I had a helmet on even at 30, it is painful. Driving here is for your own safety my motto is fuck the rest, it needing to get to their grave faster that is on them. Living here, I've seen 6 death and countless accident you never forget the snap and pop of a skull and spine I believe all those were no older than 30. I once witness a big bike on Hwy 7, just be Sukhumvit Thai guy going over a 120 KM / H, suddenly traffic comes to a slow impatient vehicle moves into the shoulder last minute the biker hit the right side of vehicle rider goes flying and cuts himself in half on a light pole.


If not dead today they will die tomorrow that is how I have come to think. My concern is only how my son drives which is taught exclusively by me and me only. If is a individual choice everyone needs to make no argument if one choice is don't. If I live in Bangkok not sure I would ride a motorbike with it's transportation system in place.

Like Mr.E, I dont have a box, but under the seat Im well prepared with full rain and straps if I unexpected want to buy something just place on the back strap it down . Ive got over 200,000 KM on the bike, upkeep painted it myself cut out a special hidden area under the seat for a 16 inch sword.

[QUOTE=TConor;2932405]When 15000 die on flights I will indeed stop flying.

Motorcyclists account for 74% of all road deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control. Of the 20,000 people killed on roads each year, 15,000 of them are motorcyclists.[/QUOTE]And you would think that if someone with any common-sense within this old man's government here in Thailand had done analysis on those figures, they would soon discover that the costs of vehicle / motorcycle accidents to Thai society are immense, approximately 3 - 4% of GPD according to the Thailand Development Research Institute. That's 500-600 BILLION baht! Imagine how many hospitals, decent roads and schools that would buy you?

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932239]Never sell a house and move to any city/country whether it be Frankfurt, AC, Tampa, Tokyo, Bangkok, etc unless you lived there for at least a year first. Rent your house out for a year and try to live in the city/country you want to retire in. Living somewhere is NEVER the same as visiting even if you visit 2+ months every year. A country, its rules, and often its people wear on you if you are continuously there. Now if you're not happy on where you live now then just go for it. Make a call if the housing market will go up or down in your home city before selling your house.

Mister Donut muffin. Too funny.[/QUOTE]Sound advice, everyone thinks they have a plan and the best plan is not much cause you can't plan for everything.

Looking back I was force to sell everything my family home once my mother last surviver went into a home family couldn't wait to sell it.

Looking back if I could buy into a trailer park I do it! My motto today whenever I return home and able to visit my Union hall always get request to speak many know me as very liberal after living here hearing my experience shock I'm conservative now. So much we take for granted you not realize until you live in another culrure and I'm not talking spending time in bars or dipping in pussy. The grass isnt greener somewhere else nor do you ever burn your bridges until it is time. Best advice take it slow until you know of course we all know someone who doesnt listen and when it happens they blame you for giving them the advce.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2932485]Sound advice, everyone thinks they have a plan and the best plan is not much cause you can't plan for everything.

Looking back I was force to sell everything my family home once my mother last surviver went into a home family couldn't wait to sell it.

Looking back if I could buy into a trailer park I do it! My motto today whenever I return home and able to visit my Union hall always get request to speak many know me as very liberal after living here hearing my experience shock I'm conservative now. So much we take for granted you not realize until you live in another culrure and I'm not talking spending time in bars or dipping in pussy. The grass isnt greener somewhere else nor do you ever burn your bridges until it is time. Best advice take it slow until you know of course we all know someone who doesnt listen and when it happens they blame you for giving them the advce.[/QUOTE]For me, with my experiences in my country of origin. I could not wait to get out of there once I discovered how great living overseas could be. For me, the grass is indeed better everywhere that I have lived outside of my country of origin. Goes to show how life shapes your perception.

For perspective, I realize people are literally risking their lives and betting everything that they have in order to get into my country of origin. So, I understand that not every place in the world is better than my country of origin.

But in my perception every place is better than my country or origin because I have choice. I am currently in the process of cutting as many ties to my country of origin as possible. I cannot wait to complete the process. YEA!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]And how many of the 15,000 were not wearing helmets? [/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]Of the 5,000 that were not motorcyclists, how many were not wearing seat belts? [/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932468]How many were because someone was intoxicated?[/QUOTE]The Majority.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932611]The Majority.

The Majority.

The Majority.[/QUOTE]Bet that one dead guy on the plane was drunk and no helmet or seatbelt. 555.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2932611]The Majority.

The Majority.

The Majority.[/QUOTE]And how many were driving bicycles, not motorcycles, electric or not, in the lower Sukhumvit area of Bangkok between Soi 4 and Ekkamai or as far as Patpong or Khaosan Road from Sukhumvit / Asoke, helmet or no helmet?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2932505]For me, with my experiences in my country of origin. I could not wait to get out of there once I discovered how great living overseas could be. For me, the grass is indeed better everywhere that I have lived outside of my country of origin. Goes to show how life shapes your perception.

For perspective, I realize people are literally risking their lives and betting everything that they have in order to get into my country of origin. So, I understand that not every place in the world is better than my country of origin.

But in my perception every place is better than my country or origin because I have choice. I am currently in the process of cutting as many ties to my country of origin as possible. I cannot wait to complete the process. YEA![/QUOTE]As I noted that is an individual choice, and that is where you come from many like in Thailand the people don't have a clue as to what real choice is nor do they have a clue what freedom is, and that is part of the problem. We have too much freedom and that gets in the way of things at times because as human we at times will not move their opinion or compromise for anything or anyone.

It was noted to me by accident as I was traveling to Thailand to live, a guy told me as long as you don't become " Entrenched " into the culture because once you do it becomes no different than the place you want to leave.

And for me personally, I know a number of expat like yourself who feel the way you do because you have not do as I noted. When I first came here I noticed a lot of stuff it wasn't until I attended an Expat club meeting listening that many of my negative thoughts I kept to myself majority of those who live and members had the same negative view.

I once knew a member of this board met at one of these meeting. Like yourself who kept a distant and he was happy whenever we got together for dinner he ask about what I been doing he was just in shock of things I was encountering never heard stuff lf he didn't know my situation personally would think I was lying.

I say to each his own if you want to burn your bridge it is your choice! Best I can say is good luck and " you been served how you like me now " LOL.

The furthest I intend on immersing myself into Thai culture will be limited to how far my dick can penetrate into Thai Pussy.

I have been outside my country of origin for 12 years. If I have not learned what my preferences are and what I want by now I have been wasting my time.

It know about embedding myself into the local culture. I made that mistake in the Dominican Republic and I am so pleased that I extracted myself from it. I do not plan to make the same mistake in Thailand.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2932665]As I noted that is an individual choice, and that is where you come from many like in Thailand the people don't have a clue as to what real choice is nor do they have a clue what freedom is, and that is part of the problem. We have too much freedom and that gets in the way of things at times because as human we at times will not move their opinion or compromise for anything or anyone.

It was noted to me by accident as I was traveling to Thailand to live, a guy told me as long as you don't become " Entrenched " into the culture because once you do it becomes no different than the place you want to leave.

And for me personally, I know a number of expat like yourself who feel the way you do because you have not do as I noted. When I first came here I noticed a lot of stuff it wasn't until I attended an Expat club meeting listening that many of my negative thoughts I kept to myself majority of those who live and members had the same negative view.

I once knew a member of this board met at one of these meeting. Like yourself who kept a distant and he was happy whenever we got together for dinner he ask about what I been doing he was just in shock of things I was encountering never heard stuff lf he didn't know my situation personally would think I was lying.

I say to each his own if you want to burn your bridge it is your choice! Best I can say is good luck and " you been served how you like me now " LOL.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Stykler;2932484]That's 500-600 BILLION baht! Imagine how many hospitals, decent roads and schools that would buy you?[/QUOTE]That is if people were concerned about hospitals, roads, and schools. I think the masses are concerned about food to eat and a place to live, and the rich people and politicians are concerned about money to line their own pockets.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2932505]For me, with my experiences in my country of origin. I could not wait to get out of there once I discovered how great living overseas could be. For me, the grass is indeed better everywhere that I have lived outside of my country of origin. Goes to show how life shapes your perception.[/QUOTE]The grass is better because you have money. If you have no money then that grass would actually be a dirt field.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932823]The grass is better because you have money. If you have no money then that grass would actually be a dirt field.[/QUOTE]Who says I have money? According the the majority of posters all over the world here on ISG I am broke, busted individual that has to live an economy life. They make those statements just because I take the bus and because I choose not to spend 3000 - 5000 on pussy for one fucking night. I prefer taking care of the people that take care of me.

They choose to pay those amounts in Thailand and brag about it. Fine, if you got it spend it. Are these the same people that spit on homeless people as they walk by them? The older I get the more I realize that money is not really that important. That your possessions possess you. The quicker someone gets out the perception that you need money to be happy the quicker they are on their way to a better more satisfying life.

I don't have any money. We have guys posting on ISG that they have 2 million dollar net worth. Ok, if that is the case why are the flying all over the world for cheap pussy (relative to their country of origin). Why are they talking shit to me about the amounts of money I spend? It's all relative.

The money I do have I worked my fucking ass off for it. I worked hard as a wage slave; did without; made my stack, until I could deploy my capital and let my money work for me. I took advantages of the opportunities that I have.

Nothing changes the fact that with money or not my country of origin is on the decline fast and will be soon be on the top of the garbage heap in a historical sense. I reject the idea that you proffer:

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2932823]The grass is better because you have money. [b]If you have no money then that grass would actually be a dirt field[/b].[/QUOTE]That is your perception and I surprised given your world travels you do not have more perspective. With grass seed you can grow grass in a dirt field. But it is not just going to happen. You are going to have to cultivate the land, water your seed and pull weeds. I see your comment as being fatalistic. That everyone who does not have money is not able to improve their circumstances. Knowledge is free today.

[URL]https://www.saylor.org/[/URL]

Those that fail to improve themselves in the greatest time ever to be alive only have the person in the mirror to blame. People are literally risking everything they have including their lives for a opportunity to enter my country of origin in order to earn money. You think these people have money?

My example of this alone should able to convince most people that it is not about the absolute amount of money that you have, it is the direction your life is taking. Is it improving or declining? My life is constantly improving. But I made a lot more money when I was younger. My life is improving because I am improving myself. Not because my money is improving my life.

[QUOTE=RajPatela;2867370]Pro Tip. You don't want to Emulate Poor Thais. No offense.[/QUOTE]Looke at this fly by night mother fucker talking shit out the side of his neck.

[B]Currently spot price of gold is over 2400.00 USD[/B]

One of the things I really like about being here in Thailand is that gold is integrated into the economy and it is very easy to save in gold here. Not saying that taking financial or investment advice from a public internet site focused on sharing information on having sex with girl is wise. But some mother fuckers just speak out of turn and know nothing of what they speak. Looking backwards my gold purchases look pretty good. Poor Thais may be onto something those born with silver spoons up their asses and that have private bankers have no idea of. How to survive in the rough and tumble world where being a keyboard warrior does not count for shit. Knowing how to operate in the real world is priceless.

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2933906]Open up a bank account with no international fees (or ones that refund it). [b]Many, including myself, recommend a Charles Schwab account for international travel. Just go to any ATM to withdraw money (the random fees get refunded at the end of the month) and you use the card they give you[/b]. I've found that the rates are among the best when compared to most money changers, plus it's a lot easier. You don't need to carry around a huge wad of cash and there are usually ATMs close to wherever you stay. Airline ATMs have jacked up rates, just like the money changers so I would recommend only pulling out a small there and then finding an ATM wherever you are staying.[/QUOTE]We have more points of agreement than disagreement on this subject. As you advice is spot on!

But I do recommend keeping a cash reserve. Bringing nice crisp brand new benjis if you want the best rates and least amount of hassle. I am still a cash on the barrel head man. Untraceable. Here in Pattaya T. T. Currency Exchange consistently offers the best rates. Often comparable to the rates I get using the recommendation given by [B]TheDerilious[/B].

[B]How you like me now![/B]

I plan to stay in Thailand less than 180 days in 2024, in order to avoid being a Thai tax resident.

By September 1, I will have accumulated 121 days in Thailand, which allows me 59 days (about 2 months) for the rest of the year.

I won't be in Thailand at all in September, so on October 1, will still have 59 days in Thailand to spend, so I will need to travel a little more than one month the rest of the year. Where to go is still a mystery to me.

During 2025, I will see if the new Thai tax regime is enforced. If so, that will significantly change my plans.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2933925]But I do recommend keeping a cash reserve. Bringing nice crisp brand new benjis if you want the best rates and least amount of hassle. [/QUOTE]Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way. I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely. But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own. I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2933922]
[B]Currently spot price of gold is over 2400.00 USD[/B]

One of the things I really like about being here in Thailand is that gold is integrated into the economy and it is very easy to save in gold here.[/QUOTE]How do you store Gold in Thailand? I know there is a reasonably priced vault in BKK that also offers insurance on the contents of your box which is the way I'm thinking of going. I'm thinking of spending under 180 days in Thailand then the rest of the time in other Southeast Asia countries, but storing my baht gold in Thailand. I wonder if I would become a tax citizen if I did that?

Thinking of that new DTV visa too. Need to hear more about using it for language courses, cooking classes, or medical treatment. I don't think my portfolio of Kamala memes is going to count toward being a digital nomad. LOL.

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2934166]Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way.[/QUOTE]Yes, I do the same. That is why I suggested it. But I have suggested it to my friends who are planning to travel here and got the some push back about the how the ATM is better. Big Boy rules apply.

Never had a problem with a ATM network or your ATM card? Yep, I have. All over the mother fucking world where I have traveled and lived.

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2934166]I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.[/QUOTE][U]Who needs a stinking budget?[/U]

Everything that costs more is better. Since that is the case one should not need a budget for anything. Because a budget would mean a limit to spending and therefore you could not buy the most expensive of everything. The budget would cause you be relegated the [I]economy class[/I] of life. That wouldn't be good. I live that sort of life. It has been pointed out to me that some find being in that situation unpleasant. They use expressions like: [I]if that is all you can afford[/I]. LOL!

[B]Be like this guy:[/B]

[QUOTE=Vendelo;2934014][b]I appreciate a man that is not hindered by cost.[/b][/QUOTE]Forum is full of millionaires. No hate. I am just not one of them. So I post about my activities on the lower end of the scale accordingly.

Unfortunately there are those who think their money makes them better than others. So, they post in a condescending, derisive manner in response to anyone who either must or chooses (I am the former I have no money) to show others how to have a good time in Pattaya without a million dollars in the bank.

I am not going to bust their bubble of self delusion. It boosts their egos to know they are richer than everyone else. It makes them feel superior. [B]There is even a special user blog to document their exploits[/B]. Good for them. I am here to let anyone interested know that it does not take a multi-million USD equivalent net worth to have fun in Pattaya.

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2934166]I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely. [/QUOTE]The way I budget cash is to put a certain amount in my front pocket when I go out. Along with a 20 THB note in my back pocket. When the money runs out in my front pocket, time to go home. I have enough in my back pocket to get home on the Baht Bus. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]They print it out of thin air. I spend it like that![/B]

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2934166]But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own. [/QUOTE]A expression that makes me laugh "to each their own". GTF!

[B]Man Law 101[/B]: [I]No grown man ought to be telling another grown man how to spend his hard earned money or who to fuck[/I].

That would include the mother fuckers up in here that have a problem with guys that choose to look for a princess standing under a palm tree on [B]Beach Road[/B]. Can someone tell me why it is ok to spend money buying 40 Lady Drinks, but not ok to look for value?

[B]Quality, Price and Value[/B] are all very different concepts. Everyone balances their priorities based on the reality of their situation. Are individuals really so lacking in their depth of character to be fully defined by the money they have. It's just paper.

[I]All my life been po'; But it really doen't matter no mo; And they wonder why I act this way; [b]The Cmdr[/b] gon be okay[/I] - Po' Folks, [B]Nappy Roots[/B].

[QUOTE=TooDirty;2934203]How do you store Gold in Thailand?[/QUOTE][B]Fuck storage![/B] I wear my shit like I'm Mr. T up in dis *****!

[QUOTE=TheDerilious;2934166]Yeah, I always travel with a certain amount of "shit-hitting the fan" cash but I started to use the ATM for the majority of my mongering money because I can generally budget a bit better that way. I find it easier to spend less when you have to make a daily or regular withdrawal rather than having a wad of vacation cash that I am more inclined to spend freely. But that can be totally different for someone else so to each his own. I don't think there is a perfect way to budget, except for doing it in the first place which is essential, no matter your price point.[/QUOTE]One time in Phuket, I ran out of cash on a Saturday. And I didn't have my 3 one hundred dollar bills I often carry for emergency. And I hit my maximum ATM cash withdrawal so I would have access to cash until Monday. So I sent money to myself via Western Union.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2934091]I plan to stay in Thailand less than 180 days in 2024, in order to avoid being a Thai tax resident.[/QUOTE]The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?

[QUOTE=OneEyedMan;2934847]The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?[/QUOTE]Both Brazil and Thailand allow dual nationality so dual retirement visas should not be a problem. But if you are not "living" there full time why bother?

Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

Do US plugs work, or should I buy a converter for BKK & Phuket?

Given the traffic, what's the fastest way to navigate BKK? By MRT, Tuk Tuk or Taxi?

Do any spas in luxury hotels and resorts offer HJ's?

Sorry--I've Googled the above and get conflicting answers!

[QUOTE=OneEyedMan;2934847]The idea just hit me: is it possible to have active retirement visas from different countries? Say, Thailand and Brazil simultaneously?[/QUOTE]Ben Hart of integrity legal is saying immigration is doing House Checks on retirement Visas. Just another Pain in the Azz.

What if you in Miami when they want to visit. LOL. Hahaha.

[QUOTE=AggieDad1;2934893]But if you are not "living" there full time why bother?[/QUOTE]Not everyone plants their ass in one place and never moves. I operate on the concept of the [I]trifecta[/I] I keep multiple bases that I wish to have consistent access to. Therefore multiple citizenships and residencies are needed.

Answer in [B] Bold [/B].

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

[B]I assume they will be don't expect a very good exchange rate at all[/B]

Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?

[B]All Thai ATM machines only distribute Thai baht[/B]

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

[B] To make your life easy yes. Enough to pay for taxi from airport to hotel, pay a possible deposit when you check in to hotel, pay for lunch and some snacks at 711. When you arrive in Thailand find a TT Exchange (yellow sign) for best exchange rates. If you want to go out right away, take out enough to pay for drinks and a girl so maybe 10,000+ baht. You can always pay a bar with a CC but not the girl [/B]

Do US plugs work, or should I buy a converter for BKK & Phuket?

[B] US plugs work. If your device like laptop can handle 220V then no need for a converter. Most hotels have converters available if needed. [/B]

Given the traffic, what's the fastest way to navigate BKK? By MRT, Tuk Tuk or Taxi?

[B] This depends on what time it is and where you're going. During rush hour BTS/MRT are your best bets assuming your start and end points are near a station. [/B]
[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=UglyAzzMan;2934913]Ben Hart of integrity legal is saying immigration is doing House Checks on retirement Visas. Just another Pain in the Azz.

[b]What if you in Miami when they want to visit[/b]. LOL. Hahaha.[/QUOTE]When you leave the country you are logged out in the computer. They may not know where you went, but they know you are not in the country. So, why would an immigration agent performing house checks goto a location where they know the individual is not in the country? It is as simple as looking in the computer. That is where they find the information to do the house check in the first place is it not?

The name of the agency is called immigration not outmigration. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]How you like me now?[/B]

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?[/QUOTE]It seems you are making things complicated. This is not 1960. How is this still even a thing in 2024? From when you land until when you leave, you will see an ATM or currency exchange place every 5 feet. I go to a lot of countries and if I had to order currency from the bank every time I went somewhere it would not be at all practical.

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?

Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?

Sorry--I've Googled the above and get conflicting answers![/QUOTE]Do not get any baht from a bank in America! The rates are horrible. Just cash in 100 at the airport (even these rates are much better than US banks) to get you by and then seek out a Superrich in whatever your Thailand destination is.

Also to add about cell phones. If you have T-Mobile in the US they are on AIS network and works pretty good in Thailand, no need to get international plan with them. You will get free texting and. 25 min calls. Make sure you download Line and WhatsApp before you leave and make sure you connect family and friends with these apps before you leave as well. If not get the cheapest 5 day plan avail at airport if you choose, but not needed and then go to any mall or 7-11 after you check in hotel for a plan.

[QUOTE=DarrenCohen34;2934911]Do massage parlors and taxis take US $? Or Euros?
Assuming ATM's with US debit cards distribute Thai Baht, yes?
Should I order some Thai Baht from my bank before my trip?[/QUOTE]If you are going to take USD with you to exchange, make sure and take crisp, new notes, no markings or tears no matter how small. Also, make them larger denomination notes. Some money changers charge a different rate depending on the value of the note, $1 getting a lower rate than $20 and so on.

[QUOTE=SonicBam;2935129]If you are going to take USD with you to exchange, make sure and take crisp, new notes, no markings or tears no matter how small. Also, make them larger denomination notes.[/QUOTE]If he wants to order from his bank then that is exactly what it should be. You want to let them know a couple says ahead of time so they can make sure they have it ready.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2935048]When you leave the country you are logged out in the computer. They may not know where you went, but they know you are not in the country. So, why would an immigration agent performing house checks goto a location where they know the individual is not in the country? It is as simple as looking in the computer. That is where they find the information to do the house check in the first place is it not?

The name of the agency is called immigration not outmigration. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]How you like me now?[/B][/QUOTE]For once you might make some Cents. LOL. Hahaha.

Only thing is I'm not sure Computers in immigration and whatever Agency are speaking to each other.

I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935430]I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.[/QUOTE]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;2935467]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.[/QUOTE]Damn. Cheaper than a Cambodian visa.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;2935467]This seems like an amazing deal compared to the myriad of other cumbersome options that Thailand otherwise has been making available over the past 20+ years.[/QUOTE]DTV is a new visa. Therefore there is zero history of administration of this visa. I'll let someone else experiment with the system and stick with what has been working for me.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935430]I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.[/QUOTE]Did you apply as a digital nomad with a portfolio, or someone taking courses such as cooking? I'm wondering if you can find some easy little course or medical treatment like getting a mole removed and actually get a 5 year visa?

...and for people bringing US dollars don't fold them in your wallet either. Transport them flat. Don't trust lockers at a massage shop either as they might have a false back, but that was more about Cambodia I think. Check the safes in your room to make sure that they're bolted down. I went to Bogota once and the safe in my room was just sitting on the shelf. LOL

[QUOTE=TooDirty;2935522]Did you apply as a digital nomad with a portfolio, or someone taking courses such as cooking? I'm wondering if you can find some easy little course or medical treatment like getting a mole removed and actually get a 5 year visa?[/QUOTE]No. When it asked about work I put freelance. Then I uploaded an employment verification letter from work. You can get a mole removed at the market in 30 seconds.

DTV says you need to show proof of 500,000 baht. Does this need to be in a Thai bank account or does your local bank qualify?

I plan to use the local cooking course route. I enjoy cooking so this is something I don't mind paying for. If anyone finds a cheap legit course in Bangkok or Pattaya let me know please.

Regarding mole removal it does say you need a letter of appointment from a hospital or medical center.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2935570]DTV says you need to show proof of 500,000 baht. Does this need to be in a Thai bank account or does your local bank qualify? [/QUOTE]I just went on Schwab and clicked somewhere for it to generate a letter. It does not need to be in a Thai bank. You are not supposed to be in Thailand when you apply for the visa and there is also a question asking if you have ever been to Thailand.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2935570]DTV says you need to show proof of 500,000 baht. Does this need to be in a Thai bank account or does your local bank qualify?

I plan to use the local cooking course route. I enjoy cooking so this is something I don't mind paying for. If anyone finds a cheap legit course in Bangkok or Pattaya let me know please.

Regarding mole removal it does say you need a letter of appointment from a hospital or medical center.[/QUOTE]Thai bank.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2935625]Thai bank.[/QUOTE]Are you wrong about everything? Why do you answer when you don't know the correct answer?

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935593]]You are not supposed to be in Thailand when you apply for the visa [/QUOTE]That's what I though but was just making sure the money can be in my home country's bank. Thanks HP and Mr. E.

I'm not positive I'll be in Thailand for several months but part of me is considering applying for a DTV now before they take it away. I guess this forces me to make a trip to Thailand sooner rather than later to do a cooking or Muay Thai class.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2935742]I'm not positive I'll be in Thailand for several months but part of me is considering applying for a DTV now before they take it away.[/QUOTE]Exactly. Get in on the ground floor while the getting is good.

Curious, why all of a sudden concern about long term visa when rules are so lacks?

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2936043]Curious, why all of a sudden concern about long term visa when rules are so lacks?[/QUOTE]Getting a 5 year license instead of the 2 year one and not having to run down to immigration to report everytime I come into the country.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2935657]Are you wrong about everything? Why do you answer when you don't know the correct answer?[/QUOTE]There has actually been some research done into this. It's called "Relevance Deprivation Syndrome". Pretty sad state of affairs for those afflicted with it.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2936046]Getting a 5 year license instead of the 2 year one and not having to run down to immigration to report everytime I come into the country.[/QUOTE][B]My time is way to valuable for that[/B] I got people and it costs me less than than the average lady drink (if you buy them). I drop it off at my agency office pay 100 THB and come back and pick it up the next day. Ok, ok, the baht bus ride costs me 40 THB round trip. But I always run other errands too, get a massage, have lunch, get my dick sucked or all of the above.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2936046]Getting a 5 year license instead of the 2 year one and not having to run down to immigration to report everytime I come into the country.[/QUOTE]I see your reason I've not done research on that Visa, I'm not up that having such a Visa or extension would bypass not reporting your 90 day? Which in your case coming and going all the time would avoid majoroty of the time. As for TM30, as long as you hold an Imm-o, reporting when arrival 72 hours isn't necessary if one goes back to same residemce.

I just two weeks ago did my 5 years again, still require to go Immigration for Resident certificate and. No service is provided unless one has an updated TM30.

The so call new 90 day improve system is now linked to the TM30 website which for whatever reason whenever returning to Thailand stay long enough with your reset date can't do a report online any longer got to go down and do it personally.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2936234]I see your reason I've not done research on that Visa, I'm not up that having such a Visa or extension would bypass not reporting your 90 day? Which in your case coming and going all the time would avoid majoroty of the time. As for TM30, as long as you hold an Imm-o, reporting when arrival 72 hours isn't necessary if one goes back to same residemce.

I just two weeks ago did my 5 years again, still require to go Immigration for Resident certificate and. No service is provided unless one has an updated TM30.

The so call new 90 day improve system is now linked to the TM30 website which for whatever reason whenever returning to Thailand stay long enough with your reset date can't do a report online any longer got to go down and do it personally.[/QUOTE]Have you tried using the online 90 Days Residence Report option? It is the one I use every time now. Takes about 5 minutes or less to fill out the form and submit it online. Sometimes it doesn't work for me but most of the time it does.

And I understand it does not work for everyone. I will say that the initial app they set up for it never worked for me. But then they switched to the option to do it on their website and that has worked well for me. It can be translated into English, of course:

[URL]https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=1666[/URL]

For you or anyone else who might be interested, I will say that it is a bit of a pain to register the first time, one time only, in order to get it set up. Not because the questions are hard but because you kind of have to scroll down, around and click this and that until you finally land in the area to get started. But once you are registered and are allowed to submit it online it is quite easy after that.

Every 90 days, 5 minutes after going to the website I have submitted the form without even getting out of bed. Soon after submission, within 2-3 hours, I will get an email notification that they received the form and will review it and that I will get a Yes or No on its acceptance in the next 3 days. So it is best to do this online version 14-15 days before it is due.

Set a smartphone calender app notification. That way if you do get a "Your Submission was rejected" email response with perhaps a further notice to "Please submit this in person at your nearest Immigration Office", you will still be within that "no more than 15 days before and no less than 7 days before" window to head over there in person.

They SAY that they will send you an email notication for when the next one is due. Maybe they will and maybe they won't. I got lulled into complacency that I would get that notification and didn't get one. Consequently, I was late in reporting, it would not be accepted online, I had to go in personally and was fined 2,000 baht. Set your own calender app notification.

Tips for avoiding getting the dreaded "Your Submission was rejected" email response:

- Make sure your full name, address, passport number, etc is exactly the same as you set it up at registration and submitted it last time. Take a screen shot of how it looked, the spelling and wording of the address and all that as you will see it before submitting it the first time and, if successful, do it that way every time until something does change like your "entry date into the Kingdom" after international travel or whatever.

- If you have an apartment or condo unit number in your address, make sure you add it to your overall address as, for example, "apartment 203" or "condo unit 203", not as #203. You know, for some Thai addresses, the apartment or condo unit number is in the first street / soi address you enter, right? Such as "71/203 Soi 33 Sukhumvit Road", where the 203 is your apartment or condo unit number. That is NOT enough to satisfy them that they have your apartment or condo unit number. It is ok to enter it that way but also add the words "apartment 203" or "condo unit 203" after the Soi 33 or Sukhimvit Road part. They will not assume that "71/203" is telling them your apartment or condo unit number and they might reject your form Submission on that basis without explanation.

I did not find out that is why one of my early online submissions was rejected until I asked the lady at the 90 Days Residence window at Immigration. And she had to dig deep into her computer program to figure it out herself.

- The instructions on the form say the usual bit about how only the boxes with a red * (asterisk) are required fields to fill in. They lied. The box asking for your phone number does not have a red * in it. But if you don't enter your phone number in that box your form will be rejected. Again, that was explained to me by the lady at that Immigration window after my first online submission got rejected because of it.

Good luck. Hope this helps anyone interested in trying the online submission option for that form. Even if it works just 80% of the time it is worth giving it a try, imo.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2936278]Have you tried using the online 90 Days Residence Report option? It is the one I use every time now. Takes about 5 minutes or less to fill out the form and submit it online. Sometimes it doesn't work for me but most of the time it does.

And I understand it does not work for everyone. I will say that the initial app they set up for it never worked for me. But then they switched to the option to do it on their website and that has worked well for me. It can be translated into English, of course:

[URL]https://www.immigration.go.th/?page_id=1666[/URL]

For you or anyone else who might be interested, I will say that it is a bit of a pain to register the first time, one time only, in order to get it set up. Not because the questions are hard but because you kind of have to scroll down, around and click this and that until you finally land in the area to get started. But once you are registered and are allowed to submit it online it is quite easy after that.

Every 90 days, 5 minutes after going to the website I have submitted the form without even getting out of bed. Soon after submission, within 2-3 hours, I will get an email notification that they received the form and will review it and that I will get a Yes or No on its acceptance in the next 3 days. So it is best to do this online version 14-15 days before it is due.

Set a smartphone calender app notification. That way if you do get a "Your Submission was rejected" email response with perhaps a further notice to "Please submit this in person at your nearest Immigration Office", you will still be within that "no more than 15 days before and no less than 7 days before" window to head over there in person.

They SAY that they will send you an email notication for when the next one is due. Maybe they will and maybe they won't. I got lulled into complacency that I would get that notification and didn't get one. Consequently, I was late in reporting, it would not be accepted online, I had to go in personally and was fined 2,000 baht. Set your own calender app notification.

Tips for avoiding getting the dreaded "Your Submission was rejected" email response:

- Make sure your full name, address, passport number, etc is exactly the same as you set it up at registration and submitted it last time. Take a screen shot of how it looked, the spelling and wording of the address and all that as you will see it before submitting it the first time and, if successful, do it that way every time until something does change like your "entry date into the Kingdom" after international travel or whatever.

- If you have an apartment or condo unit number in your address, make sure you add it to your overall address as, for example, "apartment 203" or "condo unit 203", not as #203. You know, for some Thai addresses, the apartment or condo unit number is in the first street / soi address you enter, right? Such as "71/203 Soi 33 Sukhumvit Road", where the 203 is your apartment or condo unit number. That is NOT enough to satisfy them that they have your apartment or condo unit number. It is ok to enter it that way but also add the words "apartment 203" or "condo unit 203" after the Soi 33 or Sukhimvit Road part. They will not assume that "71/203" is telling them your apartment or condo unit number and they might reject your form Submission on that basis without explanation.

I did not find out that is why one of my early online submissions was rejected until I asked the lady at the 90 Days Residence window at Immigration. And she had to dig deep into her computer program to figure it out herself.

- The instructions on the form say the usual bit about how only the boxes with a red * (asterisk) are required fields to fill in. They lied. The box asking for your phone number does not have a red * in it. But if you don't enter your phone number in that box your form will be rejected. Again, that was explained to me by the lady at that Immigration window after my first online submission got rejected because of it.

Good luck. Hope this helps anyone interested in trying the online submission option for that form. Even if it works just 80% of the time it is worth giving it a try, imo.[/QUOTE]I've use old system been register since the new one came about 22?

As you noted once register is pretty easy. In the two years since you get a noticed that your 90 days is coming 15 days before and 7 days after.

Some have problems those I havelinked to them not turning their VPN off so they are applying in Thailand, I've not ever been reject until this year. Reason given when leaving and returning next report must be done in person!

In Jomtien, the required docs is copy of front pages passport, last entry sp, and TM30, note since the system was so call upgraded a few months back reporting wasnt the required case last year after returning my first report Online was accepted.

There is also a website for TM30 need to set up account and upload docs.

If a law is currently not being enforced. What exactly is the point of the law?

For some people in Thailand the laws covering prostitution is is not an academic discussion between individuals who [I]have access to first hand legal info[/I]. For some people the law has real effects on events that happen, in the suites, the streets, hotel rooms and privately owned rooms here in Thailand.

[U]Example[/U]

One night, she received a call from a sex worker who was afraid to speak to the police, fearing she would be arrested. "A client had put a glass beer bottle inside her vagina."

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2803754/sex-workers-in-peril[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2937028]If a law is currently not being enforced. What exactly is the point of the law?

For some people in Thailand the laws covering prostitution is is not an academic discussion between individuals who [I]have access to first hand legal info[/I]. For some people the law has real effects on events that happen, in the suites, the streets, hotel rooms and privately owned rooms here in Thailand.

[U]Example[/U]

One night, she received a call from a sex worker who was afraid to speak to the police, fearing she would be arrested. "A client had put a glass beer bottle inside her vagina."

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2803754/sex-workers-in-peril[/URL][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]In Thailand, according to the Criminal Code, anyone over the age of 16 who "subsists on earnings as a prostitute" will be imprisoned for seven to 20 years and fined from 14,000 baht to 40,000 baht. Those who coerce others to work as prostitutes may face life imprisonment.
........
Friends of mine in the industry have been punched and hit by clients," he said. "Clients have even taken off condoms."
........
"An agency I used to work for withheld 75,000 baht from me," he said, adding he did not file a police report as he feared he would be arrested for prostitution.

Oscar said if prostitution was decriminalised, there would be fewer instances of workers being exploited.[/QUOTE]What is described herein does not make the act of prostitution between consenting adults illegal according to anything stated or implied in the Thai Penal Code or the Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act of 1996, no matter how much bullying by neighbors or employers and fear of intimidation by police they might endure.

Many are unaware of this, but there was an even earlier edict enacted that has been on the books even longer than the Prevention and Suppression Act to protect sex workers from penalty, including involving police response if necessary, should they chose for any reason to request a condom be used by their customer. Which, effectively, fully acknowledged and accepted that sex work is legitimate work operating within the law and not in itself illegal and that sex work establishments are "legal" enough to warrant government oversight and regulations rather than merely be shut down:

[B]Evaluation of the 100% Condom Programme in Thailand.[/B]

[URL]https://www.comminit.com/hiv-aids/content/evaluation-100-condom-programme-thailand[/URL]

[QUOTE]This initiative drew on the observation that sex work establishments requiring condom use or sex workers insisting on condom use would often lose clients and money to those who did not. In response, a collaborative effort was developed among local authorities, public health officers, sex establishment owners, and sex workers to ensure that clients could not purchase sexual services without condom use in the province.

As reported here, despite initial doubt that such a programme would really make it impossible to purchase sex without a condom, earlier studies reviewed here found that the pilot programme, as initiated in Ratchaburi province, was (in combination with other prevention efforts) very effective at discouraging unprotected intercourse in establishment-based sex work; sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates were found to have dropped quickly and significantly. Noting this success, efforts were made to make this programme national policy; the programme was institutionalised within existing national policy and health infrastructures with strong involvement of people at all levels (national, regional, provincial, and district). By mid-1992, all provinces reported that the 100% Condom Programme was in place.

A number of communication approaches were used to support this effort; they are detailed in this report. For example, in Phuket, the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) worked closely with police in visiting sex establishments and encouraging the owners to cooperate. Other activities included having condoms available in every hotel room, providing 100-baht health vouchers to sex workers, displaying stickers and posters advocating condom use, and holding meetings among sex establishment owners and sex workers to provide information on STIs, HIV/AIDS, and proper condom use.[/QUOTE]This is not the behavior of a government or law enforcement network that considers sex work to be "illegal" from the get-go. And why would they? There is nothing in the law that cites or determines it to be illegal.

Flaunting it "shamelessly" and "open" in ways that create a "public nuisance" as well as other peripheral spin offs of P4 P, yes, illegal. P4 P among consenting adults, no, not illegal.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2937028]If a law is currently not being enforced. What exactly is the point of the law?

For some people in Thailand the laws covering prostitution is is not an academic discussion between individuals who [I]have access to first hand legal info[/I]. For some people the law has real effects on events that happen, in the suites, the streets, hotel rooms and privately owned rooms here in Thailand.

[U]Example[/U]

One night, she received a call from a sex worker who was afraid to speak to the police, fearing she would be arrested. "A client had put a glass beer bottle inside her vagina."

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2803754/sex-workers-in-peril[/URL][/QUOTE]If I may add another point on this; the people such as the crusader with whatever agenda she has in mind referenced in that report and anyone else who perpetuates the unsubstantiated ideas that Up is Down, that the Sun sets in the East or that prostitution between consenting adults is illegal in Thailand are more responsible than they are willing to tell themselves for that prostitute being afraid to go to the police to report an assault, a theft or anything else related to her perfectly legal right to engage in P4 P in Thailand.

Furthermore, any punters who hear, read and believe that gross inaccuracy are also going to be afraid to report a theft or assault by a prostitute, right?

The Thai police who have for decades been responding to prostitute and customer complaints about real crimes being committed against them during or as the result of a legal act of P4 P are not "aiding and betting the commission of a crime" by doing so and they are fully aware of it.

Instead of trying to terrorize prostitutes and their customers into believing they are powerless to complain about any real crime perpetrated against them while they are engaged in something for which there is no criminal code or charge to be found, they ought to be trying to dispel such nonsense whenever and wherever they can.

To do otherwise benefits no one and, as we see in that report, can do serious harm to the prostitutes and customers who believe them.

[I]Sex workers in Bangkok say they feel unsafe as they cannot report cases of assault to the police without fear of being prosecuted for prostitution.

Ms Surang said she knows of many sex workers who have been assaulted while working.

"If clients pay money, they think they can do everything," she said.

One night, [B]she received a call from a sex worker who was afraid to speak to the police, fearing she would be arrested[/B]. "A client had put a glass beer bottle inside her vagina. ".

However, Ms Surang estimates the actual number to be much higher due to sex workers being unable to report assaults to the authorities.[/I]

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2803754/sex-workers-in-peril.[/URL]

Quotes are from the article with a date of 2 June 2024 0615. I wonder why regular Thai people in Thailand do not know their rights? What is generating this fear of the police? The individuals having the academic discussion of the law are not addressing the issues that appear in this article. I got no dog in this fight.

[B]Do not kill the messenger![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2937193]Quotes are from the article with a date of 2 June 2024 0615. I wonder why regular Thai people in Thailand do not know their rights? What is generating this fear of the police? The individuals having the academic discussion of the law are not addressing the issues that appear in this article. I got no dog in this fight.[/QUOTE]Nahhh. It is just the NGOs and their bullshit stories once again. One would have to wonder why when these people "rescue" prostitutes, it is never one that was doing it of their own free will. For some reason every hooker they come in contact with was trafficked and made to do it.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2937244]Nahhh. It is just the NGOs and their bullshit stories once again. One would have to wonder why when these people "rescue" prostitutes, it is never one that was doing it of their own free will. For some reason every hooker they come in contact with was trafficked and made to do it.[/QUOTE]I would add the propensity for Thais to play word games to the bloody death and the ever present "Face Saving" cultural characteristic as co-culprits in this confusion, in their supposedly not knowing their rights with regard to P4 P between consenting adults being legal in Thailand.

You know how we mongers eventually figure out that Thai girls will say anything and keep saying if they think it is either what we want to hear or if their saying it simply smooths out the moment and we'll drop the topic? Actually, Thai men do it too. They say "ok" to stuff they have no intention of doing but in their mind "ok" only means,"I hear you", nothing to do with "yes". But they know WE think they are saying Yes. LOL.

To get a Thai girl, P4 P or not, sometimes taxi drivers, restaurant servers, Information Desk staff, you name it, male or female, to really confirm the answer to your question is accurately Yes or accurately No you might have to ask them a half dozen different ways until you have totally exhausted their ability or interest in evading the question they either don't know or don't want to answer or just telling you whatever answer will make you go away happy.

The Thai Penal Code and any other edict that has been passed over the years related to prostitution is no different. It is certainly WRITTEN in such a way that unless you are a stubborn stickler for accurate details and truly need or want to know the accurate truth of it, you can be easily misled into believing it is telling you however many which goofy ways that "prostitution between consenting adults is illegal" even though there is absolutely nothing of the kind said anywhere in the wording of the Code or the Act.

They obviously want us to THINK they are saying it is illegal just as the bargirl wants us to THINK "ok" means "Yes, I will suck your dick and swallow every drop of your cum" when all it really means is I hear you, I know you want me to say Yes, but there is no way in hell I am going to even provide a CIM finish but if I tell you that here and now you will not pay the barfine and I will not have a shot at making you pay me the full agreed upon 2,000 baht or at least 1,500 baht in the room anyway.

Word games.

Now, on to good ol' Thai "Face Saving". I believe the social stigma and shame associated with earning money for providing sex is so great outside of the tight circle of bars, shops, clubs and strolls where it is practiced (however pervasive it is in various forms throught this and other cultures) is so great that most Thais "feel" as though it must be illegal. And, if anything, that being identified as a "sex worker" is even WORSE than committing an official crime. For the most part, their relatives, friends and neighbors would certainly consider it "illegal" in their world. I'm talking about P4 P where a girl has full on sex with a total stranger for cash this hour. And especially where farang total strangers are involved.

None of them have read any part of the Thai Penal Code or any other Act so they just assume the social vibe about it is the technical reality of it.

In keeping with that "Face Saving" characteristic, the Codes and Laws actually on the books regarding prostitution are very much focused on not producing any "evidence" of it happening, not making it "evident" that is what is being offered, negotiated, sold, bought, transacted and committed right here and now in this public place for all to see and hear.

[B]THB[/B] getting stronger against the [B]USD[/B]. Yearly high was: 37.21. Now: 34.26.

[B]Holla![/B]

I send all my boys here:

[URL]https://maps.app.goo.gl/4nzvjs7ytCxp4UzR6[/URL]

No complaints and I use it myself.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2935430]I just applied for the DTV 5 year visa. The fee was $400.[/QUOTE]I got approved for the Destination Thailand Visa yesterday. 1 month was the total time. August 5 to September 6. 5 times they contacted me wanting me to send more documents. I said I worked for a company that my brother owns so he was able to make me 2 payslips when they requested that. I was able to find an employment contract online to fix up how I needed, and the letter from HR saying I could work remotely, my brother sent me his letter head and I wrote up myself. Somebody online said they used a dentist appointment (because medical procedure is also a reason to get the visa) and they were approved right off.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2943172]I got approved for the Destination Thailand Visa yesterday. 1 month was the total time. August 5 to September 6. 5 times they contacted me wanting me to send more documents. I said I worked for a company that my brother owns so he was able to make me 2 payslips when they requested that. I was able to find an employment contract online to fix up how I needed, and the letter from HR saying I could work remotely, my brother sent me his letter head and I wrote up myself. Somebody online said they used a dentist appointment (because medical procedure is also a reason to get the visa) and they were approved right off.[/QUOTE]This is a very valuable post. Thanks for taking the time to share. I assume you won't mind me sharing this experience as you posted it in a public forum. 🙏.

Thanks Mr E. Employment is the easiest to prove but I'm wondering if anyone has had success with a cooking class, minor surgery, or even Muay Thai classes.

Had some free time recently and noticed this little bombshell was visiting Bangkok from her Facebook and decided to see if she wanted to meet up. I am posting this in the general section because she is normally from Pattaya, and she does not live in Bangkok.

Anyways, I was working in the sukumvut area and made plan to meet her for lunch and then go back to a room I rented on soi 4. 2000 baht for the night. I always do this even if I don't end of staying the full night. We met at that Irish pub on soi 4, had some food and a few drinks to lighten the mood. She was looking as sexy as ever. Sometimes I get in the mood for girls with big natural titis and this is the one. How lucky I was this day.

After getting back to the room, we took a shower together. I could not resist the first round starting right then and there, so I started sucking on those big melons and moved my way down to her pussy. This girl loves to get her pussy licked and she is a squirter under the right circumstances. Then I bent her over while standing in the shower and entered her from behind. I fucked her for an about 10 minutes before blowing my load deep inside her pussy. Then we toweled off and went to the bed.
We actually fell asleep after that and woke up about 2 hours later.

After waking up, she started licking my balls and gave me a slow BJ. That got me going again and I started fucking her in mish. Then flipped her over for doggy again. She wanted to ride me so I let her and she climbed on. She likes reverse cowgirl and she rode me like a champ for about 15 minutes before I blew my second load deep in her pussy.

Damage 5000 baht. Sent her packing and went back to work.

Pic from one of the ones she likes to send to her customers.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2943803]Had some free time recently and noticed this little bombshell was visiting Bangkok from her Facebook and decided to see if she wanted to meet up. I am posting this in the general section because she is normally from Pattaya, and she does not live in Bangkok.

Anyways, I was working in the sukumvut area and made plan to meet her for lunch and then go back to a room I rented on soi 4. 2000 baht for the night. I always do this even if I don't end of staying the full night. We met at that Irish pub on soi 4, had some food and a few drinks to lighten the mood. She was looking as sexy as ever. Sometimes I get in the mood for girls with big natural titis and this is the one. How lucky I was this day.

After getting back to the room, we took a shower together. I could not resist the first round starting right then and there, so I started sucking on those big melons and moved my way down to her pussy. This girl loves to get her pussy licked and she is a squirter under the right circumstances. Then I bent her over while standing in the shower and entered her from behind. I fucked her for an about 10 minutes before blowing my load deep inside her pussy. Then we toweled off and went to the bed.
We actually fell asleep after that and woke up about 2 hours later.

After waking up, she started licking my balls and gave me a slow BJ. That got me going again and I started fucking her in mish. Then flipped her over for doggy again. She wanted to ride me so I let her and she climbed on. She likes reverse cowgirl and she rode me like a champ for about 15 minutes before I blew my second load deep in her pussy.

Damage 5000 baht. Sent her packing and went back to work.

Pic from one of the ones she likes to send to her customers.[/QUOTE]Link? Profile? Name?

What a beautiful girl with perfect body. How to get in touch with her?

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2943803]Had some free time recently and noticed this little bombshell was visiting Bangkok from her Facebook and decided to see if she wanted to meet up. I am posting this in the general section because she is normally from Pattaya, and she does not live in Bangkok.

Anyways, I was working in the sukumvut area and made plan to meet her for lunch and then go back to a room I rented on soi 4. 2000 baht for the night. I always do this even if I don't end of staying the full night. We met at that Irish pub on soi 4, had some food and a few drinks to lighten the mood. She was looking as sexy as ever. Sometimes I get in the mood for girls with big natural titis and this is the one. How lucky I was this day.

After getting back to the room, we took a shower together. I could not resist the first round starting right then and there, so I started sucking on those big melons and moved my way down to her pussy. This girl loves to get her pussy licked and she is a squirter under the right circumstances. Then I bent her over while standing in the shower and entered her from behind. I fucked her for an about 10 minutes before blowing my load deep inside her pussy. Then we toweled off and went to the bed.
We actually fell asleep after that and woke up about 2 hours later.

After waking up, she started licking my balls and gave me a slow BJ. That got me going again and I started fucking her in mish. Then flipped her over for doggy again. She wanted to ride me so I let her and she climbed on. She likes reverse cowgirl and she rode me like a champ for about 15 minutes before I blew my second load deep in her pussy.

Damage 5000 baht. Sent her packing and went back to work.

Pic from one of the ones she likes to send to her customers.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2945423]In the 12 years I have lived in Thailand I have had BBFS+CIP and / or BBBJ+CIM (sometimes +Swallow) with well over 1,200 different 18-30 year old cute or attractive girls and women. Some for free. Most for easily affordable pay.

There are forums here devoted to Thailand mongering reports and discussion. I would say a nominal majority of international mongers posting in those forums cite Thailand, all things considered, as the overall best mongering destination on the planet. Which I suppose one might expect on forums devoted to Thailand mongering reports and discussion.

I also suspect a majority of the American (male) expats cited in that linked report, if asked off the record, would also rank mongering options as one of the main reasons they chose Thailand for retirement and not exactly the excellent healthcare system.

As always, YMMV.[/QUOTE]I have only been living in Thailand for just over a year. But the reason I decided to stay after the first week of my first visit is [B]Infrastructure[/B]. I was coming of 10 years of living in the Dominican Republic with the occasional side trip to Colombia. The level of infrastructure and general amenities (beach, restaurants, night life) is far superior to either the Dominican Republic or Colombia and a less calls.

Fuck the environment for hiring a prostitute. I spend more time figuring out what I want to eat than which girl is going to give me access to her mouth, pussy and ass for a nominal fee. But to each their own. [B]You do you my ISG brothers![/B].

There was a time, not very long ago, when I thought Thailand was the absolute best place to live / recreate and I was looking forward to spending 9 to 10 months of the year here. It is still the place where I will most likely settle down due to the lack of reasonable, quality alternatives, but my enthusiasm for the move has cratered thanks to the post covid commercialization of the girly scene here. So, currently I think there are better places to monger and that is where I am spending my time and my hard-earned money, but the total Thai infrastructure deal plus the relative safety factor, good eats, and living expense bang for your buck still leave Thailand #1 in my expat plans. In other words, it is the best of what I see available, but that ain't saying much anymore. I don't think I would last a year in the PI, Jakarta, Saigon, Phnom, Singapore, ect.

So, who knows? Maybe I will end up bringing my favorite Sao Paulo girl to Phuket and rent a condo on the beach. She is bi and I presume we could have some good times with the local talent. Or maybe I will just tough it out in south Florida and travel more.

There is currently a unique opportunity in the gold market here in Thailand. Because the THB has strengthen in value against the USD, prices of gold in Thailand are falling while on the world market they are increasing in value. You have to check exchange rates and see if you can take advantage of this market anomaly that will certainly correct itself quickly.

[B]Not Financial Advice[/B]

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;2945629]There was a time, not very long ago, when I thought Thailand was the absolute best place to live / recreate and I was looking forward to spending 9 to 10 months of the year here. It is still the place where I will most likely settle down due to the lack of reasonable, quality alternatives, but my enthusiasm for the move has cratered thanks to the post covid commercialization of the girly scene here. So, currently I think there are better places to monger and that is where I am spending my time and my hard-earned money, but the total Thai infrastructure deal plus the relative safety factor, good eats, and living expense bang for your buck still leave Thailand #1 in my expat plans. In other words, it is the best of what I see available, but that ain't saying much anymore. I don't think I would last a year in the PI, Jakarta, Saigon, Phnom, Singapore, ect.

So, who knows? Maybe I will end up bringing my favorite Sao Paulo girl to Phuket and rent a condo on the beach. She is bi and I presume we could have some good times with the local talent. Or maybe I will just tough it out in south Florida and travel more.[/QUOTE]Thailand was much better years ago. I realize mentioning this agitates some newer posters such as Stub. But it is still a great place to visit and even retire. Safety, food, cost of living, infrastructure, and girls keep it at it near the top of places for me to visit regularly. There are disadvantages, of course, but the good outweighs the bad by far.

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;2945629]There was a time, not very long ago, when I thought Thailand was the absolute best place to live / recreate and I was looking forward to spending 9 to 10 months of the year here. It is still the place where I will most likely settle down due to the lack of reasonable, quality alternatives, but my enthusiasm for the move has cratered thanks to the post covid commercialization of the girly scene here. So, currently I think there are better places to monger and that is where I am spending my time and my hard-earned money, but the total Thai infrastructure deal plus the relative safety factor, good eats, and living expense bang for your buck still leave Thailand #1 in my expat plans. In other words, it is the best of what I see available, but that ain't saying much anymore. I don't think I would last a year in the PI, Jakarta, Saigon, Phnom, Singapore, ect.

So, who knows? Maybe I will end up bringing my favorite Sao Paulo girl to Phuket and rent a condo on the beach. She is bi and I presume we could have some good times with the local talent. Or maybe I will just tough it out in south Florida and travel more.[/QUOTE]You are right. Thai infrastructure Wins.

I don't Hate Japan. You can not find a Mall in Japan anywhere like Terminal 21. If you actually been in Thailand T 21 is mid.

Here is what is funny to me. On Youtube you can find any number of videos saying the Thailand is NO LONGER the spot for retirement, fun or living. You can find a equal number saying Thailand IS the spot for retirement, fun or living. Who is right? I don't care. [B]Cause I do me[/B]!

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2942976]Fuck, why does it seam like everyone lives in the mother fucking [I]Glory Days[/I]? Things change. Online game is poping off. Other in person venues are also. I am not one to relive the [I]Glory Days[/I] (not that I could if I wanted to when it comes to Pattaya). If Pattaya has changed and you haven't that is you OWN damn fault. [B]LOL![/B].

Or mother fuckers could up their game like I did when I lived in the Dominican Republic and learned how to speak Spanish. Now learning a different language, that requires time and brain work and not everyone will be up to it. For me it was like having the keys to the kingdom handed to me. Along with being able to travel to any number of Spanish speaking countries and communicate.

[B]Be a man! Put in some work![/B][/QUOTE]This post still applies. But let me give my Under 1100 post count brothers a heads up. Twelve years ago there were individuals that were talking that same [I]glory days[/I] mess in the [B]Dominican Republic[/B] Threads. There were stories that back in the day (remember this was 12 years ago) that in a certain hotel your walk onto your balcony and just hold up one (1) or two (2) fingers and 3 - 5 girls would show up at your door and you would decide who to let in. [B]LOL![/B] Reminds me of the stories of how how hard my Dad worked as a kid. I'll tell those same stories to my children. [I]You know back in my day we had dial up internet connection. It was so slow it would take a half day to download a file. And I had to pay for my own internet using half my allowance each month[/I]. Yep, I hope the roll their eyes at me as they go thru the listening [I]glory days[/I] stories rite of passage. I hope they grow up be happy and human being laughing at me too. Just as I laugh at all the people still living in the [I]glory days[/I].

While we a going down memory lane: let us not forget that the United States of America used to be great for free pussy and hiring prostitutes. You could get your dick sucked for 20 USD. Half and Half for 40. Or fuck a smoking hot 20 year old from Seeking Arrangements for 100 USD. We are talking girls who would catch the my splooge, spit sometimes swallow or [B]BBFS[/B]. Now, are there any ISG brothers who still live in the USA? Could they inform me about prices today? Holla!

What my Under 1100 post count brothers do not get is that according to the [I]glory days[/I] clown car crews, everything was better back in the [I]glory days[/I]. The reality is that it is simply not true. I saw a instagram about a robot that can build a brick house in 2 days. I have three tablets within my eyesight, two phones and I am typing on a lab top computer and I have a second one in my closet. In my opinion, progress is very personal. And depends who what you are looking for.

[B]The wonderful thing about living in the present is that you get to enjoy the here and now[/B] Not look backwards wishing for things to get better. You can move around and experience new things and then you don't have to be stuck in the rut of past memories.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2942976]To me it is a better use of time than writing endless complaints here about the price of pussy in Pattaya. Learning to speak Thai opens up a entire mother fucking country to include girls not participating in the pussy market.[/QUOTE][B]AO, AH[/B] do either of you speak Thai? Have you traveled all around Thailand and seen and done things here?

[B]The Defense rests[/B]

We can clearly see the fall of the euro against the baht on this chart since the beginning of June when it was still at almost 40. It is at less than 37 today. We can clearly see the bearish channel which is sloping sharply and shows no sign of recovery. We have broken all the supports, all the moving averages are plunging, impossible to know when this will stop. Note that many currencies are also falling (US dollar, GB pound, Australian dollar, yen, rupee, yuan, ruble, etc.).

For those who are interested there are at least 2 interesting articles on the economic situation in Thailand. These articles are in French, do as I do, use Google translate.

1 - On the short-term situation :
The rise of the baht could threaten tourism and exports (09-20-2024) : [URL]https://vietnam-aujourdhui.info/2024/09/20/la-forte-hausse-du-baht-thailandais-menace-le-tourisme-et-les-exportations/#:~:text=Bien%20que%20la%20hausse%20du,rechercher%20des%20sources%20moins%20chres.[/URL])

2 - On the medium-term situation :
THAILAND. Economic and financial situation (06-04-2024) : 28th world economy with a GDP of 515 billion USD in 2023, Thailand is the second economy in ASEAN after Indonesia. The country is in the upper bracket of middle-income countries, with a per capita income of 7,300 USD in current dollars (2023), and aims to reach the rank of developed economy by 2037 [URL]https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/PagesInternationales/Pages/9d9f42f8-5b00-4da0-982e-820f66065149/files/17909d3d-46da-4943-9278-321deda2808e#:~:text=Aprs%20une%20priode%20de%20forte,%25%20(%2B1%2C2%20%25).[/URL]).
This information is important because it gives the trend of our purchasing power in Thailand. The good weather (the low prices, the attractive exchange rate, etc. for Europeans but probably also for others) may not last.

This is from the Internet:

"Global funds are snapping up Southeast Asian assets as the prospect of interest-rate cuts and attractive valuations holds out the promise of supersized returns. Money managers have boosted positions in sovereign bonds in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia for the past two months, and have been net buyers of Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippine equities for three months. Those inflows have helped make Southeast Asian currencies the best performers in emerging markets this quarter, while regional stocks have easily beaten their them peers".

This suggests a purely financial cause and no long-term trend.

[QUOTE=XXL;2946716]This suggests a purely financial cause and no long-term trend.[/QUOTE]There are 2 separate points, please read them and do not mix them up

When it comes to the Thai baht after all these years their pattern.

If a report comes out by a Thai official example Bank of Thailand baht too strong or weak a week or so it does a reverse.

I read just the other day official for tourism dislike the baht being so strong bad for tourist that being noted I see the baht getting a bit weaker. LOL.

THB to USD on arrival: 37 to 1; THB to USD now: 33 to 1.

THB has gotten 10.8 % stronger against the dollar.

In real terms that means that I used to pay 27.03 USD for short time. Now I pay: 30.30 USD for short time. [B]A 3.27 USD increase[/B].

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2946996]THB to USD on arrival: 37 to 1; THB to USD now: 33 to 1.

THB has gotten 10.8 % stronger against the dollar.

In real terms that means that I used to pay 27.03 USD for short time. Now I pay: 30.30 USD for short time. [B]A 3.27 USD increase[/B].[/QUOTE]Which means I am holding off converting any dollars into baht until the baht sinks again.

The dollar change has more to do with all the Asian currencies adjusting to what they once were (Yen, Baht, Won, rupiah, etc.), partly due to what XXL posted. It wasn't only the baht gaining ground. The Yen has changed over 10% in 3 months as well. I was lucky to switch a bunch of Yen, rupiah, and baht 2.5 months ago while it was low.

I know I'm likely alone on this but I'll speak about Japan only. I'm happy to see the Yen gaining value. It keeps out the riff raff that I see more and more of and will limit severe overtourism in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. This is worsened since the Japanese (except for gogo bar horndogs) no longer travel since they have no money to travel causing more overcrowding. I stopped going to Kyoto over a year ago due to unbearable crowding.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2947115]Which means I am holding off converting any dollars into baht until the baht sinks again.[/QUOTE]

Agree. I believe the right call is to hold off baht conversion at this time. Let's see if I'm right on Nov 12, a week after the US Election. USD sits at 32.919 baht and Euro is 36.646 baht as I type this. (caveat - don't take financial advice from any member on ISG. Discuss with your Financial Consultant.).

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2946641][B]AO, AH[/B] do either of you speak Thai? Have you traveled all around Thailand and seen and done things here?

[B]The Defense rests[/B][/QUOTE]I've picked up some Thai during my travels here but would never say I speak Thai. I have traveled Allover Thailand with the exception of the very far north and the far south near the Malaysian border. Will probably do Mae Hong Son next year if I can find anything to do there. My favorite spots are Chiang Rai and Nong Khai.

SWISH.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2946996]THB to USD on arrival: 37 to 1; THB to USD now: 33 to 1.

THB has gotten 10.8 % stronger against the dollar.

In real terms that means that I used to pay 27.03 USD for short time. Now I pay: 30.30 USD for short time. [B]A 3.27 USD increase[/B].[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2947246]The dollar change has more to do with all the Asian currencies adjusting to what they once were (Yen, Baht, Won, rupiah, etc.), partly due to what XXL posted. It wasn't only the baht gaining ground. The Yen has changed over 10% in 3 months as well. I was lucky to switch a bunch of Yen, rupiah, and baht 2.5 months ago while it was low.[/QUOTE]The point of my post was that the difference was no big deal to me: 11%.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2947246]I know I'm likely alone on this but I'll speak about Japan only. I'm happy to see the Yen gaining value. It keeps out the riff raff that I see more and more of and will limit severe overtourism in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. This is worsened since the Japanese (except for gogo bar horndogs) no longer travel since they have no money to travel causing more overcrowding. I stopped going to Kyoto over a year ago due to unbearable crowding.[/QUOTE]The reality for me is I don't give a (compound profanity redacted) about exchange rates except to monitor what the institutional rates are to see how much the money changers are ripping me off (thieves). Exchange rates go up and exchange rates go down. Like all markets. A ten (10) percent move one way or the other makes no difference to me when my basic fixed expenses (rent, electricity, water, internet) are 65% less than I have ever paid in my life. That is what really matters to me and that is what makes Thailand attractive to me.

[B]It is not the pussy[/B] Now I know saying this is going to trigger some of you into apoplectic fits, especially the visitors among us. I have only been here just over one year and I think the place is great. [B]I still need to learn Thai[/B].

But I don't like the high season. The crowds. So I will probably switch it up and move around a little to avoid high season. I am curious about the [I]riff raff[/I] you describe coming to Japan.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2947246]Agree. I believe the right call is to hold off baht conversion at this time. Let's see if I'm right. USD sits at 32.9206 baht as I type this.[/QUOTE]If you don't need to convert why would you? I do not keep more than a small amount to cover the expenses I need an any foreign currency where I operate. And I operate in three different ones. Personally I don't give a flying (profanity redacted). Because my budget is not that tight. Keep in mind that if exchanges rates are returning to the mean (which all markets eventually do) you will be in for a long wait. [B]LOL![/B].

[B]Just my 2 Bhat on the matter 8 more and you can take a ride on the Baht Bus[/B]

The Thai baht was at 25 in like 1985 IIRC. Life was fun then.

In my head, the big one, I just peg the baht to 30. So 3000 baht is $100. In reality it is (today) $90. My brain doesn't process small change like that when I am balls deep into a 20 year old hardbody. I change money on the fly and have accounts in dollars, baht and riel. I never have enough money in any of those accounts to even think what the Thai exchange rate is, nor will I ever willingly put enough in so that the exchange rate gives me anyhting more than an extra short time.

I'm not stupid, or at least that stupid not to pay attention. So when the exchange rate was 37, I bought a few thousand dollars of baht, but not enough to ever make a difference in my willingness or ability to play in Bangkok. But I guess a I got a short time and a cola out of it.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2947362] I am curious about the [I]riff raff[/I] you describe coming to Japan.[/QUOTE]I have a ton to say about this topic but I'll keep it short since it's not in line with a Thailand sex forum. Been going to Japan since I was in my teens. I always felt it was a 'classy' place. At the 11 second mark of this video you will see the most infamous of the 'riff raff'. The lady who forced Japan to completely shut down the Geisha District in Kyoto to tourists.

Japan is a very strict country where the Japanese follow simple rules. There is a Japanese etiquette to follow. The tourists these days don't follow that etiquette (it's no different than when you see a tourist in Thailand climbing on to a Buddha). Japanese (while in Japan) don't litter, spit out gum, eat or drink while walking or on a train (except Shinkansen), smoke in places not designated for smoking, bud in line to get on an escalator, talk loudly (Japanese whisper on a train) or listen to loud music on trains, etc. I've seen a ton of this from tourists. The worst example of this was when I took a train from Tokyo to Yokohama Chinatown. A couple from China were going ballistic on one another yelling and screaming. All the Japanese on the train were disgusted. The China couple were oblivious to this and fought for a good 20 minutes.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oe8Qte16nQ[/URL]

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2947488]I have a ton to say about this topic but I'll keep it short since it's not in line with a Thailand sex forum. Been going to Japan since I was in my teens. I always felt it was a 'classy' place. At the 11 second mark of this video you will see the most infamous of the 'riff raff'. The lady who forced Japan to completely shut down the Geisha District in Kyoto to tourists.

Japan is a very strict country where the Japanese follow simple rules. There is a Japanese etiquette to follow. The tourists these days don't follow that etiquette (it's no different than when you see a tourist in Thailand climbing on to a Buddha). Japanese (while in Japan) don't litter, spit out gum, eat or drink while walking or on a train (except Shinkansen), smoke in places not designated for smoking, bud in line to get on an escalator, talk loudly (Japanese whisper on a train) or listen to loud music on trains, etc. I've seen a ton of this from tourists. The worst example of this was when I took a train from Tokyo to Yokohama Chinatown. A couple from China were going ballistic on one another yelling and screaming. All the Japanese on the train were disgusted. The China couple were oblivious to this and fought for a good 20 minutes.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oe8Qte16nQ[/URL][/QUOTE]The best thing about Japan is indeed how Japanese follow the rules. I was just there a week ago and was flabbergasted at how everyone in the subways walks on the correct side even if the walk way going in the opposite direction is void of any people. If you're at a cross walk and there is no car in sight, no one walks across until the walk sign turns on. So yeah, hopefully riff raff travelers from all over the world don't kill Japanese culture and ettiquete. Thailand is already done for in this department.

So you are really just talking about the same type of people that would be classified as [I]Farangs behaving Badly[/I] in Thailand. I have experienced this behavior up close and personal. I have had few Farangs from my country of origin that have run up on a [B]Farang dam[/B]. But I dispatched the [I]riff raff[/I] in a very verbally aggressive manner with [B]extreme prejudice[/B]. There are at least three Farangs that are going to think twice about running up on a random [B]Farang dam[/B] again spewing their hate that they dragged all half way across the world.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2947488]I have a ton to say about this topic but I'll keep it short since it's not in line with a Thailand sex forum. Been going to Japan since I was in my teens. I always felt it was a 'classy' place. At the 11 second mark of this video you will see the most infamous of the 'riff raff'. The lady who forced Japan to completely shut down the Geisha District in Kyoto to tourists.

Japan is a very strict country where the Japanese follow simple rules. There is a Japanese etiquette to follow. The tourists these days don't follow that etiquette (it's no different than when you see a tourist in Thailand climbing on to a Buddha). Japanese (while in Japan) don't litter, spit out gum, eat or drink while walking or on a train (except Shinkansen), smoke in places not designated for smoking, bud in line to get on an escalator, talk loudly (Japanese whisper on a train) or listen to loud music on trains, etc. I've seen a ton of this from tourists. The worst example of this was when I took a train from Tokyo to Yokohama Chinatown. A couple from China were going ballistic on one another yelling and screaming. All the Japanese on the train were disgusted. The China couple were oblivious to this and fought for a good 20 minutes.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oe8Qte16nQ[/URL][/QUOTE]

Anyone down to play some pickleball? I'll be here for the next few weeks. Pretty easy to pick up if you play tennis. Read they have paddles and balls at the court too.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2947733]So you are really just talking about the same type of people that would be classified as [I]Farangs behaving Badly[/I] in Thailand. I have experienced this behavior up close and personal. I have had few Farangs from my country of origin that have run up on a [B]Farang dam[/B]. But I dispatched the [I]riff raff[/I] in a very verbally aggressive manner with [B]extreme prejudice[/B]. There are at least three Farangs that are going to think twice about running up on a random [B]Farang dam[/B] again spewing their hate that they dragged all half way across the world.[/QUOTE]Johnny Somali. Did way worser. Recent wuthin the year.

Japan has dark Underbelly. Don't be so enamored.

One thing I appreciate is they keep the kind of people who push people off platform Subways to a minimum. They and all Asian country s don't want to become Violent.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2943172]I got approved for the Destination Thailand Visa yesterday. 1 month was the total time. August 5 to September 6. [/QUOTE]Only 1500-2500 DTVs have been issued. I would have thought that number would have been MUCH higher.

[QUOTE=Lcale1982;2948898]Anyone down to play some pickleball? I'll be here for the next few weeks. Pretty easy to pick up if you play tennis. Read they have paddles and balls at the court too.[/QUOTE]Regular meet time. Just turn up. Have a secret handshake LOL.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2948958]Only 1500-2500 DTVs have been issued. I would have thought that number would have been MUCH higher.[/QUOTE]It said no numbers have been released. That is just talk put out by internet bloggers.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2949070]It said no numbers have been released. That is just talk put out by internet bloggers.[/QUOTE]Correct from reports, since mentuoned I looked up the requirement looks like a good deal..

The problem is the government leadership like to blow smoke with no clear picture as to how to go about anything. There has been so many so call Visa people to invest, Elite, then all go the waste basket even IO officier can't keep travk here to gone tomorrow. This is the highway their PM travel, get elected don't count, the Senate select new PM, months later don't like him so out the door, next up Thaksins daughter picked by handpick MP's contrary to what the Senate claim.

Then you got the Weed issue passed, new guy says it is out, second in command Anutin say No it isn't.

Next up casinos they did a report a study going to approve but no one seen it.

Here rules are made to be broken so are Visa LOL.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2949236]Here rules are made to be broken so are Visa LOL.[/QUOTE]100 percent correct my brother. That is why I am sticking with what is tried and true. I'll let others run the gauntlet.

Price of Baht (15.244 Grams) of 24 K (96% Pure Gold) is 40,200 THB.

[I]Feels like a midget is hanging on my necklace[/I] - Stand Up, [B]Ludacris[/B].

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2949260]100 percent correct my brother. That is why I am sticking with what is tried and true. I'll let others run the gauntlet.

Price of Baht (15.244 Grams) of 24 K (96% Pure Gold) is 40,200 THB.

[I]Feels like a midget is hanging on my necklace[/I] - Stand Up, [B]Ludacris[/B].[/QUOTE]I will happily admit that I have no clue about the price of a Thai gold baht, nor do I plan to ever know.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2949357]I will happily admit that I have no clue about the price of a Thai gold baht[/QUOTE]Store value how ever you like my ISG brother. I happen to like how Gold is integrated into the economy here in Thailand. It allows me to simultaneously hedge currency exchange risks and inflationary policies when it comes to my short term emergency funds that I need for my Thailand operational expenses.

[U]Thai gold is fungible[/U] As long as you don't damage the gold you enter the gold shop and sell it back to them at the price being offered on that day. A mother fucker told me when I first arrived I would lose my ass if bought Thai Gold. That is why I do not take financial advice from [B]International Tricks[/B]. Gold prices are up significantly from when I first started buying on arrival. I introduce my visiting friends to Thai Gold and they have purchased significant amounts.

[I]Gold utility in Thailand is common and a source of earnings for the people. Gold jewelry is widely used in ornaments for different family events. It also serves a store of values and source of emergency fund during financial crisis.[/I]

ATF told me she survived the COIVD shut down by selling off her gold. She is re-accumulating it. I am buying right there with you.

Check the international price of gold in USD. What does it tell you about the future value of fiat currency world wide?

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2949357]nor do I plan to ever know.[/QUOTE]I never plan to travel to other countries with other than my ATF. No random traveling prostitutes for me. But you my ISG Brother:

[B]Dowhatchalike[/B]!

Just got approved for the DTV. Took 14 days in total.

I applied online in Brazil. Price was 2000 reais. ($357 US at the time). Provided a copy of my Airbnb stay in Brazil, paystubs, a recent photo and picture of my passport and a letter saying I was allowed to work from home from my boss.

They reached out a week later and asked for proof of 500000 that in a bank account or a sponsorship letter and an employment contract or certificate of employment saying I'm a remote worker, digital nomad etc.

I responded with a PDF showing the money in my bank account and a letter from my human resources saying I'm a remote worker. A few days later they said they need and employment contract or certificate of employment or a portfolio showing I'm a digital nomad, remote worker.

So I had human resources make up an employment certificate saying I'm a remote worker and that sealed the deal.

So paystubs didn't work nor did the letters at least at the Brasília embassy I applied to for the visa online.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2943172]I got approved for the Destination Thailand Visa yesterday. 1 month was the total time. August 5 to September 6. 5 times they contacted me wanting me to send more documents. I said I worked for a company that my brother owns so he was able to make me 2 payslips when they requested that. I was able to find an employment contract online to fix up how I needed, and the letter from HR saying I could work remotely, my brother sent me his letter head and I wrote up myself. Somebody online said they used a dentist appointment (because medical procedure is also a reason to get the visa) and they were approved right off.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Lcale1982;2948898]Anyone down to play some pickleball? I'll be here for the next few weeks. Pretty easy to pick up if you play tennis. Read they have paddles and balls at the court too.[/QUOTE]Not interested now? Anyone else. Be there 5th- 22nd Oct.

[QUOTE=Global00;2949454]Just got approved for the DTV. Took 14 days in total.

I applied online in Brazil. Price was 2000 reais. ($357 US at the time).[/QUOTE]Hell yeah. I am glad yours was quicker. They keep trying to put you through the ringer. I was just about to say look mfs are you going to give it to me or not.

Dtv is not designed for SexPests. Chill people.

Reading your experience with application process helped me out. Thanks!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2949485]Hell yeah. I am glad yours was quicker. They keep trying to put you through the ringer. I was just about to say look mfs are you going to give it to me or not.[/QUOTE]

We'll soon know if the price bounces back on support 36 or if we continue the tumble.

Discussions between the BOT (which is slowing down) and the government (which would like to lower them) about adjusting interest rates. This concerns household debt (very high in Thailand) and the value of the baht which is a problem for exports (potentially for tourism too) : [URL]https://www.zonebourse.com/actualite-bourse/Le-ministre-des-finances-thailandais-discute-des-problemes-de-liquidite-et-de-dette-avec-le-chef-47993112/[/URL].

The problem is with the loss of strength of the USD. [B]BOT[/B] should not debase the THB. Let the citizens of the government in the United States of America worry about the the strength of their currency.

The Bank of Thailand is doing the right thing by not lowering interest rates. There is absolutely no reason to. Lowering interest rates is going to inject needless liquidity into economy and drive up inflation. That is something Thai people do not need.

What the Thai people do need is to store their wealth in gold and Bitcoin. Thai economists should not pay any attention to a what the socialist economists in France have to say what so ever. France nor their economy should serve as an example to Thailand or quite frankly other free and progressive countries in the world.

Thai business simply need to tighten up cost controls if they are exporters. 5% increase in prices are not going to stop people from High Income countries from taking their vacations.

[B]Holla![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2950307]The problem is with the loss of strength of the USD. [B]BOT[/B] should not debase the THB. Let the citizens of the government in the United States of America worry about the the strength of their currency.

The Bank of Thailand is doing the right thing by not lowering interest rates. There is absolutely no reason to. Lowering interest rates is going to inject needless liquidity into economy and drive up inflation. That is something Thai people do not need.

What the Thai people do need is to store their wealth in gold and Bitcoin. Thai economists should not pay any attention to a what the socialist economists in France have to say what so ever. France nor their economy should serve as an example to Thailand or quite frankly other free and progressive countries in the world.

Thai business simply need to tighten up cost controls if they are exporters. 5% increase in prices are not going to stop people from High Income countries from taking their vacations.

[B]Holla![/B][/QUOTE]You can overlook one wacky statement but 2 in one post -OMG!

A strong THB is good for the Thai people and the economy in general.

What the Thai people do need is to store their wealth in gold and Bitcoin.

The Thais need to cut personal debt.

Flights are rescheduling and sometimes even canceling from west to east. Do that affect the tourism in Thailand this year? Do they continue waiving of the visa fee for this season too?

Other than to show us that this poster has no understanding of micro or macro economics, I wonder why he made the following statement:

[QUOTE][b]OMG![/b][/QUOTE]That is something I only hear when a girl who speaks English first sees my [B]Big Black Dick[/B] or feels my [B]Big Black Dick[/B] penetrate her. OMG is not a economic term I am familiar with. Perhaps the poster can elaborate on this particular use case.

[QUOTE]A strong THB is good for the Thai people and the economy in general.[/QUOTE][B]Absolutely correct![/B]

[I]When the Baht strengthens against other currencies, imports become more affordable, and travel to nations with weaker currencies becomes cheaper. However, Thai goods become pricier in those countries, posing challenges for American companies attempting to export. Conversely, when the Baht weakens against other currencies, Thai goods perform better in overseas markets, leading to increased exports. Tourism in the Thailand flourishes as it becomes a more attractive option. Nevertheless, foreign goods become more costly within Thailand.The strength or weakness of a currency does not inherently denote good or bad outcomes. Instead, it presents a mixed scenario where the advantages or disadvantages vary based on individual interests and perspectives.[/I]

Thailand has a strong domestic economy. And as a country they have desirable product. So, the negatives of the strong Baht are negated because domestic consumption.

[I]Thailand is one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world, with leading segments such as electrical and electronic appliances, automobiles and parts, and food products.[/I]

[QUOTE]What the Thai people do need is to store their wealth in gold and [b]Bitcoin[/b].[/QUOTE]Exactly, I think I said that very same thing. As I check the price of gold from when I arrived in Thailand and now it has increased both here and on the international market. As I check the price of [B]Bitcoin[/B] it has increased also in the last year.

[QUOTE]The Thais need to cut personal debt.[/QUOTE][B]Americans Are Carrying Record Household Debt in 2024[/B]

[URL]https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/banking/american-debt-2024/[/URL]

The average US Citizen is broke. So I am unsure once again the point they are trying to make other than to point out that in some countries personal household debt is indeed excessive. The Baht is getting stronger against the US dollar which is worth nothing and losing value every year (check inflation rates).

Both Gold (Au) and Bitcoin have acted as a hedge against inflation. Both Gold and Bitcoin are excellent assets to store wealth within. All you need to do is to take a look at El Salvador. Thailand should follow their lead. But making [B]Bitcoin[/B] as treasury asset it may be possible to lower the dependence upon the USD for them. In my opinion, Thailand should be thinking in the same way. How do we lower the dependance on the USD. I don't see any better option than to created a store of value base on Gold and [B]Bitcoin[/B].

The principles of a Treasury Asset (known as savings) work well in micro economics as they do in macro economics.

Dumb mother fucks who want to step to me better come with some facts. I've already knocked plenty of intellectual heads off in the [B]American Politics[/B] threads when it comes to economic theory and [B]Bitcoin[/B]. Don't get your differences in PPP (Pussy Procurement Processes) that you have with me confused with economic theory and reality. I spend a whole lot more mother fucking time in Thailand than most of the mother fucks that roll up on me talking their shit. The comments by the poster illustrate why I do not take financial / economic advice from [B]International Tricks[/B]!

[B]How you like me now[/B]?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2950307]A strong THB is good for the Thai people and the economy in general[/QUOTE]I know this is hard for you but try to avoid talking about things you don't understand.

[QUOTE=Thampi62;2950426]West Asia. Flights are rescheduling and sometimes even canceling from west to east. [/QUOTE]I had to Google where West Asia was. Never even heard of this term before. Learn something every day.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2950456]Other than to show us that this poster has no understanding of micro or macro economics, I wonder why he made the following statement....[/QUOTE]55555555 thank you I laughed a lot.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2950489]I had to Google where West Asia was. Never even heard of this term before. Learn something every day.[/QUOTE]I had to school a millennial on this coupla years ago. Take it from this super old guy, but there's a lot of Asias. It's the single most diverse continent. It kinda sucks that those of us from western countries seem to be the most willfully ignorant, but look at politics in the US and UK, and there doesn't seem much hope for humanity at all. Thailand is where it's at fellas. If I could sell my soul to retire in Thailand, I'd do it.

1: South East Asia (The paradise countries like Thailand and Singapore).

2: South Asia (India and neighbors, nuff said).

3: Far East (China, Japan and the Koreas).

4: Central Asia (Where all the countries ending with stans be at).

5: Middle and near east, also sometimes known as West Asia (where explosions happen all the time).

So many Asias!

[QUOTE=Thampi62;2950426]Flights are rescheduling and sometimes even canceling from west to east. Do that affect the tourism in Thailand this year? Do they continue waiving of the visa fee for this season too?[/QUOTE]A lot of people don't know this, but Thailand and by extension Bangkok is the most visited city in the world is cause of it's neighbors. Most of it's neighbors are either the same or slightly better off economically, so Thailand get's a huge amount of tourists coming in from other South East Asian countries. Folks like us from western countries, we kinda matter tourism money wise, but they'll be fine with just tourists from nearby countries.

And another interesting factoid. The prostitution business in Thailand is powered mainly by local hobbyists. Were talking 90 percent or more. What we do, where we go at the more famous mongering locations in Thailand is just a fraction of the reality of prostitution there. So don't bother with no moral quandary fellas, them locals partake in it and keep it going way more than we have anything to do with it.

[QUOTE=CaliGuy33;2947589]The best thing about Japan is indeed how Japanese follow the rules. I was just there a week ago and was flabbergasted at how everyone in the subways walks on the correct side even if the walk way going in the opposite direction is void of any people. If you're at a cross walk and there is no car in sight, no one walks across until the walk sign turns on. So yeah, hopefully riff raff travelers from all over the world don't kill Japanese culture and ettiquete. Thailand is already done for in this department.[/QUOTE]With a conviction rate of something lie 99%, I wouldn't worry about riff raff or crime in Japan. There's a reason why they're the safest country in the world for tourists, next to Singapore anyway. Yeah, it's culture, but it's also cause if they even think you've committed a crime, 99% chance you're off to jail.

Thailand ain't like that though. Culture is Asian sure, but ain't nothing like Japan. And I've been to Japan too. Ain't really no place like Japan. It's unique unto itself. I don't know dude, it's great to visit, but I can't imagine living there. The incredibly high stress, the pressure that society places on you to succeed, the office culture where people are expected to work themselves to the very edge. Sometimes to death. Look, I won't disagree that Japan is awesome in many ways, but no society is perfect.

From all my travels, I've only ever found 3 perfect countries, and one very close to perfect.

Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland. They're perfect countries, and Thailand comes very close to being perfect. Nuff said.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R6wM6QH6Lw[/URL]

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2950704]I had to school a millennial on this coupla years ago. Take it from this super old guy, but there's a lot of Asias. It's the single most diverse continent. It kinda sucks that those of us from western countries seem to be the most willfully ignorant, but look at politics in the US and UK, and there doesn't seem much hope for humanity at all. Thailand is where it's at fellas. If I could sell my soul to retire in Thailand, I'd do it.

1: South East Asia (The paradise countries like Thailand and Singapore).

2: South Asia (India and neighbors, nuff said).

3: Far East (China, Japan and the Koreas).

4: Central Asia (Where all the countries ending with stans be at).

5: Middle and near east, also sometimes known as West Asia (where explosions happen all the time).

So many Asias![/QUOTE]Dude you have been to Asia once, what are you the Board Wiki now?

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2950705]A lot of people don't know this, but Thailand and by extension Bangkok is the most visited city in the world is cause of it's neighbors. Most of it's neighbors are either the same or slightly better off economically, so Thailand get's a huge amount of tourists coming in from other South East Asian countries. Folks like us from western countries, we kinda matter tourism money wise, but they'll be fine with just tourists from nearby countries.

And another interesting factoid. The prostitution business in Thailand is powered mainly by local hobbyists. Were talking 90 percent or more. What we do, where we go at the more famous mongering locations in Thailand is just a fraction of the reality of prostitution there. So don't bother with no moral quandary fellas, them locals partake in it and keep it going way more than we have anything to do with it.[/QUOTE]The Thai mongering scene is much lamer than you think.

Yeah, in upscale Bangkok, there is a scene, but outside of that, ladies work in host bars. There are no short time rooms or barfines. The ladies can only go with customers outside of work.

[B]I do not buy gold to make money unless you are speculating[/B]:

[QUOTE]real money was made in covered calls as my cost basis is -10 not counting dividends[/QUOTE][B]If I want to speculate[/B]: I buy stocks or crypto. If someone wants to talk real money with me then we need to talk [B]NVDA[/B] at 854% total return to date. [B]Holla![/B].

Gold is a a safe haven asset. I buy Gold (Au) for the same reason I buy Bitcoin (BTC) in order to preserve wealth. Gold has held its value against other commodities and consumer goods over the years.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2949420]Store value how ever you like my ISG brother. I happen to like how Gold is integrated into the economy here in Thailand. It allows me to simultaneously hedge currency exchange risks and inflationary policies when it comes to my short term emergency funds that I need for my Thailand operational expenses.

[U]Thai gold is fungible[/U] As long as you don't damage the gold you enter the gold shop and sell it back to them at the price being offered on that day. A mother fucker told me when I first arrived I would lose my ass if bought Thai Gold. That is why I do not take financial advice from [B]International Tricks[/B]. Gold prices are up significantly from when I first started buying on arrival. I introduce my visiting friends to Thai Gold and they have purchased significant amounts.

[I]Gold utility in Thailand is common and a source of earnings for the people. Gold jewelry is widely used in ornaments for different family events. It also serves a store of values and source of emergency fund during financial crisis.[/I]

ATF told me she survived the COIVD shut down by selling off her gold. She is re-accumulating it. I am buying right there with you.

But you my ISG Brother: [B]Dowhatchalike[/B]![/QUOTE][URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/investment/2791852/follow-the-yellow-brick-road[/URL]

The allocations one chooses for their investment portfolio is different and one size does not fit all. I own Stocks, Bond (equivalents), Rental real estate, Commercial Real Estate, Digital Assets, Gold and a business. I am uncertain as to why when I mention one investment individuals think that I don't believe a diversified portfolio is best for most people. Like I said before, I do not give financial advice as an [B]International Trick[/B] and I do not take financial advice from [B]International Tricks[/B].

But I am interested in sharing information about creating and preserving wealth. Because without money none of could be [B]International Tricks[/B].

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2950705]...

And another interesting factoid. The prostitution business in Thailand is powered mainly by local hobbyists. Were talking 90 percent or more. What we do, where we go at the more famous mongering locations in Thailand is just a fraction of the reality of prostitution there. So don't bother with no moral quandary fellas, them locals partake in it and keep it going way more than we have anything to do with it.[/QUOTE]Is that true? I mean plenty of action we farang don't know about? I have Thai friends whom I asked to give me tips about where to get laid in cities outside Bangkok and Pattaya, cities like Buriram, Ubon Ratchattani, etc. They couldn't give me any info.

Compare to Peru or Brazil where any waiter or cabbie in mid-sized or even small towns will point to several venues.

I've come to the conclusion Thailand is now (alas) a very "clean" country indeed.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2943803]Had some free time recently and noticed this little bombshell was visiting Bangkok from her Facebook and decided to see if she wanted to meet up. I am posting this in the general section because she is normally from Pattaya, and she does not live in Bangkok.

Anyways, I was working in the sukumvut area and made plan to meet her for lunch and then go back to a room I rented on soi 4. 2000 baht for the night. I always do this even if I don't end of staying the full night. We met at that Irish pub on soi 4, had some food and a few drinks to lighten the mood. She was looking as sexy as ever. Sometimes I get in the mood for girls with big natural titis and this is the one. How lucky I was this day.

After getting back to the room, we took a shower together. I could not resist the first round starting right then and there, so I started sucking on those big melons and moved my way down to her pussy. This girl loves to get her pussy licked and she is a squirter under the right circumstances. Then I bent her over while standing in the shower and entered her from behind. I fucked her for an about 10 minutes before blowing my load deep inside her pussy. Then we toweled off and went to the bed.
We actually fell asleep after that and woke up about 2 hours later.

After waking up, she started licking my balls and gave me a slow BJ. That got me going again and I started fucking her in mish. Then flipped her over for doggy again. She wanted to ride me so I let her and she climbed on. She likes reverse cowgirl and she rode me like a champ for about 15 minutes before I blew my second load deep in her pussy.

Damage 5000 baht. Sent her packing and went back to work.

Pic from one of the ones she likes to send to her customers.[/QUOTE]Hi I am new to this website, I am planning to go to Thailand, can you please tell me her INFO, I want to meet her, can you DM me about her, sorry if my messages offend anyone, I am still trying to learn more about this website.

[QUOTE=ZeusVulcan;2955287]Hi I am new to this website, I am planning to go to Thailand, can you please tell me her INFO, I want to meet her, can you DM me about her, sorry if my messages offend anyone, I am still trying to learn more about this website.[/QUOTE]Since you are a rookie, I will give you advice.

First off, you are not in Thailand, so don't bother trying to contact a lady in Thailand. Wait until you are there.

Second, don't worry about one particular lady in Pattaya, there are 25,000 waiting for you.

Just go to Pattaya and walk around, no need to plan.

[QUOTE=ZeusVulcan;2955287]Hi I am new to this website, I am planning to go to Thailand, can you please tell me her INFO, I want to meet her, can you DM me about her, sorry if my messages offend anyone, I am still trying to learn more about this website.[/QUOTE]Bro, hunt for yourself. You mark yourself as needy if you asking to eat off another brothers plate that has already made the kill. [B]Be a man[/B]!

Sign up for Thai Friendly the week before you plan to travel. Put your location as Pattaya. Unless you are looking for a girlfriend do not bother to chat girls up. I rarely make arrangements with a girl off of Thai Friendly more than a couple of hours before. Usually it is within 20 - 30 minutes.

Do not fly from wherever you are to Thailand and spend all your time in your room on your phone online. There are a ton of venues where you can meet girls IRL and talk to them. And take them to a short time room for fun. I ONLY do short time so I don't know about long time arrangements. But personally I wouldn't invite a strange girl over to my room (I live here) to spend the night with me.

Figure out how much you want to pay first. Prioritize the deal over the girl. Ugly girl pussy feels as good a pretty girl pussy. Plus ugly girls try harder. LOL! 1000 Baht (did I spell that right) Short Time brother. Fuck what you see haters saying about me brother. They ain't fucken. I am. Any mother fucking time I want!

Pay for your membership. Send me a PM with your WhatsApp. I'll help a brother out. I remember what it was like to be new to Thailand. My ISG welcome was NOT a warm one (and it still isn't).

[B]Hope you have a great trip[/B]!

New to this forum so hopefully not breaking any forum etiquette. Looking for some advice on an upcoming Thailand trip as a newbie to the Thai scene. There's quite an overwhelming load of information on this forum and wiki guides which is a bit hard to navigate.

Ultimately looking for the best ST GFE I can find, with OWO and DFK a high priority for me, and willing to extra for the hotter talent, but ideally less than what I spend in the UK (so perhaps less than 6500 bhat all in for ST).

Firstly, I', certainly not a newbie to Thailand itself, I spent 3 months here some years back with my then girlfriend, so have a generally good idea of the places I'm going to and logistics, culture etc.

I will have around 2 nights in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket each so really keen to make sure I maximise my short windows while I'm there. Due to the logistics of the trip, really only looking for ST stuff and not LT, preferably where I can use nearby room facilities or a cheap hotel nearby that I needn't stay in long.

Appreciate your advice on best places I should go, this is my rough itinerary based on some quick research of this forum:

BKK.

Night 1: Nana Plaza & or Soi Cowboy, seems like must visit places for a newbie.

Night 2: A Soapy Parlour seems like it might mix it up nicely from the RLDs, I'm thinking of checking out Poseidon or maybe Aya Massage.

Pattaya.

Night 1: Similarly to BKK, check out Walking Street or Soi 6 first night.

Night 2: I've heard Pattaya gentlemens clubs are worth a visit.

While I'm in Pattaya (or anywhere in Thailand tbh) my dream would be an fully interactive 3 some, appreciate any recommendations on places where this can be found.

Phuket.

Night 1 & 2: It seems to me that Bangla road is the only place worthwhile in Phuket, so plan to spend both nights there. Any recommended establishments in particular for hot GFE types would be appreciated.

Please critique the above, given my limited time I mostly don't want to waste time with poor service, appreciate any recommendations on how best I can find out if OWO / DFK is on offer, is there certain terminology to use or establishments where this is offered standard?

[B]Short time is 1000 - 2000; Long Time is 2000 - 5000[/B]

In the market place is providing [I]social/sexual services of a personal nature[/I] considered skilled or unskilled work?

I look at it his way. I might pay 100 USD to my mechanic in order to replace a $3 part. I am not paying her for the part. I am paying her for the level experience that she has developed in being able to diagnose and replace the part. Telling me that the mechanic is getting over on me because she is getting paid way more than minimum wage is something I don't understand. Yet there are those among us who will imply that due to the minimum wage a girls providing [I]social/sexual services of a personal nature[/I] are in excess of of a minimum wage worker they are somehow getting over on you. This completely over looks what the market is. Something those who are not capitalists, who do not own business, who do not invest large sums of money simply do not understand.

I was told that buying Thai gold was a bad idea. Anyone look at how far the price of gold moved up since I mentioned it here in this thread?

Happy days are here again. The Thai baht is down to 35 to the dollar.

Any info on this new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for entry into Thailand? They said it's going to be implemented on 1st Dec 2024.

Which website would I need to look into to apply for this?

TIA!

[QUOTE=VickyCooper;2961130]Any info on this new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for entry into Thailand? They said it's going to be implemented on 1st Dec 2024.

Which website would I need to look into to apply for this?

TIA![/QUOTE][URL]https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thailand-postpones-automated-entry-for-foreign-tourists[/URL]

Postponed indefinitely.

[QUOTE=Jangobangz;2958032]New to this forum so hopefully not breaking any forum etiquette. Looking for some advice on an upcoming Thailand trip as a newbie to the Thai scene. There's quite an overwhelming load of information on this forum and wiki guides which is a bit hard to navigate.

Ultimately looking for the best ST GFE I can find, with OWO and DFK a high priority for me, and willing to extra for the hotter talent, but ideally less than what I spend in the UK (so perhaps less than 6500 bhat all in for ST).

Firstly, I', certainly not a newbie to Thailand itself, I spent 3 months here some years back with my then girlfriend, so have a generally good idea of the places I'm going to and logistics, culture etc.

I will have around 2 nights in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket each so really keen to make sure I maximise my short windows while I'm there. Due to the logistics of the trip, really only looking for ST stuff and not LT, preferably where I can use nearby room facilities or a cheap hotel nearby that I needn't stay in long.

Appreciate your advice on best places I should go, this is my rough itinerary based on some quick research of this forum:

BKK.

Night 1: Nana Plaza & or Soi Cowboy, seems like must visit places for a newbie.

Night 2: A Soapy Parlour seems like it might mix it up nicely from the RLDs, I'm thinking of checking out Poseidon or maybe Aya Massage.[/QUOTE]I will answer for Phuket.

You will find it extremely difficult to get a GFE hot stunner who with DFK and OWO (BBBJ) anywhere along Bangla Road for a ST session.

Those that fit your category will be looking for a LT session.

But who knows, you might get lucky.

To increase your chances of being lucky, avoid all Bangla Road gogos and bars looking for their staff, you will just spend way more money than your 6000 baht budget.

Instead, from mid evening look in the music bars for freelancers, New York, Monsoon, Red Hot and others.

From late evening, 11-12 onwards, if you still haven't found what you want, head into the nightclubs, White Room, Sugar, Illuzion, as the freelancers and hotties head there.

Also, consider Taipan after midnight as it attracts an older crowd of freelancers that definitely will give you the service you want, but the hotness will be down, as will the price be lower.

[QUOTE=VickyCooper;2961130]Any info on this new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for entry into Thailand? They said it's going to be implemented on 1st Dec 2024.

Which website would I need to look into to apply for this?

TIA![/QUOTE]This has been postponed to next year.

[QUOTE=VickyCooper;2961130]Any info on this new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for entry into Thailand? They said it's going to be implemented on 1st Dec 2024.

Which website would I need to look into to apply for this?

TIA![/QUOTE]This youtube video will tell you all you need to know about the Thailand ETA [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HNY28kVPE4[/URL].

It seems like most countries in the world now are implementing some kind of ETA for entry. It just feels like a real pain the ass to me. What's wrong with just the plain old cardboard cards of the past? Imagine this fellas, if you're on a multi country trip, say going from the UK, through Europe and then onto Thailand and maybe stop over Singapore, then back again to North America, you'd need to do 4 different ETAs of varying differences, some you'll need to pay, some free. Some you have the have some damn QR code on your phone or printed out, some where once you've done it 3 days before arrival, on and on and on with all kinds of bullshit complications. Beelzebub wept. I hate this shit. As as a super old man, who grew up in the analog age before computers, I object. Lucifer, please kill me already. Everyday I'm still on this accursed earth is pain. Just so much pain.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2961495]It seems like most countries in the world now are implementing some kind of ETA for entry. It just feels like a real pain the ass to me. What's wrong with just the plain old cardboard cards of the past? [/QUOTE]Because it is the 21st century and we have computers and internet now. Should we still be getting there by ship as well? What does it matter to you anyway if you are not going anywhere?

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2961627]Because it is the 21st century and we have computers and internet now. Should we still be getting there by ship as well? What does it matter to you anyway if you are not going anywhere?[/QUOTE]One benefit of this electronic stuff is that countries no longer stamp your passport on entry and exit. My last passport was full of stamps long before it expired.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2961495]It seems like most countries in the world now are implementing some kind of ETA for entry. It just feels like a real pain the ass to me. [/QUOTE]ETAs are basically backdoor visas. They don't even have to deny people explicitly, just not send a response or claim some error in the system, then the airline won't let you board. The era of just showing up with your passport to most places is unfortunately coming to an end.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2961495]

It seems like most countries in the world now are implementing some kind of ETA for entry. It just feels like a real pain the ass to me. What's wrong with just the plain old cardboard cards of the past? Imagine this fellas, if you're on a multi country trip, say going from the UK, through Europe and then onto Thailand and maybe stop over Singapore, then back again to North America, you'd need to do 4 different ETAs of varying differences, some you'll need to pay, some free. Some you have the have some damn QR code on your phone or printed out, some where once you've done it 3 days before arrival, on and on and on with all kinds of bullshit complications. Beelzebub wept. I hate this shit. As as a super old man, who grew up in the analog age before computers, I object. Lucifer, please kill me already. Everyday I'm still on this accursed earth is pain. Just so much pain.[/QUOTE]I disagree. Beats having to go down to the consulate, submit the paperwork with your passport, wait, then back to pick it up. Or mail everything, hoping it doesn't get lost on the way.

If it's implemented "correctly" (which will be debatable for Thai), it's great. Look at Australia. There's an app for that. Cheaper than applying on-line for a visa, and approval in literally minutes. I will admit, I do have one problem with the application process. Taking the selfie that's acceptable. Seems my hands aren't that steady anymore. Help from a friend or a phone stand with me adjusting my face, not the mobile. If every country was that easy, I'm IN.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2961731]One benefit of this electronic stuff is that countries no longer stamp your passport on entry and exit. My last passport was full of stamps long before it expired.[/QUOTE]Indeed, I'd ALWAYS get a passport with extra pages to hold all the visas, entry / exit stamps.

[QUOTE=Kuku696;2961374]This has been postponed to next year.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2961171][URL]https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thailand-postpones-automated-entry-for-foreign-tourists[/URL]
Postponed indefinitely.[/QUOTE]What, postponed? I'm shocked, shocked. TIT.

[QUOTE=Crocodilexp;2962125]ETAs are basically backdoor visas. They don't even have to deny people explicitly, just not send a response or claim some error in the system, then the airline won't let you board. The era of just showing up with your passport to most places is unfortunately coming to an end.[/QUOTE]I use the Cambodian App constantly to go back and forth into Cambodia. It works perfectly. If they can do it, well anyone can.

[QUOTE=Crocodilexp;2962125]ETAs are basically backdoor visas. They don't even have to deny people explicitly, just not send a response or claim some error in the system, then the airline won't let you board. The era of just showing up with your passport to most places is unfortunately coming to an end.[/QUOTE]Exactly, it used to be one could just show up to any country, spontaneously if one wanted to. If I was having a miserable week, I'd jump on a plane to Prague or something. Now, you got to plan and all that shit, most of these ETAs have that ridiculous submit within 72 hour thing. I mean come on. ETAs are dumb, and it's just another way for those governments to make money. I give credit to Thailand for postponing it. And now that Thailand doesn't even have the cardboard card anymore, it quite literally is just bring your passport and enjoy the girls. Forget the other countries, I always knew Thailand has heaven on earth, but now there's even more reason to love it. You guys that get to live in Thailand full time, just know how lucky you are. Where I'm from was a hellhole, where I am now is a hellhole, just no luck.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2962726]You guys that get to live in Thailand full time, just know how lucky you are. Where I'm from was a hellhole, where I am now is a hellhole, just no luck.[/QUOTE]It is not luck. We all make choices in life. Maybe if you are born living in a hellhole, but if you are from a Western country, over 50 ,and living in a hellhole, then that sounds to be from personal choices, and not from what you are forced to do or trapped into.

[QUOTE=MrHappyKat;2963178]My trip dates are set and I've booked air and hotels. Now I just need to find a door-to-door car service from my Bangkok Hotel to my Pattaya Hotel. And presumably, my Pattaya Hotel to the BKK airport 12 days later. I can see some car service websites through Google, but they seem expensive (3000 THB+) versus what I think a Grab or Taxi might cost at around 1500-2000 THB. Not really interested in super cheap methods like the bus lines. I don't mind paying for the private ride luxury, assuming the costs are not more than $50 (1800 THB) each way.

Any suggestions or referrals will be much appreciated.[/QUOTE]I am not sure why you would ask this in the Pattaya thread where guys report on fucking girls. Anyways, I don't quite understand your post as you seem to have answered your own question. Grab or Bolt is the only way to go here. You will not save more money by trying to find a private driving service. Book a bolt and off you go. You will need to pay the tolls extra as well so dont forget to account for about another 150 -200 Baht.

I also saw the reply you got about Mikes service. I have used it and the rates start at. Once you give them your specific pick up and drop off location, the price will raise up to be comparable with Bolt or grab.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2962726]You guys that get to live in Thailand full time, just know how lucky you are. Where I'm from was a hellhole, where I am now is a hellhole, just no luck.[/QUOTE]You are right. Many people do not give enough credit to the simple randomness of life in the explanation of their success. Unless you are on the paying field or military battlefield there is very little that can be traced directly back to your performance. We all make choices, yes. But if you don't know the information it is impossible to act on. We all know that it is impossible to [I]know what you you don't know[/I]. Then you can have information and not act on it. I've known about Thailand for 10 years. Never visited before 16 months ago.

Never was down with this pull yourself up with your own bootstraps bull. What if you don't have boots. I stand on shoulders of great men who were giants. I am in Thailand because of great men who convinced me to visit and then showed me the way.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2934206][B]Fuck storage![/B] I wear my shit like I'm Mr. T up in dis *****![/QUOTE]I made this post as a joke.

But seriously gold storage can be a big problem.

New option is to buy a digital token of your gold on the blockchain. It is stored for you in remote bankruptcy free vaults. You can then easily use it for digital payments. Each digital share represent one ounce of gold. Fractional buys and payments are not a problem. PM for more details.

[B]Still not going to give up my gold chains[/B]!

I'm in Thailand since last Sunday, and I have a problem with Line that I have never experienced before. I cannot add new contacts, neither by ID nor by phone number.
Anyone else who has or had this problem? What can I do about it? The Line website does not mention this problem. Do I have to reinstall the app?

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2968626]I'm in Thailand since last Sunday, and I have a problem with Line that I have never experienced before. I cannot add new contacts, neither by ID nor by phone number.
Anyone else who has or had this problem? What can I do about it? The Line website does not mention this problem. Do I have to reinstall the app?[/QUOTE]I had the same problem. After trying all sorts of things I opened a new account with a different email and reinstalled the app, then it worked. .

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2968626]I'm in Thailand since last Sunday, and I have a problem with Line that I have never experienced before. I cannot add new contacts, neither by ID nor by phone number.
Anyone else who has or had this problem? What can I do about it? The Line website does not mention this problem. Do I have to reinstall the app?[/QUOTE]I have it all the time; deleted and renewed my account twice, but problem remains.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2968626]I'm in Thailand since last Sunday, and I have a problem with Line that I have never experienced before. I cannot add new contacts, neither by ID nor by phone number.
Anyone else who has or had this problem? What can I do about it? The Line website does not mention this problem. Do I have to reinstall the app?[/QUOTE]I reported on this before. It works when using the qr code, but not entering the line ID or phone number.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2968689]I reported on this before. It works when using the qr code, but not entering the line ID or phone number.[/QUOTE]I see. Maybe I am stupid but how am I supposed to scan a QR code that is sent to an app on my phone, with the camera on that same phone?

[QUOTE=Mogwai;2968714]I see. Maybe I am stupid but how am I supposed to scan a QR code that is sent to an app on my phone, with the camera on that same phone?[/QUOTE]You screenshot the qr code. Then in Line you go to add friends, qr code, then at the bottom right you will see where you can click your photo gallery. Click that and choose the qr code that you screenshotted.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2968717]You screenshot the qr code. Then in Line you go to add friends, qr code, then at the bottom right you will see where you can click your photo gallery. Click that and choose the qr code that you screenshotted.[/QUOTE]My God, are we now taliking an easy and efficient way to connect with people.

I've lived here almost a decade, and never ventured beyond the tourist spots. I am going to do a week long roadtrip early Jan. Starting and ending in Bangkok. Everything other than this is flexible. I am not going to take any company from Bkk. I am hoping to spend a night in several "Nakhon Nowheres", getting some work done on my computer and reading.

I would love to savour some authentic rural women. To this end, my plan is to visit small / homely massages, tiny roadside eateries that are relatively desolate, local bars / live music places.

I will try to befriend local men / women who show potential to help me get closer to my goal. I will avoid any places with even the tiniest tourist value. Of course, I will report next month, but if anyone with experience has any advice before my trip, please help.

Specifically looking for advice on how rural mongering / propositioning is different from urban, and where best to sleep in nakhon nowheres.

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2968906]I've lived here almost a decade, and never ventured beyond the tourist spots. I am going to do a week long roadtrip early Jan. Starting and ending in Bangkok. Everything other than this is flexible. I am not going to take any company from Bkk. I am hoping to spend a night in several "Nakhon Nowheres", getting some work done on my computer and reading.

I would love to savour some authentic rural women. To this end, my plan is to visit small / homely massages, tiny roadside eateries that are relatively desolate, local bars / live music places.

I will try to befriend local men / women who show potential to help me get closer to my goal. I will avoid any places with even the tiniest tourist value. Of course, I will report next month, but if anyone with experience has any advice before my trip, please help.

Specifically looking for advice on how rural mongering / propositioning is different from urban, and where best to sleep in nakhon nowheres.[/QUOTE]There is no rural mongering scene. If you go to a small village alone, everyone in the village knows everyone else, and all the younger women have a husband. So, no action there.

If you go to a larger city, there may be a Thai bar, where you buy a bottle, and if a lady joins you, you tip her. But she probably won't speak English, and there's no barfining. The lady is there for the entire shift.

There are some big cities in Isaan with Farang bars, but they are covered in other sections.

99% of Farangs go to the village with their Thai GF / wife.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2968908]There is no rural mongering scene. If you go to a small village alone, everyone in the village knows everyone else, and all the younger women have a husband. So, no action there.
[/QUOTE]Folks always have dreams of going to the source. Meanwhile, all the chicks with hooker aspirations from the source have gone to larger cities to make money. Happened a lot in Brazil where in Rio a lot of the hookers were from Belo Horizonte. But people went to Belo Horizonte and were like where are all the beautiful women that are supposed to be here. Duh. They are in Rio! At least he will not be bored seeing that he has planned to get plenty of work done on the trip.

[QUOTE=Mari1256;2968882]My God, are we now taliking an easy and efficient way to connect with people.[/QUOTE]Like I said in my post, the usual and quickest way to add new contacts in Line, either by ID or by phone number, is not (always) working anymore. And I didn't have experience yet with adding a contact by QR code. So that's why I asked for advise.

Thanks Mr. E. It works as you described.

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2968906]I've lived here almost a decade, and never ventured beyond the tourist spots. I am going to do a week long roadtrip early Jan. Starting and ending in Bangkok. Everything other than this is flexible. I am not going to take any company from Bkk. I am hoping to spend a night in several "Nakhon Nowheres", getting some work done on my computer and reading.

I would love to savour some authentic rural women. To this end, my plan is to visit small / homely massages, tiny roadside eateries that are relatively desolate, local bars / live music places.

I will try to befriend local men / women who show potential to help me get closer to my goal. I will avoid any places with even the tiniest tourist value. Of course, I will report next month, but if anyone with experience has any advice before my trip, please help.

Specifically looking for advice on how rural mongering / propositioning is different from urban, and where best to sleep in nakhon nowheres.[/QUOTE]I had a nice time in Nong Khai up on the Mekong near the Lao border a few years ago. There is an ample amount of lovely dark-skinned honeys, nice food, a small expat scene and some touristy things to do as well. Plus it's hella cheaper than BKK or Pattaya or Chaing Mai, for example. Good luck!

[URL]https://bbqboy.net/guide-nong-khai-thailand/[/URL]

Got it, so I will stick to spending the night at towns with enough population to offer some level of anonymity.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2968908]There is no rural mongering scene. If you go to a small village alone, everyone in the village knows everyone else, and all the younger women have a husband. So, no action there.

If you go to a larger city, there may be a Thai bar, where you buy a bottle, and if a lady joins you, you tip her. But she probably won't speak English, and there's no barfining. The lady is there for the entire shift.

There are some big cities in Isaan with Farang bars, but they are covered in other sections.

99% of Farangs go to the village with their Thai GF / wife.[/QUOTE]To that end, thank you for the example. I will use this as a rough guidance for population needed to offer said anonymity.

[QUOTE=GaijinGigolo;2969067]I had a nice time in Nong Khai up on the Mekong near the Lao border a few years ago. There is an ample amount of lovely dark-skinned honeys, nice food, a small expat scene and some touristy things to do as well. Plus it's hella cheaper than BKK or Pattaya or Chaing Mai, for example. Good luck!

[URL]https://bbqboy.net/guide-nong-khai-thailand/[/URL][/QUOTE]Not really after the source so much as something different from what bkk / pat / hkt offer.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2968939]Folks always have dreams of going to the source. Meanwhile, all the chicks with hooker aspirations from the source have gone to larger cities to make money. Happened a lot in Brazil where in Rio a lot of the hookers were from Belo Horizonte. But people went to Belo Horizonte and were like where are all the beautiful women that are supposed to be here. Duh. They are in Rio! At least he will not be bored seeing that he has planned to get plenty of work done on the trip.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2968939]Folks always have dreams of going to the source. Meanwhile, all the chicks with hooker aspirations from the source have gone to larger cities to make money. Happened a lot in Brazil where in Rio a lot of the hookers were from Belo Horizonte. But people went to Belo Horizonte and were like where are all the beautiful women that are supposed to be here. Duh. They are in Rio! At least he will not be bored seeing that he has planned to get plenty of work done on the trip.[/QUOTE]An ongoing joke in the main cities where one can easily guess the girl comes from. Issan, is: "is any girl left in issan as they all seem to be here in Pattaya".

By the 2nd day, I had finalized a masseuse to join me for my next 8 days - 750/ day. She ticked all my boxes in the 2 hour session.

Will go again in Feb for 3-4 day trip. I won't repeat the same mistake.

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2968906]I've lived here almost a decade, and never ventured beyond the tourist spots. I am going to do a week long roadtrip early Jan. Starting and ending in Bangkok. Everything other than this is flexible. I am not going to take any company from Bkk. I am hoping to spend a night in several "Nakhon Nowheres", getting some work done on my computer and reading.

I would love to savour some authentic rural women. To this end, my plan is to visit small / homely massages, tiny roadside eateries that are relatively desolate, local bars / live music places.

I will try to befriend local men / women who show potential to help me get closer to my goal. I will avoid any places with even the tiniest tourist value. Of course, I will report next month, but if anyone with experience has any advice before my trip, please help.

Specifically looking for advice on how rural mongering / propositioning is different from urban, and where best to sleep in nakhon nowheres.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2976280]Will go again in Feb for 3-4 day trip. I won't repeat the same mistake.[/QUOTE]What was the mistake?

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2976280]By the 2nd day, I had finalized a masseuse to join me for my next 8 days - 750/ day. She ticked all my boxes in the 2 hour session.

Will go again in Feb for 3-4 day trip. I won't repeat the same mistake.[/QUOTE]Congratulations man. You executed a different type plan and nailed it. Was there a language barrier?

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2976280]By the 2nd day, I had finalized a masseuse to join me for my next 8 days - 750/ day. She ticked all my boxes in the 2 hour session.

Will go again in Feb for 3-4 day trip. I won't repeat the same mistake.[/QUOTE]If you want to monger in Isaan, stick to Roi-et, Udon Thani, Khorat / Nachon Tatchasima, Ubon Ratchanthani, or Surin. There is a mongering scene there, but you need to have the info. Thai men and local expats take advantage of it. These cities all have tons of options. Don't waste your time in smaller towns or villages.

Here is an example of an overview of the night life in one large Issan city. Do a little research before you go to any one of these cities and you will know what to do and where to go. Here is just one example and all it took me was a quick 10 second forum search. Use the forum search feature out. It will save you a load of time.

[QUOTE=Member#4591;1978758]For hotels, stay at the Sunnee Grand hotel and convention centre or V hotel.

Hostess and Kareoke bars:

There are both karaoke bars and hostess bars with girls even more attractive than those in the massage parlors. What is the difference? Well, it's simple. If you take The View in northern Ubon, that would be a typical hostess bar, with plenty of girls that will sit with you as long as you buy them drinks. A similar joint is Alive, located in downtown. Things are obviously a little different at Starlight Karaoke, where you would pay 200 Baht per hour for the rent of a private karaoke room plus 200 Baht per hour for one of their super hot and white skinned girls plus drinks (Beer 150-180 Baht, Red Label 1,900 Baht). My personal recommendation through is the brand new Sherbet, a mix of hostess bar and karaoke means you can first hang out with the girls downstairs which looks like an ordinary bar with live music and then later on (if you feel like) sing songs on the second floor.

I had a great time at the place. The owner is from Bangkok and speaks perfect English. I hung out with a beautiful white skinned girl and back to my room for 2,000 LT.

Bars:

Tawan Daeng.

Tawan Daeng UbonTawan Daeng is an institution all over Isaan and northern Thailand, pretty much every province capital has its own branch of this hugely popular franchise. It's the perfect place to bring your girlfriend, enjoy some dinner and watch the show on the huge stage with Isaan style Molam Music. Very nice and attentive staff and unlike some other branches like in Buriram, the Tawan Daeng Ubon starts getting busy pretty much every single night from 10 pm onwards.

I checked this place out for about an hour but mostly couples and big groups of guys and gals together. Not easy to approach.

Country Club.

Night Club in Ubon RatchathaniThe most popular night club in Ubon Ratchathani. And if you want to hit on some local girls, then this is the place to do it as, unlike most other Thai style night clubs, the tables are very close to each other and people walk and look around a lot to meet and greet new people. No cover charge in Country, like in all other clubs in town, so you can just have a look if you like it. Beware of (or look out for) the ladyboys who typically like to hang out right in front of the stage but aren't too shy (unlike the girls) to come over to your table and say Hi.

I had some good luck here with a local university girl out with her friend one night. We drank and partied all night and back to my hotel. This was a freebie for me, I just took care of the bill at the bar for the two ladies and lunch the following day with my lady.

You-Bar.

You Bar UbonI was surprised when I found out they have you-Bar in Ubon, since the club of the same name is the most popular club in Khon Kaen. It obviously has the same owner here, but it's significantly smaller and the best days to party here are really Fridays and Saturdays. On weekdays, it tends to stay half empty and then the whole atmosphere is somewhat dull. Still, you-Bar is one of the best night clubs in Ubon and it's also the newest and most modern one with the coolest design, thus attracting the Hi-So Thais of the province.

This place reminds me of Mixx in Bangkok but with less freelancers. You need your A game here and I was able to get many phone numbers but I did not have the time to follow up since I was leaving the next day. If I was a local expat there, this would be my first choice to meet ladies for potential GF.

There are a few more night clubs in Ubon Ratchathani, such as Warp Club, the-WA, Fuse Pub and Shark.

Soapy Massage Parlors in Ubon Ratchathani:

There are three soapy massage parlors in Ubon. They all have the typical fishbowl arrangement, however, there's no glass and you can invite a girl to have a drink with you before you decide on whether to go for the full program.

Amati.

Soapy Massage Parlor in Ubon RatchathaniThe best massage parlor in town. The location is quite typical for that type of place, very central but still somewhat hidden in a narrow alley connecting Uppalisan Road and Suriyat Alley. You can't miss it with the huge posters of girls in bikinis on the wall of the building. Upon entry to Amati, one of the polite papasans will sit down next to you on a sofa and make useful recommendations of the girls. They are divided into three categories, depending on age and attractiveness: 1,500 Baht / 1,800 Baht / 2,000 Baht. You may, if you want, arrange a tip with your girl of like 500 Baht for the second round and then follow her into the modern and friendly room that has a big bed, TV and a super nice and big whirlpool.

Palace.

Palace Massage Parlor UbonBright red light is illuminating the entrance to Palace Aap Nuat in the otherwise relatively quiet Phalochai Road. While the place as such has definitely seen better times, the same cannot be said of the massage girls most of whom are attractive and light skinned. Two categories and prices at Palace: 1,400 Baht and 1,700 Baht. The atmosphere with the narrow lobby and small and old rooms isn't that great at all, but if you pick the right girl it can still be very enjoyable. Oh, and they have Japanese porn running nonstop in the rooms and even better: mirrors on the walls.

I didn't try these places due to time restrictions so I will give them all a shot this next trip.

Long Beach.

Long Beach UbonLocated right behind the Pathumrat Hotel, Long Beach is the third massage parlor in Ubon Ratchathani. It has the biggest fishbowl of the three, but strange the selection is the worst. The four different prices at Long Beach are 1,000 Baht, 1,400 Baht, 1,700 Baht and 1,900 Baht.

Happy Ending Massage in Ubon Ratchathani:

Z-Through Spa where they tell you right upon entry that it's 699 Baht for an aroma massage plus 500 Baht for a hand job plus 500 Baht for body to body treatment.

Not my cup of tea but you might find a diamond in the ruff there.

I will be there again Jan 12-14 and will update on all of these again.[/QUOTE]Search might find more gold nugget posts just like this one.

Thanks for the advice. I'm researching some options out west, but there's very little information. I was hoping to get some Myanmar cuisine, but if I don't find anything concrete, I'll stick to ratchasima for my Feb. Trip.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2976312]If you want to monger in Isaan, stick to Roi-et, Udon Thani, Khorat / Nachon Tatchasima, Ubon Ratchanthani, or Surin. There is a mongering scene there, but you need to have the info. Thai men and local expats take advantage of it. These cities all have tons of options. Don't waste your time in smaller towns or villages.

Here is an example of an overview of the night life in one large Issan city. Do a little research before you go to any one of these cities and you will know what to do and where to go. Here is just one example and all it took me was a quick 10 second forum search. Use the forum search feature out. It will save you a load of time.

Search might find more gold nugget posts just like this one.[/QUOTE]

Especially so if you corner yourself in a way that you can't get a local for LT 2-3 nights.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2976289]What was the mistake?[/QUOTE]

I speak few Thai phrases and fluent Thai English if you get my drift. This particular lady, I mostly had her read google translate, posing questions in a manner she can answer while massaging me with simple yes / no /1 word responses. Of course, if I spoke Thai fluently, I'the probably have had a very different trip.

[QUOTE=PilotPete;2976307]Congratulations man. You executed a different type plan and nailed it. Was there a language barrier?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=ShyBoy143;2977035]Thanks for the advice. I'm researching some options out west, but there's very little information. I was hoping to get some Myanmar cuisine, but if I don't find anything concrete, I'll stick to ratchasima for my Feb. Trip.[/QUOTE]I spent a few days in Natchon Ratchisima a few years back pre-covid. I was speaking at a conference at the University and there was a plethora of sweet young things keen to improve their english but I decided that was a bit close to home. There were a couple of soapies in the middle of town that were OK and some lady style bars where I got nowhere because of the language. I did find a few at a local restaurant that were willing. I was staying at a Dusit hotel and there were some lookers there but they needed to look after their reputations. Good luck now.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2976312]If you want to monger in Isaan, stick to Roi-et, Udon Thani, Khorat / Nachon Tatchasima, Ubon Ratchanthani, or Surin. There is a mongering scene there, but you need to have the info. Thai men and local expats take advantage of it. These cities all have tons of options. Don't waste your time in smaller towns or villages.[/QUOTE]You've left out Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Buriram that all have quite notable setups to play in.

I've been successful finding options without that much effort at all back in 2017 when I was a newbie novice staying in the above and your listed locations on a four week Isaan roadtrip.

Also to a lesser extent I was also successful when staying in Mukdahan, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum.

Bottom line is that it is everywhere, but be careful that you're not seen by the locals as stealing someone else's "lady".

Another place to find them is WeChat and it's people nearby feature.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2981648]Good idea, I forgot about that! The shop keeper will even give her a paper that suppossedly makes it easier for her to get the cash after I've left town.

Does anybody know how much loss is incurred when we do this? 5%? 10% 20%[/QUOTE]Gold is sold in Thailand based on weight.

[URL]https://legal.co.th/resources/thailand-real-estate-property-law/title/thai-gold-what-weight-and-measure-baht/[/URL]

So the price for a item is the spot price of gold and set nationally for the week plus a premium. The premium is based on the amount of gold purchased. With the lowest premiums being on gold bars (no matter what the weight) compared to jewelry.

When the time comes to redeem your gold for fiat currency you will get the buy price but no premium. So if you holding period is not long enough for the price of gold to appreciate more than the premium that you paid for it you will lose money. I consider [B]Thai Gold[/B] to be an intermediate to long term storage of value (not an investment).

In other words, you can give a girl gold that she can wear and trust me, she is only going to sell it if she really needs to. Personal ownership of gold is integrated into Thailand's Culture and Economy.

Come on now. Everyone supposed to know jewelry price and scrap melt down price is different. When you buy gold jewelry, they figure in design, kraftmanship, and time. When selling back to a gold shop, this is called scrap price. Slighty below the market rate for that day per ounce or 100 grams. We Indians know bling better than anybody. See how many times we've been robbed on Beach Road? So watcha talking about Willis? When you say she gets the same 20,000 baht price back from selling the necklace. No such thing.

Anyways, my buddy with his gold face mask during COVID. And Mr. Sul, the King of Bling.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrrOjzmzYo[/URL]

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HUm9ZzrGlc[/URL]

[QUOTE=ElMexicant;2982010]Come on now. Everyone supposed to know jewelry price and scrap melt down price is different. When you buy gold jewelry, they figure in design, kraftmanship, and time. When selling back to a gold shop, this is called scrap price. Slighty below the market rate for that day per ounce or 100 grams. We Indians know bling better than anybody. See how many times we've been robbed on Beach Road? So watcha talking about Willis? When you say she gets the same 20,000 baht price back from selling the necklace. No such thing.

Anyways, my buddy with his gold face mask during COVID. And Mr. Sul, the King of Bling.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrrOjzmzYo[/URL]

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HUm9ZzrGlc[/URL][/QUOTE]Unless it's something unusual, the workmanship isn't that much in Thailand. Many years since I last associated with bargirls encouraging the current love of their life to buy them something to remember them by, only to sell it on the way back from the airport, but even today I'd doubt it would add much more than 500-1000 baht to the price of gold.

I am uncertain as to why, but there are always going to be people talking out of turn who do not know their facts.

[B]I am not one of those people![/B]

I AM the authority on Thai Gold up in this thread. I AM the only one that has written about it extensively since I got here. I AM sure someone will correctly me with their memories of the Glory Days, but once again with Thai Gold it is the gold spot price set by the market that determines value, not someone's memories or opinions.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2866894]Thai people use gold as a savings account. Gold shops are plentiful and allow you to buy and sell gold for fiat currency (THB) very easily. When in Thailand it often makes sense to do as the Thai people do.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I was on the street today and saw: Sell 32700 Buy 32600 a THB. That is a 100 THB spread between buying and selling. That is an immediate loss. But I cannot buy a shirt for 100 THB. Well that is a lie, I actually I could, just not one I would want to wear.[/QUOTE]Intelligent girls hold onto their gold in case of a financial emergency. A stupid girl is going to waste her money. So it does not matter what form that you give it to her in. I will update the numbers with a [I]boots on the ground[/I] observation the next time I make a gold run!

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[B]Was in the gold shop. Sell 46850 Buy 46750 a Baht[/B]

Anyone remember when I said I saw gold as a store of value. That Thai people use gold as a savings account?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2866894]Thai people use gold as a savings account. Gold shops are plentiful and allow you to buy and sell gold for fiat currency (THB) very easily. When in Thailand it often makes sense to do as the Thai people do.[/QUOTE][U]On 11/09/23 I wrote this:[/U]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I was on the street today and saw: [b]Sell 32700 Buy 32600 a Bhat[/b].[/QUOTE]46750 - 32700 = 14,050/ Baht increase. Let's do a little trader math: +42.97% in 15 months. There are those who have challenged me on the entire gold issue:

[QUOTE=TConor;2867019]I am just trying to let those who may not have your insight and experience know the score. [b]And you'll loose your shirt trying to trade gold in Thailand[/b]. The US primarily 10 and 18 karat gold. Most gold shops in Thailand are selling 23 karat gold 1. This is equivalent to 96.5% pure gold, which is considered very high by international standards. They will fuck you coming and going with exchange rates, karat differences and grams to ounces conversions. Good luck with that plan.[/QUOTE][B]Not going to say that I am smarter than this person[/B] But he has to look at the returns and ask himself why he wrote what he wrote.

Not only did I NOT lose my shirt. I could take the profits from my gold purchases when the above exchange happened and have one custom tailored for me and still have enough left over for a nice night out on the town. I welcome his response.

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[QUOTE]Gold prices tend to rise during recessions, as investors seek safe-haven assets to preserve their wealth and hedge against inflation and economic downturns.47*Historically, gold has outperformed the S&P 500 by an average of 37% in six of the last eight recessions.
During the Great Recession of 2008,*[b]gold initially declined with the broader stock market but rebounded and ended the year up 5.5%[/b], rising more than 25% over the total 18-month stock market selloff.8*In the 1970s, gold rose 2,328% from its low in 1970 to the 1980 peak, while the S&P 500 was flat for the decade.[/QUOTE]Additional article (take a look at the chart in the article with a historical comparison of gold against other assets during recessions):

[URL]https://goldsilver.com/industry-news/article/if-stock-market-crashes-what-happens-to-gold-and-silver/[/URL]

Then we have this article that is saying current high prices of gold is a indicator that recession is coming.

[URL]https://fortune.com/2024/08/16/gold-prices-record-high-economic-outlook-recession-indicator-fed-rate-cuts/[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2982065]I AM the authority on Thai Gold up in this thread. I AM the only one that has written about it extensively since I got here. but once again with Thai Gold it is the gold spot price set by the market that determines value, not someone's memories or opinions.[/QUOTE]I am current taking part of my profits in the financial markets and parking it in gold. As Warren Buffet says: [I]I am less concerned with the return on my money than the return OF my money[/I].

[B]Ballin like a Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2983608]Additional article (take a look at the chart in the article with a historical comparison of gold against other assets during recessions):

[URL]https://goldsilver.com/industry-news/article/if-stock-market-crashes-what-happens-to-gold-and-silver/[/URL]

Then we have this article that is saying current high prices of gold is a indicator that recession is coming.

[URL]https://fortune.com/2024/08/16/gold-prices-record-high-economic-outlook-recession-indicator-fed-rate-cuts/[/URL]

I am current taking part of my profits in the financial markets and parking it in gold. As Warren Buffet says: [I]I am less concerned with the return on my money than the return OF my money[/I].

[B]Ballin like a Thai Gold Pro![/B][/QUOTE]I went into physically holding bullion late last June (2024). Certainly can not say that I am sorry. LOL Premium pricing has held steady while profit on paper has been gratifying to say the least.

Sam.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2983608]Additional article (take a look at the chart in the article with a historical comparison of gold against other assets during recessions):

[URL]https://goldsilver.com/industry-news/article/if-stock-market-crashes-what-happens-to-gold-and-silver/[/URL]

Then we have this article that is saying current high prices of gold is a indicator that recession is coming.

[URL]https://fortune.com/2024/08/16/gold-prices-record-high-economic-outlook-recession-indicator-fed-rate-cuts/[/URL]

I am current taking part of my profits in the financial markets and parking it in gold. As Warren Buffet says: [I]I am less concerned with the return on my money than the return OF my money[/I].

[B]Ballin like a Thai Gold Pro![/B][/QUOTE]Being serious here for a moment.

Gold is primarily a hedge against inflation.

It's had a good run due to the result of the high inflationary monitory policies the USA (and by extension, the world) has experienced over the last couple of years.

In the longer term view, a buy is a bet that high inflation will continue. A sell is a bet that the new USA Administration will be able to lower inflation.

The old saw is, that the "intrinsic" value of one ounce of gold will currently buy a finely tailored man's suit of clothes. This seems to be the mean around which the price tends to trade, with wide swings in either direction. "The reversion to the mean" on the Bell Curve.

Another indicator that generally correlates over the long term, is that a change in the trajectory in the Fed Funds rates is a signal to buy or sell. If it start going up, it's a *buy, if it starts going down, it's a *sell.

*This of course is only an indicator for the medium to longer term, and has no relationship to the wild swings of day or monthly trading. Nor does it anticipate unpredictable events like wars, peace. Oil embargos, revolutions and asteroid hits! LOL.

It's a jungle out there!

Good luck!

• Last 1 Year: The S&P 500 returned approximately 26.29%.

• Last 5 Years: The S&P 500 has an annualized return of around 15.39% over the past five years.

That's 15.39 x 5 = 76.95%.

• Last 1 Year: The price of gold increased by approximately 11.38%, with the current price around $2,923.16 per ounce.

• Last 5 Years: Over the past five years, gold has seen an average annual return of about 27.23%, with prices ranging from $1,301.46 to $2,874.66 per ounce.

Gold did out preform a very conservative investment. Yet if you invested in gold for 5 years you got ZERO interest, ZERO dividends, ZERO income from other way to leverage you stock investments like covered call. And you had to pay to store it.

In 2011 I sold all my "physical" gold ($1800/ oz) and bought other stocks and bonds. One stock was a gold mining stock RGLD, you can see it in my table below.

These are just some my actual holdings and not pie in the sky wishful investments.

Like religious fanatics I have learned gold buffs can never be converted. And by being only 50% converted would equal a little more diverse investor. I still don't know how buffs live on their investment without selling it off.

Today Then Diff Total Gain.

12 months GOOG 147 187 40 27%.

5 Years GOOG 67 187 120 179%.

12 months AMZN 170 228 58 34%.

5 Years AMZN 100 228 128 128%.

12 months AAPL 185 245 60 32%.

5 Years AAPL 74.31 245 170.69 230%.

12 months AXON 264 686 422 160%.

5 Years AXON 575 1058 483 84%.

12 months NLFX 575 1058 483 84%.

5 Years NLFX 369 1058 689 187%.

12 months S&P500 4976 6114 1138 23%.

5 Years S&P500 2954 6114 3160 107%.

12 months MELI 1721 2123 402 23%.

5 Years MELI 700 2123 1423 203%.

12 months CCJ 8. 74 47.29 38.55 441%.

5 Years CCJ 40.5 47.29 6. 79 17%.

12 months NVDA 74 138.48 64.48 87%.

5 Years NVDA 4. 52 138.48 133.96 2964%.

12 months COST 74 1071.76 997.76 1348%.

5 Years COST 256 1071.76 815.76 319%.

12 months RGLD 107 146.83 39.83 37%.

5 Years RGLD 104 146.83 42.83 41%.

2011-now 70 146.83 76.83 110%.

But not counting RGLD dividends my cost basis is.

$4. 38 after selling covered calls all this time.

GOLD One year 11%.

GOLD One year 27.23 x5 = 136%.

Sorry an excel spread sheet does not copy well.

[B]The issue is [u]Thai Gold[/u] as a reserve asset in Thailand[/B] I am not debating all fiat returns in the stock market casino.

Unsure of why individuals do not understand my perspective. They are sitting on the deck of the Titanic rearranging the deck chairs. The United States of America is on the verge of kinetic civil war leading to a dictatorship. Those trusting in the current system better have a [B]go/bug out[/B] bag packed. I know if I lived in the shit hole country known as the United States of America I would. Gold would be in that bag!

I can show my my AAPL, my NVDA, my MSTR, my GE, my GEV, my IDR, my UROY returns also. But that is not what I am talking about. I am talking about safe haven assets. I've learned that you cannot tell a grown man what to do with his money. But when my system works, I actually am not interested in telling him what to do. I am only open to showing others what has worked for me.

If an individual who said I would lose my shirt in [U]Thai Gold[/U] cannot accept the results I have posted with my actually [U]Thai Gold[/U] purchases (lets remember I consider it a reserve asset) then they simply cannot accept the facts. If gold is not an important reserve asset why do Central Banks around the world purchase it to back up their fiat currencies.

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

When the news about Deep Seek came out NVDA stock price got knocked back to 116. I picked some up at 118. It has moved to 138 and I think it is time to take profits. I plan to use my original capital and the profits from that trade to buy [U]Thai Gold[/U]. Not as investment. As a reserve asset.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.[/QUOTE]Note I said [I]from that trade[/I]. I still have plenty more NVDA to sell off. I started taking profits after I saw I had a return of over 1000% Currently accumulating AMD. I think the market is sleeping on that one. Also accumulating mining stocks! They pay good dividends.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2866894]Thai people use gold as a savings account. Gold shops are plentiful and allow you to buy and sell gold for fiat currency (THB) very easily. When in Thailand it often makes sense to do as the Thai people do.[/QUOTE]

If an individual who said I would lose my shirt in [U]Thai Gold[/U] cannot accept the results I have posted with my actually [U]Thai Gold[/U] purchases (lets remember I consider it a reserve asset) then they simply cannot accept the facts. If gold is not an important reserve asset why do Central Banks around the world purchase it to back up their fiat currencies.

Central banks typically hold a variety of assets in their reserves to ensure economic stability and liquidity. The composition of these reserves can vary, but generally includes:

1. Foreign Currencies: The largest portion of central bank reserves is usually held in foreign currencies like the US dollar (USD), euro (EUR), and Japanese yen (JPY). These are highly liquid and widely accepted globally1.

2. Gold: Gold is a traditional reserve asset, valued for its stability and lack of credit risk.

3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These are international reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries' official reserves.

4. Securities: This includes government bonds and other highly rated securities from other countries.

5. Other Reserve Assets: This category can include financial derivatives, loans to nonbank nonresidents, and other assets.

The exact percentages can vary by country and over time, but foreign currencies and gold typically make up the largest shares of central bank reserves.

Country Percentage of Gold Reserves.

United States 77.3%.

Germany 69.1%.

Italy 64.7%.

France 60.8%.

United Kingdom 57.2%.

Japan 53.5%.

Canada 50.1%.

Going back to an earlier post 1st. What recession? The one predicted for the past 3 or 4 years? There will always be a future recession. That's called the business cycle.

Fact: Gold does not grow, pay interest, or dividends and in some way or another will costs to store (rented vault, safe deposit box, buying a home safe). And while it sits there waiting for the next greater fool to pay you more for it than you paid for it there is such a thing as opportunity cost to what the fiat currencies could be making.

Fact: The old saying is "A rising tide lifts all boats" and you have been lucky, period. If you don't want to admit it here at least look in the mirror. These gold shops don't stay in business losing money; thus, their customers can't be winners or the shops would be out of business. In the long run if you sit at the table long enough the house wins, the house always wins. That's why the buy / sell "odds" are what they are.

Out of curiosity what "deleted" hole country do you come from. I just know in most of the world I can't buy a bottle of beer with gold dust or if I used a Krugerrand – they'the have to give about $2900 in change- not going to happen. Gold will not reasonably let me buy most thing =a movie tickets, food, gas, pay my water or electric bill. Pay college tuition, pay my streaming bill, pay for my massage or air fare, car rental, buy a car. Hell the list is endless. It all looks good on paper – gold gold gold – but when the rubber hits the road without a financial system with fiat currencies your gold dust / bars are pretty worthless.

So, your theories about gold ownership parallels those of Bitcoin ownership. Why are you backing a dog in the race when for in the last 6 months Bitcoin "a store of value" some say is up nearly 400%?

Anyway good continued luck and next time you need dental work choose GOLD 555.

[QUOTE=SamSanuk;2983689]I went into physically holding bullion late last June (2024). Certainly can not say that I am sorry. LOL Premium pricing has held steady while profit on paper has been gratifying to say the least..[/QUOTE]Strong move! I only have praise for you brother. I have a very narrow use for Thai Gold. I have laid out below.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I am sharing my gold plan in Thailand. In fact, I have spoke with several Thai people who told me that is how they survived in Thailand during the down turn of tourism in Pattaya. They sold their accumulated gold they had purchased when times were good in order to get them through the lean times.[/QUOTE]Those arguing with me who say they don't want to argue, completely miss my point of WHY Thai Gold works in my personal portfolio. I have no interest in the bigger picture because I am not trying to incorporate Thai Gold into my overall investment portfolio. This is an assumption made the the overly argumentative who have a strong anti gold bias. I don't see any value in pussy that costs more than 2000 THB. Others disagree with me. There is no way to argue about it. Because it is personal preference.

Here is what I know. If I need THB I can see my gold in the gold stores from it. It is a spurious argument at best that the Gold Stores are like casinos. House always wins. In that case the US Stock Market is the same way. Between the fees that are paid and collected by the market makers, the large institutions front running your trades etc. The house always wins. They treat you like a kid. You don't even hold your own stocks.

Purchasing gold is for men. I pay cash and the gold is in my hand. If the financial system breaks down, if you have your gold in small increments you will indeed be able to pay for it directly.

[QUOTE]The old saw is, that the "intrinsic" value of one ounce of gold will currently buy a finely tailored man's suit of clothes. This seems to be the mean around which the price tends to trade, with wide swings in either direction. "The reversion to the mean" on the Bell Curve[/QUOTE]This is all I am looking for from my Thai Gold holdings.

But since the argumentative want to do what they do best, I just bought Barrick Gold Mining Co. (they have two big mines in the Dominican Republic actually). Because gold stocks have not kept pace with the price of gold. [I]The reversion to the mean on the Bell Curve[/I]. ROTFLMO! Got to love it when a plan comes together!

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2983770]When the news about Deep Seek came out NVDA stock price got knocked back to 116. I picked some up at 118. It has moved to 138 and I think it is time to take profits. I plan to use my original capital and the profits from that trade to buy [U]Thai Gold[/U]. Not as investment. As a reserve asset.[/QUOTE]Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

[B]Let's check back in a year, shall we[/B]?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2983872]Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

[B]Let's check back in a year, shall we[/B]?[/QUOTE]The secret to success in the markets is simple. Buy low and sell high! Sell high, buy low!

Likewise, the secret to fucking hoes is to go cwhere they at, and bring money!

Suprising it gets so complicated in practice, LOL.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2983872]Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

[B]Let's check back in a year, shall we[/B]?[/QUOTE]Good NVDA trade and no need to document trades, what's the diff. It is what it is. I can't bring myself to buy any more NVDA except via a DRIP. I am in at $2. 62, lucky really.

Again if you think the USA is a shit hole why are you dealing in US $?

[QUOTE=TConor;2984008]Good NVDA trade and no need to document trades, what's the diff. It is what it is. [/QUOTE]Actually there is. Only if to cause others to loose face. I gots people claiming I am lying on my flow, my stack, my trading ability and my dick. Serious accusations all. Done only by keyboard warriors who reside safely behind their computer screen.

[QUOTE=TConor;2984008]I can't bring myself to buy any more NVDA except via a DRIP. I am in at $2. 62, lucky really.[/QUOTE]You cannot bring yourself to buy Thai Gold either. I use Thai Gold as a store of value and I wear that shit on my fingers and around my neck and wrists. I can do that in Thailand as I feel perfect safe and don't have to worry about being jacked like I would in the Dominican Republic, Colombia or the United States of America.

[QUOTE=TConor;2984008]Again if you think the USA is a shit hole why are you dealing in US $?[/QUOTE][B]Lay out your country of origin and tell us why you operate in the various currencies that you do[/B]?

If you must know, I currently operate in DOP, COP, THB, MXN, $BTC, $LTC, $USDM, $USDT, $USDC and USD. A man has to know his limitations. I know mine. My father is dead. I think for myself. I answer to no man. This is especially the case when it comes to [B]International Tricks[/B]. [U]Do you want to talk finances or do you want to talk about me[/U]? This is the [B]General Reports[/B] in the Thailand Country Thread. The original discussion was about Thai Gold. If you wish to pivot from that discussion (for whatever reason), if you want to talk about the United States of America there is a Thread called [U]American Politics[/U]. Meet me over there and we can have whatever discussion THE ADMINISTRATOR allows.

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system. So I think it is wise to hold a percentage of your assets outside of the traditional banking system. Those with access to high quality banking systems simply do not understand. They have been sitting in their comfortable countries growing fat and soft. They know nothing of the struggles of the Global South. They only know comfort.

[B]I'm old, but I am hard![/B] In real life, not behind a keyboard. Brought up in the school of hard knocks and have had to endure things that would have broken lesser men. Not afraid of death. But not seeking it either. I keep a [I][b]go bag[/b][/I] packed and ready. Why? Because you never know!

It takes money to be an [B]International Trick[/B]. You need to create a flow, so you can build a stack, that way you can pay for your flights, hotels, food and everything else you need to engage in [B]International Trickin[/B] activities. We even have people posting up in here that have never even been to Thailand. That is how interesting Thailand is compared to the places they reside. We should be proud of ourselves [U]TConor[/U]. We have taken the conversation to an entirely different level. So much so others feel the need to get in on the action.

[B]Ballin like a Thai Gold Pro![/B]

Feb 4 (Reuters).

[B] Gold prices regained an all-time high on Tuesday, driven by investors seeking the safe-haven asset after China retaliated with tariffs on the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs.[/B]

[QUOTE]Spot gold gained 1.1% to $2,844.56 per ounce as of 01:40 p.m. ET (1840 GMT), after hitting a record high of $2,845.14 earlier in the session.
A line chart titled "Spot gold price in USD per oz" that tracks the metric over time.
A line chart titled "Spot gold price in USD per oz" that tracks the metric over time.
U.S. gold futures settled 0.7% higher at $2,875.80.
"The tariff news came out like it did overnight; I think right now that's the main driver than any other thing and data that comes out today, (but) I think it's going to be overshadowed by the tariff news," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures.
"The dollar was strong going into the week here, but with a lower dollar, that also definitely helps the price of gold," Haberkorn said.
The dollar fell 0.9%, making gold less expensive for other currency holders.
China imposed tariffs on U.S. imports, swiftly responding to new U.S. duties, escalating the trade war between the world's top two economies even as Trump offered reprieves to Mexico and Canada.
The Trump administration's plans for trade tariffs come with inflation risks, three Fed officials warned on Monday, with one arguing that uncertainty over the outlook for prices calls for slower interest rate cuts than otherwise.
Data showed U.S. job openings in December fell to 7.6 million, falling short of the consensus estimate of 8 million, indicating potential economic slowdown.
Bullion is traditionally considered a hedge against both inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, but higher rates reduce the non-yielding asset's appeal.
Given the disruptive nature of the current U.S. administration creating market uncertainty, coupled with central banks possibly increasing gold purchases to diversify from U.S. dollar holdings, gold prices could reach $3,000 this year, said Jim Wyckoff, a senior market analyst at Kitco Metals.
Investors' focus now turns to the ADP employment report on Wednesday, the payrolls report on Friday, and speeches from several Fed officials.
Spot silver rose 2.5% to $32.33 per ounce. Platinum gained 0.4% to $967.94, and palladium fell 1.3% to $994.[/QUOTE][B]I use Thai Gold as store of value here in Thailand![/B]

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE!

You wrote:

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system.

In your mind walk through the scenario of how trade / barter would work without the fiat currency system. All the gold in the world is not going to work if everyone is not on the same page. Your dooms day mentality is a symptom of. Never mind, talk about waiting someone's time. I am the one waiting time on this ridiculous discussion.

And in case you missed it, check this out:

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Oz4P-NX84[/URL]

The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West.

By Alex Karp.

Hey everyone,

I'll be in Bangkok for three weeks and need to get some dental work done while I'm there. My dentist back home told me I need a root canal and a crown, so I'm looking for recommendations on good dental clinics that offer quality work at a reasonable price.

If you've had similar work done in Bangkok, I'the love to hear about your experience. Also, what kind of price range should I expect for a root canal and crown?

Appreciate any advice—thanks!

[QUOTE=TallDarkUsa;2984275]Hey everyone,

I'll be in Bangkok for three weeks and need to get some dental work done while I'm there. My dentist back home told me I need a root canal and a crown, so I'm looking for recommendations on good dental clinics that offer quality work at a reasonable price.

If you've had similar work done in Bangkok, I'the love to hear about your experience. Also, what kind of price range should I expect for a root canal and crown?

Appreciate any advicethanks![/QUOTE]I had a root canal & crown done at BIDC 2 years ago, at their EmQuartier office as it's next to where I live, but their main building is on Ratchadaphisek. Can't remember the exact price, don't think it was more than 50 k thb /$1500 USD for everything and I think that's on the higher side of prices here. In Thailand the clinics publish the prices on their website so there's no "gotcha". Was very good work, almost no pain (my regular cleanings are more painful than my root canal was). You should download LINE because you can add most clinics on that app and easily get quotes / make reservations.

[B]Here endeth the lesson for you![/B]

The purpose of the forum is the share information. Today a ISG brother contacted me via PM for a recommendation for a Gold Shop in Pattaya. I sent him the name and address of my favorite one. Along with a link to an educational article about buying Thai Gold. That is why I won't let anyone try to silence me with their opinions. Because others might be interested in mine even if you disagree. All the satisfaction I needed was contained in that request. Maybe based on your opinion someone won't buy gold. Applause for a job well done!

[QUOTE][b]I don't know what you heard about me; But a ***** can get a 1 BAHT of gold out of me; No Cadillac, no perms, you can't see; That I'm a motherfuckin' S-I-M-P![/b][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=TConor;2984211]You wrote:

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system.

In your mind walk through the scenario of how trade / barter would work without the fiat currency system. All the gold in the world is not going to work if everyone is not on the same page. Your dooms day mentality is a symptom of. Never mind, talk about waiting someone's time. I am the one waiting time on this ridiculous discussion.

And in case you missed it, check this out:

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Oz4P-NX84[/URL]

The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West.

By Alex Karp.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]I came late to buying Gold via the GLD ETF fund for now.[/QUOTE]That is a understatement.

[QUOTE]Trying to decide what percent of my total assets to keep in some form of Gold.[/QUOTE]If you don't custody your gold in physical form, then you don't own it. If you don't own the metal itself then you are not truly providing any sort of diversification to your portfolio. Of course this is my opinion.

[QUOTE]I don't want to do as SubCmdr* likes to do: buy gold at a gold shop for B1500 and hold it for 6 months and go back and sell it back to the gold store for B1600.[/QUOTE][B]I understand why you would not want to do what you wrote[/B]

Oakie gave me vote of confidence confirming what I already knew but he witnessed it in action and wanted to add his 0.02 USD in a 0.67 THB world:

[QUOTE=Oakie;2983916]The secret to success in the markets is simple. [b]Buy low and sell high! Sell high, buy low![/b][/QUOTE]Here is what I do / did:

[U]11/09/2023[/U]: Buy at 32700.

[U]02/14/2025[/U]: Sell at 46750.

46750 - 32700 = 14,050/ Baht increase. Let's do a little trader math: [B]+42.97% in 15 months[/B]. Now making that kind of return is not for everyone. So, please continue to do what it is you do what is best for YOUR portfolio. I simply providing an example of what is actually possible with [U]Thai Gold[/U].

I actually have not sold any of my gold and I have bought more. I just wanted to provide an example to everyone of the potential and show that opinions do not invalidate actual market results!

Since the OP admitted to being late to the Au game, he needs to put some work and learn. The industry sector of Gold mining stocks have been trailing behind the performance of the actual metal. IMO that is the best way to diversify your paper portfolio. Barrick Gold Corp F (GOLD) is a perfect example of this. Entered the trade at 17.13. Current price is an exercise left for the reader.

[B]NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE[/B]

[B]Why Do Thais Buy So Much Gold? And What Do They Do With It[/B]?

[I]Thai gold shop in Chinatown, Bangkok copyright Mark Fischer
On any visit to Thailand, you will notice quickly how much gold Thais have and how much of it they wear. Purchased by Thais, rich and poor, and worn as rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and even Buddhist amulets, gold in Thailand is so popular, you will not drive far in most towns without seeing a gold shop. But, why do Thais buy so much gold and what do they do with it?
[u]Gold is a sign of wealth, being Buddhist (yep!) and for good luck[/u].
Like westerners, Thais wear gold as a decorative item but also as a sign of wealth. The richer you are, the larger and more decorative the gold pieces and the more of them you own. Then, of course, if you are a devout Buddhist man and have money, you are also likely to wear a massive Buddhist amulet, on a gold chain and encased in gold. There is nothing like showing off your religion and your money both at the same time. Gold in Thailand is also seen as being something you should own if you want good luck, so it is often bought for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings

[u]Gold in Thailand is an investment[/u]
The main reason [b]Thais buy gold though is as an investment[/b]t. In past decades, gold has rarely lost much value and, in fact, much of the time keeps increasing in price. For Thais who may be worried about losing family money then, [b]they know if they buy gold they can always sell it if they happen across hard times[/b]. Many Thais too think putting money in the stock market, which is volatile, is far too risky, and thats yet one more reason why Thais invest in gold. It is simply seen as safer.

Thai gold too is better quality and value than western gold as most of it is 23K and 24K gold (almost pure gold) whereas, in the west, it is only 18K (meaning 25% of it is a base metal, and not actually gold). Thai jewelers also only charge a nominal fee for the craftsmanship of creating a beautiful piece of jewelry in gold. That means what you pay in Thailand for an intricately designed gold ring is often up to 40% cheaper than what you would pay in the west, and for superior quality gold too.

If you are looking to buy gold in Bangkok, the two best places are Chinatown (Yaworat) and its more than 140 gold shops, and at MBK mall, where you will also find a number of excellent gold shops.
Many of these gold shops are also completely open to the street, and most do not employ security guards. The reason? There is little robbery in Thailand like there is in many western countries, so store owners believe there is little chance of having their gold stolen.[/I]

[URL]https://tastythailand.com/why-do-thais-buy-so-much-gold-and-what-do-they-do-with-it/[/URL]

Those willing to step out of there western mentality of thinking should review the points of this article and the ones I have been making since the special girl in my life showed me about gold and explained the meaning up iit in Thailand. I knew I was special to her when she bought me gold as a birthday present. I've done the same for her many times over. But it isn't about the money. It is about knowing the true value of the gift.

[B]When in Thailand I already have and continue to do as the Thais do[/B]!

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2984594]That is a understatement.

If you don't custody your gold in physical form, then you don't own it. If you don't own the metal itself then you are not truly providing any sort of diversification to your portfolio. Of course this is my opinion.

[B]I understand why you would not want to do what you wrote[/B]

Oakie gave me vote of confidence confirming what I already knew but he witnessed it in action and wanted to add his 0.02 USD in a 0.67 THB world:

Here is what I do / did:

[U]11/09/2023[/U]: Buy at 32700.

[U]02/14/2025[/U]: Sell at 46750.

46750 - 32700 = 14,050/ Baht increase. Let's do a little trader math: [B]+42.97% in 15 months[/B]. Now making that kind of return is not for everyone. So, please continue to do what it is you do what is best for YOUR portfolio. I simply providing an example of what is actually possible with [U]Thai Gold[/U].

I actually have not sold any of my gold and I have bought more. I just wanted to provide an example to everyone of the potential and show that opinions do not invalidate actual market results!

Since the OP admitted to being late to the Au game, he needs to put some work and learn. The industry sector of Gold mining stocks have been trailing behind the performance of the actual metal. IMO that is the best way to diversify your paper portfolio. Barrick Gold Corp F (GOLD) is a perfect example of this. Entered the trade at 17.13. Current price is an exercise left for the reader.

[B]NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE[/B][/QUOTE]By late to the game I mean the end of 2023. And the fact I stayed in an ETF. I have enough diversification to go the distance. That's what really matters.

Below you will find a link to a very interesting podcast exploring the subject listed above. I found it very interesting because the podcast involve an interview with a gold dealer based in New York City, New York, United States of America.

[URL]https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2025-02-14/why-people-are-so-in-love-with-gold-odd-lots[/URL]

I provide information about [U]Thai Gold[/U] for those interested in it. I don't trade [U]Thai Gold[/U]. I buy it as a store of value and to adorn myself with it. The only chains on me these days are made of GOLD. [U]Thai Gold[/U] to be exact! That said, I gave the illustration of my personal experience with [U]Thai Gold[/U] to provide an alternative view (with actual results) in contrast with those who talk theory and prefer paper assets.

If an ETF provides you with enough diversification that is great. I've got no use for ETF in my paper portion of my portfolio. Still have a few mutual funds left over from my assets accumulation days. But now I only buy individual stocks, physical and digital assets. I also make it a point to spend on ME. Since the last time I checked, I was the most important person in my life. No one is ever going to take care of me like me.

You can trade and make profits on your own. I do! Because I put the work in and developed a system that works for me. It has produced life improving money. 95% of traders lose money. I understand why. I'm one of those who are natural gifted. But I started by building a strong foundation first and entering the trading sphere slowly. I feel sorry for those who trade and lose money. I have several trading brothers that do not get it. They have lost ten of thousands of dollars in the same market I have made that and more. A man has to know his limitations.

So, choose to buy [B]Thai Gold[/B] or choose not to. It really makes no difference to me what you do. I'm only focused on what I do and sharing it with others.

[blue][Deleted by Admin][/blue]

[b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was redacted or deleted to remove sections of the report that were [u]largely argumentative[/u]. Please read the Forum FAQ and the Forum's Posting Guidelines for more information. [i]Thank You![/i][/blue]

What's up fellas, afters years of procrastinating to travel to Asia, I finally booked my first trip to Thailand. I am planning on staying around Sukhumvit area to be closer to the action and touristy areas.

Are most of the hotels in this area 'guest friendly'? I am planning on staying on a Marriott hotels or 4 or 5 star hotels. How easy it is to sneak in girls for this hotels? Can I just tell the girls to go straight to my room? Or they have to be registered at the front desk?

I would appreciate any tips from Vets and seniors. In return, I will be posting reports from my experience.

Also, any dentist that you recommend in Bangkok or Pattaya? I'm planning to do some dental work while I'm there.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2986047]What's up fellas, afters years of procrastinating to travel to Asia, I finally booked my first trip to Thailand. I am planning on staying around Sukhumvit area to be closer to the action and touristy areas.

Are most of the hotels in this area 'guest friendly'? I am planning on staying on a Marriott hotels or 4 or 5 star hotels. How easy it is to sneak in girls for this hotels? Can I just tell the girls to go straight to my room? Or they have to be registered at the front desk?[/QUOTE]I do not know of a hotel in Thailand that is not guest friendly. A lot of hotels have key cards to access the elevator, so telling a chick to go straight to your room will not work out well. They need to be registered and in most cases leave their ID at the desk until they leave.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2986047]Also, any dentist that you recommend in Bangkok or Pattaya?[/QUOTE]In Pattaya I go to Dental Select. They stay busy ao you will need to make an appointment.

[URL]https://dental-select.com/[/URL]

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2986096]I do not know of a hotel in Thailand that is not guest friendly. A lot of hotels have key cards to access the elevator, so telling a chick to go straight to your room will not work out well. They need to be registered and in most cases leave their ID at the desk until they leave.

In Pattaya I go to Dental Select. They stay busy ao you will need to make an appointment.

[URL]https://dental-select.com/[/URL][/QUOTE]I appreciate you boss. Thank you.

From the streets of Pattaya: [B]BUY:[/B] 46200 [B]SELL[/B] 46300.

The Stock Market is a casino. 95% of all traders lose money. Fiat Currency is worthless. Au is real! Ag is real! Bitcoin is real! Real Estate is real!

Check out the pictures below:

I've been debating about whether I should make a trip to thailand or not. Whats holding me back though is a lot of the women don't seem to be thick / curvy and are just skinny / flat. I went to Sosua DR twice last year and the women were stupid thick. Are there any women built like that in Pattaya or Thailand in general? Let me know fellas.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2986463]From the streets of Pattaya: [B]BUY:[/B] 46200 [B]SELL[/B] 46300.

The Stock Market is a casino. 95% of all traders lose money. Fiat Currency is worthless. Au is real! Ag is real! Bitcoin is real! Real Estate is real!

Check out the pictures below:[/QUOTE]95% of traders that say they make money lose money. Invest in solid companies for the long haul and the stock market will be profitable for more than 95% of the people.

[QUOTE=VloneCarti;2986553]I've been debating about whether I should make a trip to thailand or not. Whats holding me back though is a lot of the women don't seem to be thick / curvy and are just skinny / flat. I went to Sosua DR twice last year and the women were stupid thick. Are there any women built like that in Pattaya or Thailand in general? Let me know fellas.[/QUOTE]Thai chicks have gotten fatter as culturally, the thick image has has taken over. Personally, I find a thick girls to be rather gross, but to each his own.

But if you're looking for thick as you find in the DR, it isn't going to happen. Thickness is more a genetic anomaly among Thais.

[QUOTE=Allover;2986554]95% of traders that say they make money lose money. Invest in solid companies for the long haul and the stock market will be profitable for more than 95% of the people.[/QUOTE]Trouble is, most investors find that music too slow to dance to.

They want to up the tempo to try and beat the odds. After all, in an up market for stocks, real estate, gold, and cybercurrencies, every buyer is a winner. A "smart" investor, even a guru dispensing advice. LOL.

But what goes up, sometimes goes down, and nobody, including your "expert" Mamasan Broker can predict the the optimum time to sell or buy!.

Market reversals, sometimes described as a "Bloodbath", like todays news on Bitcoin, happen overnight!, but the Mamasan Brokers make money on your losses too, so they don't really give a fuck! And those Gurus who "predicted everything in the last 20 years", become road kill!. Nest, rinse and repeat!

It's the market's way of cleaning out the greedy and the pretenders. Statisticians have a term for it - "regression to the mean".

I should have added to my comment that, when your taxi driver and barber are buying it, it's time to sell. Sell, sell!

I should have added, "and your local ISG Guru!" LOL.

[I]"Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'"- Robert Zimmerman[/I]

So, I get it, some of you gents have 100 percent instant ladyboy detection, and I applaud that. I would say I can tell 99 percent of the time.

I also hate how somehow these conversations devolve into some Freudian, "well you must be interested in fucking a ladyboy and that's why you can't tell the diffference. ".

I got some weird ass inside info from a Pro I met recently here on the ground, and I fact checked it online and it seems like a legit way to tell if you are dealing with a genetic woman or not. Women's forearms are genetically different than a man. Their "carrying angle is more extreme" at the elbow. So you can literally just grab their arm as a nice "Hello," gesture and feel if their elbow bends "backwards" more than yours can. It's a talent that I think needs practicing, but I believe that it can be done! If I try to stretch out my arm for example as hard as I can it won't go past a certain point. For a woman, it should more easily go past that poiint! This is genius, and I think its a method worth testing out more. So when you're saying Hello, just gently grab her arm at the elbow like a handshake gesture, but with one hand farther up on the elbow, it seems natural enough, and see if her elbow bends past a certain point, I actually watched him show me do it to a few women at the bar we were chilling at, and then showing me how on my arm the same thing didn't happen. Really nice guy too. Anyway, just info.

[QUOTE=Allover;2986554]95% of traders that say they make money lose money. Invest in solid companies for the long haul and the stock market will be profitable for more than 95% of the people.[/QUOTE]And time is your best friend. I read a report where some brokerage firm did a study and they found that accounts held by dead people out preformed as they were not "trading" in and out day to day, etc.

[QUOTE=TConor;2986910]And time is your best friend. I read a report where some brokerage firm did a study and they found that accounts held by dead people out preformed as they were not "trading" in and out day to day, etc.[/QUOTE]I like that!

That's a new one for me. The dead do have a lot of patience, and don't need to be selling to go on mongering trips, or be buying that "special lady" some nice things, or keeping their favorite mamasan bar in business. Or like me flying to NYC for long weekends and living like a millionaire.

The only guaranteed way to beat the Market is to be smart enough, and lucky enough, to have a stash of $billions so you can ride out the regular sell offs, and even pick up more at bargain bin prices, when the half-milers have to bail.

[B]ADA[/B]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2986168]The crypto guys are probably holding their breath now.[/QUOTE]Huge move after POTUS announced that it will be included in a [B]strategic crypto reserve[/B].

[URL]https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/02/trump-announces-strategic-crypto-reserve-including-bitcoin-solana-xrp-and-more.html[/URL]

[QUOTE=Allover;2986554]95% of traders that say they make money lose money. Invest in solid companies for the long haul and the stock market will be profitable for more than 95% of the people.[/QUOTE]Such a shame that I didn't own any of it. Or did I? Either way mother fucks that don't know shit, well they talk shit.

[QUOTE][b]I get paid on almost every trade, in short, I got it made[/b][/QUOTE]Time for another trip to the Thai Gold store. I actually don't own any of it. I just look. Record the prices and then report them as IF I made a trade. It appears I have been found out.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=Interstella;2986860]So you can literally just grab their arm as a nice "Hello," gesture and feel if their elbow bends "backwards" more than yours can.[/QUOTE]LOL. And while you are doing all of this you say that you are from France and this is how we say Hello,? You are probably better off just grabbing between their legs.

[B]Traders are real teachers[/B] What is a real teacher? A real teacher is a person who has done what they are teaching you do. Like Flight Instructors, or Firearms Instructors.

[B]Many people do not understand traders[/B] Money is made on the up and the down. Traders preserve capital as rule number one. Sometimes the best trade is not trade. I read posts from individuals who think they know investing. But they don't. Buy something (gold, real estate, profitable business, pieces of profitable business (stocks), crypto (hasn't been around that long) and hold it for 30 years. That is a trade. Chances are simply due to inflation price will go up. I shared a Thai Gold buy I made. Held it it for 15 months. Up 45% That is a trade. The only difference between my to examples and the last trade I made (55% in 23 days) is the length of time the asset was held.

[U][b]How did I get my stack that I trade with today in the first place[/b][/U]? Read a book by John Bogle (one of many of his and other classic books on investing like the Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham). [U]Hat tip to Mr. Bogle[/U]. Followed his advice, bought into index mutual funds of various markets with the lowest fees.

[U][b]And then what[/b][/U]?

[QUOTE][b]First Im gon stack my flow; And then what? Then Im gon stack some more. And then what? Close shop then I do my count. Hide the rest of my Yams in an offshore account[/b][/QUOTE][B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

I don't see anyone up in here giving out financial advice. Personally I am just sharing my experiences. Not sure what others writing on the subject are doing. Everyone needs to do what they need to do for the benefit of their own personal portfolio. I'm living large on my stack. Making play money trading and keeping my mind active to boot. Need to park my profits somewhere from the trade I mentioned in the second paragraph of this post. I see a trip to my favorite [U]Thai Gold[/U] store in my very near future.

[QUOTE][b]Patty cake, patty cake, microwave (microwave); Every time make a trade, goddamn I'm paid (ha-ha)[/b][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Interstella;2986860]So, I get it, some of you gents have 100 percent instant ladyboy detection, and I applaud that. I would say I can tell 99 percent of the time.

I also hate how somehow these conversations devolve into some Freudian, "well you must be interested in fucking a ladyboy and that's why you can't tell the diffference. ".

I got some weird ass inside info from a Pro I met recently here on the ground, and I fact checked it online and it seems like a legit way to tell if you are dealing with a genetic woman or not. Women's forearms are genetically different than a man. Their "carrying angle is more extreme" at the elbow. So you can literally just grab their arm as a nice "Hello," gesture and feel if their elbow bends "backwards" more than yours can. It's a talent that I think needs practicing, but I believe that it can be done! If I try to stretch out my arm for example as hard as I can it won't go past a certain point. For a woman, it should more easily go past that poiint! This is genius, and I think its a method worth testing out more. So when you're saying Hello, just gently grab her arm at the elbow like a handshake gesture, but with one hand farther up on the elbow, it seems natural enough, and see if her elbow bends past a certain point, I actually watched him show me do it to a few women at the bar we were chilling at, and then showing me how on my arm the same thing didn't happen. Really nice guy too. Anyway, just info.[/QUOTE]If ya can't tell a ladyboy by sight, ya shouldn't be here.

[QUOTE=Interstella;2986860]I also hate how somehow these conversations devolve into some Freudian, "well you must be interested in fucking a ladyboy and that's why you can't tell the diffference. ".[/QUOTE]I personally don't care who another man fucks with his dick. As long as he is not trying to fuck me.

[B]Your time! Your money! Your dick! Your call![/B]

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2986970]LOL. And while you are doing all of this you say that you are from France and this is how we say Hello,? You are probably better off just grabbing between their legs.[/QUOTE]I understand that I have offended you, and for good reason. I don't expect to come back from that with you, and I'm comfortable with that. Apologies often count for nothing.

That being said, this is just info, that I FACT CHECKED, as a POSSIBLE approach to a problem that I PERSONALLY had, not having expert level lady-boy radar.

I answered at great length, one of your questions on the "rants" forum as to your inquiry on the aquistion of various assets to the best of my knowledge as an "olive branch. ".

Thank you.

[QUOTE=Interstella;2986860]So, I get it, some of you gents have 100 percent instant ladyboy detection, and I applaud that. I would say I can tell 99 percent of the time.

I also hate how somehow these conversations devolve into some Freudian, "well you must be interested in fucking a ladyboy and that's why you can't tell the diffference. ".

I got some weird ass inside info from a Pro I met recently here on the ground, and I fact checked it online and it seems like a legit way to tell if you are dealing with a genetic woman or not. Women's forearms are genetically different than a man. Their "carrying angle is more extreme" at the elbow. So you can literally just grab their arm as a nice "Hello," gesture and feel if their elbow bends "backwards" more than yours can. It's a talent that I think needs practicing, but I believe that it can be done! If I try to stretch out my arm for example as hard as I can it won't go past a certain point. For a woman, it should more easily go past that poiint! This is genius, and I think its a method worth testing out more. So when you're saying Hello, just gently grab her arm at the elbow like a handshake gesture, but with one hand farther up on the elbow, it seems natural enough, and see if her elbow bends past a certain point, I actually watched him show me do it to a few women at the bar we were chilling at, and then showing me how on my arm the same thing didn't happen. Really nice guy too. Anyway, just info.[/QUOTE]Tell us you have never been to Pattaya without saying that you have never been to Pattaya.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2986931][B]ADA[/B]

Huge move after POTUS announced that it will be included in a [B]strategic crypto reserve[/B].

[URL]https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/02/trump-announces-strategic-crypto-reserve-including-bitcoin-solana-xrp-and-more.html[/URL]

Such a shame that I didn't own any of it. Or did I? Either way mother fucks that don't know shit, well they talk shit.

Time for another trip to the Thai Gold store. I actually don't own any of it. I just look. Record the prices and then report them as IF I made a trade. It appears I have been found out.[/QUOTE]It would be reasonable to conclude that Trump is intentionally crashing the US economy.

That would put the screws to a lot of guys in Pattaya.

[QUOTE=Interstella;2987242]I understand that I have offended you, and for good reason. I don't expect to come back from that with you, and I'm comfortable with that. Apologies often count for nothing.

That being said, this is just info, that I FACT CHECKED, as a POSSIBLE approach to a problem that I PERSONALLY had, not having expert level lady-boy radar.

I answered at great length, one of your questions on the "rants" forum as to your inquiry on the aquistion of various assets to the best of my knowledge as an "olive branch. ".

Thank you.[/QUOTE]It's just that grabbing someone's arm and checking their range of motion is hard to pass off as casual. Ladyboys are also more likely to be aggressive, so grabbing one by the arm might put you in an awkward situation.

Gold Futures Price has broke out and is running. Strong resistance at 2950 USD ounce. If price can break through likely to go to 2979 USD. Pull back likely then off to set new ATH 3000+. In theory, I should continue to accumulate [U]Thai Gold[/U] spot as a store of value. But we are just talking theory right?

I have a good reason for not taking advice from [B]International Tricks[/B] about anything other than [B]International Trickin[/B]!

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2987335]Gold Futures Price has broke out and is running. Strong resistance at 2950 USD ounce. If price can break through likely to go to 2979 USD. Pull back likely then off to set new ATH 3000+. In theory, I should continue to accumulate [U]Thai Gold[/U] spot as a store of value. But we are just talking theory right?

I have a good reason for not taking advice from [B]International Tricks[/B] about anything other than [B]International Trickin[/B]!

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B][/QUOTE]My man, if you don't see that a sharp rise in gold prices is maybe just a reason to take a short pause and think about investment strategies. I dunno, I'm not sure if you've heard of the term "bubble," before. If you make some money great, I was just merely advising that buying gold now might be a buy high, sell low situation, given the current state of Russia being in a bad economic position, and it is a well known fact that they sit an an untold amount of gold that they could dump on the market at any time, especially considering their current economic condition. Like, why can't I just off information without you acting like what I'm saying is completely false. It's nuts man. I am merely saying proceed with caution with gold at the current moment. If you make some money, that's awesome, that's great for you. If you want to buy gold at historic highs, go for it.

[QUOTE=JjBee62;2987322]It's just that grabbing someone's arm and checking their range of motion is hard to pass off as casual. Ladyboys are also more likely to be aggressive, so grabbing one by the arm might put you in an awkward situation.[/QUOTE]Okay, I'm starting to see how you ninnies work. Listen, have you never seen a President or something shake another mans hand, where you gently with you other hand plance it around the elbow area of the person you are greeting? That is what I am saying, and it was merely a SUGGESTION shown to me, right in front of my very eyes, that works, and that I fact checked. Like I feel like I could suggest anything and this team of nags would be like "nah the air quality in Bangkok is amazing, you just don't know anything. ".

I am coming from US and will be arriving in Bangkok on a weekday afternoon.

What's the wait looks like for customs?

[QUOTE=Interstella;2987421]Okay, I'm starting to see how you ninnies work. Listen, have you never seen a President or something shake another mans hand, where you gently with you other hand plance it around the elbow area of the person you are greeting? That is what I am saying, and it was merely a SUGGESTION shown to me, right in front of my very eyes, that works, and that I fact checked. Like I feel like I could suggest anything and this team of nags would be like "nah the air quality in Bangkok is amazing, you just don't know anything. ".[/QUOTE]I do the same frequently when greeting my Colombian friends and then pull in to either bump shoulders (male), or do the air kiss (female). However, unless they are at least 9' tall, their arm is bent at a 90° angle. Straightening their arm out would require raising their hand to shoulder level and taking a step back. It's just not a move you can casually do with a stranger.

And once again, ladyboys tend to be more aggressive about touching guys. Walking up to one, grabbing their arm and hand, is likely to put you in an awkward situation, even more awkward than the attempt to casually run them through some yoga poses.

All us "ninnies" are doing is trying to point out the obvious flaws to keep you from fucking up. If criticism, or realism, causes you to meltdown, you're in the wrong place.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2987435]I am coming from US and will be arriving in Bangkok on a weekday afternoon.

What's the wait looks like for customs?[/QUOTE]I arrived just over a month ago, customs a breeze, no wait at all, if you need local currency I would recommend using the ATMs rather than exchange booths, if you need a local sim, get something that lasts a few weeks, enough time to make it to EmQuartier. The lines for bus tickets to Pattaya / Hua Hin were long, if you're traveling that direction maybe try and get a ticket online before your trip.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2987435]I am coming from US and will be arriving in Bangkok on a weekday afternoon.

What's the wait looks like for customs?[/QUOTE]10 minutes.

[U]T.T. Currency Exchange[/U] remains the location I recommend to my friends who are visiting. One is located on the basement floor of Central Mall. Other location can be found in Google Maps.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2987435]I am coming from US and will be arriving in Bangkok on a weekday afternoon.

What's the wait looks like for customs?[/QUOTE]It depends on how many Chinese people are ahead of you. Everything that immigration asks them, they have to put into google translate, just to soon be asked to step aside.

Yet again I find myself explaining Thai Gold to mother fuck from the DisUnited States of America where POTUS is making it great for certain people again! If you don't understand [U]Thai Gold[/U] don't speak on it. It really that simple.

The post you quote was dealing with a Elliot Wave analysis of the gold chart futures. Actually represents an excellent trading opportunity. Futures Trading must not be in your wheel house. When you are in the batters box and the count is not 3 balls 2 strikes You should take a fastball that not in your power zone. This applies to all post that I put up about Gold Futures or buying Thai Gold spot.

Main idea that gold is going to lose value is based in an assumption that governments around the world are suddenly going to stop printing their fiat currency (devaluing it in the process). You are assuming that around the world inflation will end. Two assumptions I don't buy into.

[U]Russia is going to dump their gold onto the market and crash it[/U] Are you serious my ISG Brother? A central bank is going to trade a commodity that held value in the human race for over 5000+ years for what? More paper that they can print themselves? No, they might trade it for commodities (like oil) that they can trade. But why would they do that. They can print as much currency as they need and use it to purchase USD and then buy their gold with it.

If I am buying gold as a store of value and to adorn myself with it to show that the only chains on me these days are gold chains, my primary drive for making my purchases is not price appreciation.

[QUOTE=JjBee62;2987336]You use the local currency to purchase things of value. Not a lot of bar girls or street hookers are setup to accept crypto or gold.[/QUOTE]Another statement that shows how poorly many individual who are just visitors understand Thai Culture.

[U]Explanation of Purpose Gold Serves in Thailand[/U]

During my last trip to a Thai Gold store I observed the following:

Massage girl came into the store and sold a small ring. The massage girl handed the lady working in the gold store the ring and said she wanted to sell. The lady working in the gold store weighed it and got cash (The local currency in Thailand is Thai Baht. THB). Cash was paid on the spot. The entire transaction occurred in less than 5 minutes. And there was 6 gold shops within walking distance of the one I was in. Here the lesson ends for the day. But I will continue to teach the lesson over and over again until those who currently do not understand gain enlightenment.

Right now 3. 8 grams of [U]Thai Gold[/U] gets you 12300 - 12500 THB if you were sell it. You can buy gold bars that are packaged and have the weight stamped on them. I am waiting for a post from a [B]International Trick[/B] in here where they tell us they offered a Thai girl [U]Thai Gold[/U] and they refused and asked for THB instead.

If you actually come to Pattaya, I'll take anyone who asks to a gold store so you can have a IRL experience. It may help you understand better. The core of many posts about [U]Thai Gold[/U] that I read, goes to my main point that individuals drag their western ideas half way around the world and try to apply them to [U]Thailand[/U]. It does not serve them well.

[QUOTE]Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still doubled down callin' us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, buildin' railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y'all on game
The settlers was usin' townfolk to make 'em richer
Fast-forward, 2024, you got the same agenda!

[b] They not like us! They not like us! They not like us![/b][/QUOTE]

My opinion is that if there is a US recession, the price of gold will drop.

In a severe recession, cash is king. And by cash, I mean the US dollar. I try to keep enough cash to survive a year or two if all my income ceases.

In the next recession in the DisUnited States of America we will witness the GDP growth stall and inflation continue upwards due to the increased costs of the inputs used to produce consumer goods being passed on to the consumer in the DisUnited States of America.

I would rather hold [U]Thai Gold[/U] as a reserve than fiat currency.

But the absolute best thing to hold will be a property that is not in my name where I can live and raise food in Thailand. I'll sell ALL of my [U]Thai Gold[/U] to make that happen.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

Inflation isn't the problem right now. The problem is the US economy tanking, and it's due to total incompetence by decision makers in the USA. Unless they want a recession, in which case, they are brilliant.

If this continues, it's going to be a quiet summer in Pattaya.

[B]Au:[/B] Price breaks [U]3000.00 USD[/U] for the first time.

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2928016/association-anticipates-gold-price-hitting-3-000-in-q1[/URL]

Read it and weep. [B]ROTFLMAO![/B].

[B]Ballin Like a Thai Gold Pro![/B]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2988842]Inflation isn't the problem right now. The problem is the US economy tanking, and it's due to total incompetence by decision makers in the USA. Unless they want a recession, in which case, they are brilliant.

If this continues, it's going to be a quiet summer in Pattaya.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Allover;2986554]95% of traders that say they make money lose money.[/QUOTE]Can you back up your statement with any empirical evidence?

[QUOTE=Interstella;2987420]My man, if you don't see that a sharp rise in gold prices is maybe just a reason to take a short pause and think about investment strategies. I dunno, I'm not sure if you've heard of the term "bubble," before. If you make some money great, I was just merely advising that buying gold now might be a buy high, sell low situation, given the current state of Russia being in a bad economic position, and it is a well known fact that they sit an an untold amount of gold that they could dump on the market at any time, especially considering their current economic condition. Like, why can't I just off information without you acting like what I'm saying is completely false.[/QUOTE]How is this financial advice from a [B]International Trick[/B] working out? Simply another reason why I don't take advice from [B]International Tricks[/B] and one country [B]SexPats[/B].

[QUOTE=Allover;2989799]Yes gold had a nice week.[/QUOTE][B]Gold had a good week eh[/B]?

Is that an acknowledgment of what I have been saying or what?

I'm the ONLY one that has been posting any credible information on [U]Thai Gold[/U]. If you want to talk Au I am up for it, but bring some facts. We got enough lame ass opinions by those who don't live in Thailand plus some who have not even set foot in Thailand.

Check out this analysis of the Au futures chart using Ellot Wave:

[URL]https://youtu.be/jKNBjWESS9w?si=Bflgu_rE0XUSTfuo[/URL]

Note the movement into the blue target area and just because price has moved into this area does not mean we have a retrace on the immediate horizon.

[QUOTE=Interstella;2987420]I am merely saying proceed with caution with gold at the current moment. If you make some money, that's awesome, that's great for you. [b]If you want to buy gold at historic highs, go for it[/b].[/QUOTE]Thank you for giving me you permission. Do you think I actually need it? [B]ROTFLMAO[/B]! Where did this guy go anyway? Was I real or just a fake profile from one of the usual suspects?

[B]Another one bites the dust![/B]

[QUOTE=Allover;2989799]For those wanting to learn more about investing in gold, please use this forum's excellent search option for gold discussion by T. Conor (the forum expert on gold) and Oakie*. [/QUOTE][U]Thai Gold[/U] is not an investment. It is a place to store value. That is how Thais use it here in Thailand. I have only spoken about [U]Thai Gold[/U]. [U]Thai Gold[/U] is not the same as the world gold market. People who don't live here simply don't understand this. So don't get it twisted the next time you want to step to me with a counter argument against Au. I'm not buying Au. I am buying [U]Thai Gold[/U].

[B]Ballin like Thai Gold Pro![/B]

In the beginning stages of a recession, there is often a "flight to quality" assets, such as gold. *If* the recession drags on, even quality assets decline in value.

I'm far from certain a recession is coming. The underlying economy seems strong, but the uncertainty from Washington is creating chaos.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2990541]In the beginning stages of a recession, there is often a "flight to quality" assets, such as gold. *If* the recession drags on, even quality assets decline in value.

I'm far from certain a recession is coming. The underlying economy seems strong, but the uncertainty from Washington is creating chaos.[/QUOTE]These are not normal times. Not bad times, just not normal. The world economy got screwed over by covid shutdowns and then got a sugar high from all the money printed to keep the world leaders from looking bad. You are starting to see things return to a more normal world economy. It will take a few months, but things will bounce back. The GDP numbers will look bad for a couple of quarters as all that money works it way out of the system. You could also compare it to a hangover. You are right, the economy basics are still good, except in China, they are screwed.

[QUOTE=ElSexoChino7;2987435]I am coming from US and will be arriving in Bangkok on a weekday afternoon.

What's the wait looks like for customs?[/QUOTE]Not too long, unless you use the fast track. Yes, the fast track takes longer than the normal queue. I am allowed to use the fast track but will do so never again after being screwed twice already.

[QUOTE=XXL;2990604]Not too long, unless you use the fast track. Yes, the fast track takes longer than the normal queue. I am allowed to use the fast track but will do so never again after being screwed twice already.[/QUOTE]At the start of the zig-zags to immigration, an airport representative will be stationed. If you are older than a certain age, you can talk to them about the special queue for old people. That has saved me a good amount of time. Perhaps someone else will post that age threshold, I think it is around 65 years.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2990647]At the start of the zig-zags to immigration, an airport representative will be stationed. If you are older than a certain age, you can talk to them about the special queue for old people. That has saved me a good amount of time. Perhaps someone else will post that age threshold, I think it is around 65 years.[/QUOTE]The age to use Fast Track is 70.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2990651]The age to use Fast Track is 70.[/QUOTE]I didn't realize that XXL and I were writing about the same thing, it has worked well for me. I've used that queue about 3 times and never had to wait more than 2 or 3 minutes before I was talking to an immigration agent.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2990651]The age to use Fast Track is 70.[/QUOTE]I am allowed to use the fast track as per my visa, and it has made me waste time twice in a row. People on wheel chairs and people with infants take ages to get processed by immigration at the "fast" track. Last time by the time I got through my luggage was already on "last luggage" on the carrousel.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2990661]I didn't realize that XXL and I were writing about the same thing, it has worked well for me. I've used that queue about 3 times and never had to wait more than 2 or 3 minutes before I was talking to an immigration agent.[/QUOTE]There are 2 fast track entrances that I know of and there could be more. The one you referenced which is to the right at the entrance to immigration past where Thais can enter using self service machines. The other is a seperate entrance to the left of the main immigration entrance which is only available to fast track customers and has multiple lines. There may be one to the right before the main entrance also close to visa on arrival entrance but I don't remember.

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;2990671]There are 2 fast track entrances that I know of and there could be more. The one you referenced which is to the right at the entrance to immigration past where Thais can enter using self service machines. The other is a seperate entrance to the left of the main immigration entrance which is only available to fast track customers and has multiple lines. There may be one to the right before the main entrance also close to visa on arrival entrance but I don't remember.[/QUOTE]In February and in November I used the first one that you mentioned. Prior to that I used a different entrance. All were good experiences, but I cannot explain where they are. When I land at BKK International I never fully understand where I am. I just follow the signs and take the hike.

Years ago I didn't qualify for any specialized immigration queue. There were 1 or 2 times I had to wait an hour or more to get through immigration.

[QUOTE=AggieDad1;2990559]These are not normal times. Not bad times, just not normal. The world economy got screwed over by covid shutdowns and then got a sugar high from all the money printed to keep the world leaders from looking bad. You are starting to see things return to a more normal world economy. It will take a few months, but things will bounce back. The GDP numbers will look bad for a couple of quarters as all that money works it way out of the system. You could also compare it to a hangover. You are right, the economy basics are still good, except in China, they are screwed.[/QUOTE]A recession mentality seems to be controlling Wall Street now.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2990647]At the start of the zig-zags to immigration, an airport representative will be stationed. If you are older than a certain age, you can talk to them about the special queue for old people. That has saved me a good amount of time. Perhaps someone else will post that age threshold, I think it is around 65 years.[/QUOTE]So here are the full details: Yes, there is a fast lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it's not officially published and not guaranteed.

Here's how it works, simply:

• If you're 70 years old or above, immigration officers will usually let you use the priority / fast-track lane.

• Sometimes even 60+ can get through if you ask nicely.

• You don't need to book anything — just ask airport staff or immigration officers if there's a senior fast lane.

• If you look visibly older or walk slowly, they often just wave you into the fast lane.

• If you request a wheelchair, you'll automatically go through the fast track.

So: no official sign, but yes, seniors can usually get fast-tracked just by asking.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2991774]So here are the full details: Yes, there is a fast lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it's not officially published and not guaranteed.

Here's how it works, simply:

If you're 70 years old or above, immigration officers will usually let you use the priority / fast-track lane.

Sometimes even 60+ can get through if you ask nicely.

You don't need to book anything just ask airport staff or immigration officers if there's a senior fast lane.

If you look visibly older or walk slowly, they often just wave you into the fast lane.

If you request a wheelchair, you'll automatically go through the fast track.

So: no official sign, but yes, seniors can usually get fast-tracked just by asking.[/QUOTE]I gotta try this next time, cause I'm definitely visibly an old man. It's time to get the old walking stick out of the garage!

Hey all had a quick few questions for a thailand trip for me and wife third week of April. I've done research a bit but wife is insisting I ask a few questions here as it's always worked out well to do this in the past. For this trip we wanted to do one of the walking street areas for ladies and to party, and wanted to see some beautiful beaches. For starters we were wondering where we would stay to be able to get to both. So a recommendation on a girl friendly niceish hotel (wife wants hotel fo be at least good) so we can do both. Second any recommendations for a couple in terms of getting a girl, walking street or just calling one in to hotel. We certainly would prefer getting a girl to our room versus doing something at a bar or club. Any other recommendations for must see beach etc would be awesome. We are not new to mongering and have been all over latin America for that. Wife is Venezuelan so getting ladies in Dominican or Costa Rica etc was easy. Hopefully thailand will be also. Any help would be awesome!

[QUOTE=Masseys1;2992244]Hey all had a quick few questions for a thailand trip for me and wife third week of April. I've done research a bit but wife is insisting I ask a few questions here as it's always worked out well to do this in the past. For this trip we wanted to do one of the walking street areas for ladies and to party, and wanted to see some beautiful beaches. For starters we were wondering where we would stay to be able to get to both. So a recommendation on a girl friendly niceish hotel (wife wants hotel fo be at least good) so we can do both. Second any recommendations for a couple in terms of getting a girl, walking street or just calling one in to hotel. We certainly would prefer getting a girl to our room versus doing something at a bar or club. Any other recommendations for must see beach etc would be awesome. We are not new to mongering and have been all over latin America for that. Wife is Venezuelan so getting ladies in Dominican or Costa Rica etc was easy. Hopefully thailand will be also. Any help would be awesome![/QUOTE]Beautiful beach? Phuket! You'll get beaches in Pattaya but they're all brown and gross. Crystal clear waters in Phuket baby! Also way more beaches to choose from in Pattaya.

[QUOTE=Masseys1;2992244]Hey all had a quick few questions for a thailand trip for me and wife third week of April. I've done research a bit but wife is insisting I ask a few questions here as it's always worked out well to do this in the past. For this trip we wanted to do one of the walking street areas for ladies and to party, and wanted to see some beautiful beaches. For starters we were wondering where we would stay to be able to get to both. So a recommendation on a girl friendly niceish hotel (wife wants hotel fo be at least good) so we can do both. Second any recommendations for a couple in terms of getting a girl, walking street or just calling one in to hotel. We certainly would prefer getting a girl to our room versus doing something at a bar or club. Any other recommendations for must see beach etc would be awesome. We are not new to mongering and have been all over latin America for that. Wife is Venezuelan so getting ladies in Dominican or Costa Rica etc was easy. Hopefully thailand will be also. Any help would be awesome![/QUOTE]You are describing the classic couples visit to Patong, Phuket.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2991774]So here are the full details: Yes, there is a fast lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it's not officially published and not guaranteed.

Here's how it works, simply:

If you're 70 years old or above, immigration officers will usually let you use the priority / fast-track lane.

Sometimes even 60+ can get through if you ask nicely.

You don't need to book anything just ask airport staff or immigration officers if there's a senior fast lane.

If you look visibly older or walk slowly, they often just wave you into the fast lane.

If you request a wheelchair, you'll automatically go through the fast track.

So: no official sign, but yes, seniors can usually get fast-tracked just by asking.[/QUOTE]How many times have you used the Fast Track yourself LOL.

[QUOTE=Nyezhov;2992633]How many times have you used the Fast Track yourself LOL.[/QUOTE]Have you used it Nyezhov? If so, does it work as EveryThing Thai has laid out? In other words can you give us additional factual information about the [I]Fast Track[/I] from your personal experience?

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2991774]So here are the full details: Yes, there is a fast lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it's not officially published and not guaranteed.

Here's how it works, simply:

If you're 70 years old or above, immigration officers will usually let you use the priority / fast-track lane.

Sometimes even 60+ can get through if you ask nicely.

You don't need to book anything just ask airport staff or immigration officers if there's a senior fast lane.

If you look visibly older or walk slowly, they often just wave you into the fast lane.

If you request a wheelchair, you'll automatically go through the fast track.

So: no official sign, but yes, seniors can usually get fast-tracked just by asking.[/QUOTE]Does your 25 year old wife or girlfriend get to Fast-Track through too? If not, then you're still not getting out of that airport any sooner than she will.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2992824]Does your 25 year old wife or girlfriend get to Fast-Track through too? If not, then you're still not getting out of that airport any sooner than she will.[/QUOTE]Try a cane, pained look, and a Thai girl helping you LOL. I did that at DMK.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2992824]Does your 25 year old wife or girlfriend get to Fast-Track through too? If not, then you're still not getting out of that airport any sooner than she will.[/QUOTE]Of course you go to the same line if you are together. Last time I went through the Thai line with mine and there was only 1 person ahead of us. We went to the counter together. They processed her then they processed me. It was a couples' trip so my boy did likewise with his girl.

[QUOTE=Nyezhov;2992971]Try a cane, pained look, and a Thai girl helping you LOL. I did that at DMK.[/QUOTE]I can usually easily manage the pained look part of it after traveling with a Thai girl. But now I have to pack a telescopic cane? Maybe I'll buy her a nurse's uniform. Every few minutes saved in those later years matters. LOL.

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2991774]So here are the full details: Yes, there is a fast lane for seniors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it's not officially published and not guaranteed.

Here's how it works, simply:

If you're 70 years old or above, immigration officers will usually let you use the priority / fast-track lane.

Sometimes even 60+ can get through if you ask nicely.

You don't need to book anything just ask airport staff or immigration officers if there's a senior fast lane.

If you look visibly older or walk slowly, they often just wave you into the fast lane.

If you request a wheelchair, you'll automatically go through the fast track.

So: no official sign, but yes, seniors can usually get fast-tracked just by asking.[/QUOTE]I've used this fast track at least a dozen times. Works like a charm. No questions at all.

SW.

[QUOTE=SirWilliam4;2993048]I've used this fast track at least a dozen times. Works like a charm. No questions at all.

SW.[/QUOTE]Yeah it's not like it's ever been a big secret, considering there's a sign up that says Fast Track with details.

The US stock market is diving again. If the DOW goes below 40,000, we are hosed, and Pattaya will get very quiet.

Listen to this random guy on youtube: [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrNDJ-l8aUw[/URL].

Everybody's retirement, savings and 401 k's tanking is good thing! Just make sure you somehow have enough dry powder to buy in during this crash, and recession. I'm outta cash and planning my future food intake to be around cans of tuna. But if a market crash helps people, then who am I to argue? I give up on NVDA *sigh* FML

To each his own to stay in market!

I've been using the 70 line years before I even turn 70! Today it is far right if you don't meet the age requirement then take some acting class or use your imagination. Years back when I realized I wasn't being called handsome man just papa I figure better take advantage of it. I developed a mean back and hip problem along with signs of Parkinson's. When traveling my brother accompany me majority of time my excuse I don't like to use wheelchair since sitting long priors makes my back and hip worse. I mainly use Eva, my seat selection is usually 52, priority boarding is last means your overhead space might be gone. I play it up as First is boarding never fails with the wheelchairs group.

You use this method you have to act till the end, returning a number of times got the golf cart hitch a ride since Eva always seem like miles away. Maybe cause I look That never been stop at immigration Eva even tag all my bags Priority so it comes out with the first class.
Just as COVID was near over Eva hadn't started up service I use Philippines Airline never again one segment they didn't have a gate had to get to plan on a bus, I was hip hopping that a young lady took the time to take my handcarry to the bus as I navigated the stairs.

I use it so much it is a habit I want to cross beach road or second I cross with the bad hip talking to myself the world seem to stop for papa.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2993787]The Indians and Chinese are definitely not impacted by the stock market, but they account for very little of the bargirl business.[/QUOTE]Uncertain as to why you are focused on the Stock Market. Investing in the Stock Market give you assets. The idea is for them to increase in value. But if you want to realize your gains you have to sell therefore creating a taxable event. This is pretty basic stuff.

People live on cash flow not assets. So even if you own a bunch of dividend paying stocks even if the prices to down it does not really affect your cash flow unless the companies you own cut dividends.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2993787]What counts for us is the bargirl customer base. Too many customers and prices go up. Too few, and the bargirls go home.[/QUOTE]I don't believe that is true. Bars do not lower the amounts punters must pay for [I]Bar Fines[/I] in low season. The reasons Bar girls leave are many. They are on contracts. They often return home for a moment in between contracts. It is not ALWAYS because they find a sponsor as I have read posted in other threads. Sometimes they return home to take care of family members. That happened to a favorite bar girl of mine that worked on Soi 6 and would visit me after hours. She would spend 2 - 3 hours demanding that I give her multiple orgasams. Just had her a couple of days ago. She came back for a customer and hit me up since she was in town. We rekindled our love. Mine for her pussy and mouth. Hers for my [B]YOU ALL KNOW WHAT[/B] and the few Baht that I give her.

The decrease in the Stock Market is having ZERO effect on my overall cash flow and only a little affect on my overall NET WORTH. As I have long ago pulled my original investment out plus enough profits to purchase gold and a new motorbike. I'm playing with house money.

Soon, I will be able to ask: [I]Shorty wanna ride wit me[/I]?

Hopefully, the current stock market downturn is a blip, and things will get back to normal soon.

If not, Pattaya will get very quiet this summer.

Not even our SubCmdr is talking about his stock market winnings lately. And I shudder to think of the day traders in Pattaya.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2994650]Not even our SubCmdr is talking about his stock market winnings lately.[/QUOTE]At the risk of repeating myself endlessly, I find that when I am living rent free in the minds of others it is more like an obsession for them, but pretty much irrelevant to me. Until I see my name constantly been referred to in the posts of others. Often in a not flattering manner.

[B]This is why you have not heard about my stock market winnings:[/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2989869]Money is not a problem for me and my crew. We have multiple income sources. The stock market going down is an unfortunate but cyclical action over time. Unless your are funding you day to day expenses using dividends paying stocks, those dividends being cut is the only way the current decline in the economy of the DisUnited States of America can effect ANY individual holding stocks. The real effect is purely psychological. It is call the WEALTH effect. You see you have less wealth so you feel like you need to spend less money. Personally I have never let the up and downs of the stock market affect my day to day expenses. [B]Me and my crew have lost some money[/B]. But we all have war chests of cash in reserve and are currently hunting for bargains.

The members of my crew who followed my lead and took profits in December of 2024 and January of 2025 are sitting pretty like me. I just looked at some reports about my portfolio and the numbers are EYE POPPING!

I remember reading a post from someone was trying to clown me over my trading results. They said they made over four hundred percent on their stock portfolio. I wonder if they also use [B]Jedi Mind Tricks[/B] and [B]Vulcan Mind Melds[/B] on Bar Girls as part of their investment strategy in order to get investment ideas. I hear investing in Face Sitting Technology (FST) was better than AI. Hope they took profits. [B]ROTFLMAO![/B].[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2994650]Hopefully, the current stock market downturn is a blip, and things will get back to normal soon.

If not, Pattaya will get very quiet this summer.

Not even our SubCmdr is talking about his stock market winnings lately. And I shudder to think of the day traders in Pattaya.[/QUOTE]I got a feeling this is more than a blip. Even with the covid crash, the market recovered within 2 months to all time highs. This time around, I think we're in it for the long haul, with the added bonus of a multi-year long recession to boot. There goes my brokerage account. I'm so deep in the red, I might as well join the Pattaya Flying Club, but I can't afford to fly to Thailand! Ha! Christ on a stick, my life sucks.

But why would Pattaya get quiet because of a protracted stock market crash? Most farang expat types live off of sources of income that's not entirely stock market based as far as I know, at least that's what they brag about. Some fucking bar they own with their Thai chick. Some piece of real estate they have back in their home country. Or dividends from their REITS. *sigh* You guys living the good life in Thailand, you got no clue how lucky you are. You're blessed, and not by some shitty god either. By Lucifer Himself. Blessed Be His Kind Presence, and pray that he'll take my soul in exchange for riches. Riches baby!

I have an ingrown pube about an inch above my dick. Of course it had to happen right around when I am flying to Thailand. Fuck my life.

The scab fell off recently. It does not look nice. I was thinking of slapping a waterproof bandaid on it before heading for massages / bars.

Is the bandaid going to scare the chicks? I can already imagine the worried looks on their faces wondering what kind of disease I am carrying.

Any suggestions for what to do?

How about preemptively informing the lady before massage / barfining? It will be an odd conversation and many might refuse but it could avoid no / subpar service later.

Oh and again, fuck my life.

Anyone checked the price of Thai Gold lately? Sell: [B]51150[/B] Lost my shirt? Only because it's the Songkran Festival.

[B]ROFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2994876]I got a feeling this is more than a blip. Even with the covid crash, the market recovered within 2 months to all time highs. This time around, I think we're in it for the long haul, with the added bonus of a multi-year long recession to boot. There goes my brokerage account. I'm so deep in the red, I might as well join the Pattaya Flying Club, but I can't afford to fly to Thailand! Ha! Christ on a stick, my life sucks.

But why would Pattaya get quiet because of a protracted stock market crash? Most farang expat types live off of sources of income that's not entirely stock market based as far as I know, at least that's what they brag about. Some fucking bar they own with their Thai chick. Some piece of real estate they have back in their home country. Or dividends from their REITS. *sigh* You guys living the good life in Thailand, you got no clue how lucky you are. You're blessed, and not by some shitty god either. By Lucifer Himself. Blessed Be His Kind Presence, and pray that he'll take my soul in exchange for riches. Riches baby![/QUOTE]Farang expats are a tiny percent of the ladies' book of business. Most expats have a live in Thai lady, so they don't spend a lot of money at bars. Those that do live in the Darkside, or away from central Pattaya.

Expats can live off Social Security, so the downturn won't affect them that much.

But the Farang tourists disappear during recessions. That leaves the ladies with East and South Asian customers.

[QUOTE=Shikhar10;2996403][b] Mongering with an ingrown pubic hair[/b]
I have an ingrown pube about an inch above my dick. Of course it had to happen right around when I am flying to Thailand. Fuck my life.

The scab fell off recently. It does not look nice. I was thinking of slapping a waterproof bandaid on it before heading for massages / bars.

Is the bandaid going to scare the chicks? I can already imagine the worried looks on their faces wondering what kind of disease I am carrying.

Any suggestions for what to do?

How about preemptively informing the lady before massage / barfining? It will be an odd conversation and many might refuse but it could avoid no / subpar service later.

Oh and again, fuck my life.[/QUOTE]If the scab has fallen off and what remains is a red spot or something like that on the surface of your skin, go to the make-up section of a drug store and buy a "Concealer". It is a liquid make-up that usually comes in a lipstick type of container and is applied with a brush attached to the inside of the cap. Buy one that roughly matches the color of your skin in the area of the blemish. Or you might want to go slightly lighter than that if the combination of "red spot" and the color of the Concealer you choose will likely blend to arrive at roughly the same color as the skin in that area.

They are cheap so buy a couple of different shades and experiment at home.

Apply one tiny dab on the spot, tap it with your finger tip to blend it in with the surrounding area and it might completely disappear to anything but a very close and purposeful inspection in a well-lighted room.

This is the make-up the ladies use to make their naturally splotchy and irregular facial skin color look smooth and even. They are sometimes covering / hiding or "Concealing" major blemishes that we have no idea are there until it is all washed off and the lights fully back on.

The stick / bottles are small and skinny enough to keep in your pocket to reapply another dab as needed in the bathroom before a session begins.

It is not water-proof so you might want to wave off the invitation to shower with the lady before the bed games begin. Unless the lighting is very low in that bathroom.

I used to get the occasional ingrown hair above my penis too. That was back when I tried to leave the hair in that area somewhat short and only fully shaved everything below that area, immediately around the base of my dick and all of my scrotum area. But in the past couple of years I have gone ahead and shaved all of that area above my dick, using an electric razor to do it.

Since I have gone fully shaved and smooth above, below and all around I have not experienced any ingrown hairs or small, isolated rash from pokey short hairs anywhere in the area.

However, the kind of hair we grow, curly vs straighter, thick vs thin and so on works against one solution fitting all cases.

Try the Concealer make-up solution and see if that works for you until it heals enough for any remaining red spot to disappear on its own.

[QUOTE=Shikhar10;2996403]Any suggestions for what to do?[/QUOTE]No girl will care about your Band-aid. As long as you pay, are clean, they'll be fine.

They may ask you just by curiosity. Maybe have a text in Thai explaining "In-growth hair". But they won't care.

[QUOTE=Shikhar10;2996403]I have an ingrown pube about an inch above my dick. Of course it had to happen right around when I am flying to Thailand. Fuck my life.

The scab fell off recently. It does not look nice. I was thinking of slapping a waterproof bandaid on it before heading for massages / bars.

Is the bandaid going to scare the chicks? I can already imagine the worried looks on their faces wondering what kind of disease I am carrying.

Any suggestions for what to do?

How about preemptively informing the lady before massage / barfining? It will be an odd conversation and many might refuse but it could avoid no / subpar service later.

Oh and again, fuck my life.[/QUOTE]They're not going to understand what that is though, even if you try to explain it to them, they'll just think you're lying. Just try to get into a situation where you can turn off the lights completely.

[QUOTE=Shikhar10;2996403]Mongering with an ingrown hair[/QUOTE]The conflicting advice has me a little confused but I appreciate it.

Concealers will not work for nuru massage.

I do not like dim lighting during sex and it anyway will not work. The skin is too pink / red there to not be noticed during a blowjob.

Bandaid for massages and concealer for other sessions look like the best options.

Long time ago I posted about getting SIM at 7-11 upon arrival BKK. The package was about 200-350 unlimited 5 G for a month. Hate to say it, but now their packages match the tourists packages offered at the airport stalls. 400 for 8 days was the cheapest at 7-11. They caught up to the game. That's what I get for sharing intel. Market got ruined just the same when guys starting sharing videos of Figueroa girls. So anybody want to share intel on their hot Thai girls that go for cheap? 555.

[QUOTE=ElMexicant;2997319]Long time ago I posted about getting SIM at 7-11 upon arrival BKK. The package was about 200-350 unlimited 5 G for a month. Hate to say it, but now their packages match the tourists packages offered at the airport stalls. 400 for 8 days was the cheapest at 7-11. They caught up to the game. That's what I get for sharing intel. Market got ruined just the same when guys starting sharing videos of Figueroa girls. So anybody want to share intel on their hot Thai girls that go for cheap? 555.[/QUOTE]I always go to Fortune Town and get a month unlimited like 500 last year iirc. But wondering if they do esim too now that I got a new phone.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U71-Ac8RfZg[/URL]

Sure, he doesn't show that he fucks them in the end, it's a lot of implied stuff, but how does he manage to get so many chicks, especially with a camera in their face. And how is it no one notices the camera? Is it cause he's Korean? Thai chicks love them Koreans don't they? Lucky bastards.

And as for the beer girls, do they really go sleep with guys all the time? I thought they were just there to sell beer. How many of you have had luck with the beer girls?

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2998380]And as for the beer girls, do they really go sleep with guys all the time? I thought they were just there to sell beer. How many of you have had luck with the beer girls?[/QUOTE]Beer girls are hit on by just about EVERY guy on EVERY table they serve, they are masters at their craft, which is making you feel like you're the only customer in the world, that you're special and will never say NO to your face. I'd bet you a dollar to a doughnut that the guy had to wait alone at the McDonald, she had to go home because her "Mother, brother, father. " didn't feel well.

As for any "luck", yes, I did a while back. With a heineken girl, they did a party at a conference in a hotel we were staying at, and she was tipsy and tired at the end of the night, ended up in my room. Didn't do anything that night (wasn't really planning to) and let her sleep on the bed, but the next morning, she wanted to "thank me". These girls can be very picky, but sometimes they want to have fun also.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2998380][URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U71-Ac8RfZg[/URL]

Sure, he doesn't show that he fucks them in the end, it's a lot of implied stuff, but how does he manage to get so many chicks, especially with a camera in their face. And how is it no one notices the camera? Is it cause he's Korean? Thai chicks love them Koreans don't they? Lucky bastards.

And as for the beer girls, do they really go sleep with guys all the time? I thought they were just there to sell beer. How many of you have had luck with the beer girls?[/QUOTE]When Japanese and Korean guys are present, the rest of us have problems competing with them too.

[B]Thailands tourism tax to be introduced during upcoming high season[/B]

[I]The tourism tax of 300 baht (S$11.80) a person will come into force for foreign tourists by the end of 2025, Thailands Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said on Feb 27.

He expects the tourism tax scheme to come into effect during Thailands high season later in the year, provided the scheme is endorsed via publication in the Royal Gazette in March.

Details of the scheme are not clear for now, he said, adding that the ministry is working on linking data to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to facilitate tax collection. The TDAC will come into force on May 1.[/I]

[URL]https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/tourism-tax-to-be-introduced-during-upcoming-high-season[/URL]

Mother fucks going to get taxed just for showing up.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2998380]And as for the beer girls, do they really go sleep with guys all the time? I thought they were just there to sell beer. How many of you have had luck with the beer girls?[/QUOTE]I will give you two words that will lead you to success: [B]Bar Fine[/B].

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

T-Mobile and Verizon (maybe AT&T?) now include international roaming and calling AND high speed data in their top tier plans. I was able to use my USA number with no extra charges in Pattaya for texting, data or calls. No hassle with trying to ask the girls what the damn wifi pwd is.

Peace!

[QUOTE=ElMexicant;2997319]Long time ago I posted about getting SIM at 7-11 upon arrival BKK. The package was about 200-350 unlimited 5 G for a month. Hate to say it, but now their packages match the tourists packages offered at the airport stalls. 400 for 8 days was the cheapest at 7-11. They caught up to the game. That's what I get for sharing intel. Market got ruined just the same when guys starting sharing videos of Figueroa girls. So anybody want to share intel on their hot Thai girls that go for cheap? 555.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=GentileBear;2998861]T-Mobile and Verizon (maybe AT&T?) now include international roaming and calling AND high speed data in their top tier plans. I was able to use my USA number with no extra charges in Pattaya for texting, data or calls. No hassle with trying to ask the girls what the damn wifi pwd is.

Peace![/QUOTE]In January I checked with AT&T about such a service and their only suggestion was to add the "International Day Pass", which costs $12 for every 24-hour period that it is used. It makes your AT&T coverage the same worldwide as it is at home. I think it's a max per billing month of $120. For me, it is much cheaper to get a Thai SIM/ESIM at an airport booth while waiting for luggage, no WiFi required.

30 days' initial validity but it can be extended, in time and data, with top-ups; may not even be necessary for short visits. The THB 199 SIM, touted on YouTube two years ago, is now reserved for Thais only. Just go to a 7/11 and ask for True Move SIM, 30-days, 350 Baht. Not all branches may have stock, or they might only have a more-expensively-charged version. Can also try the independent cellular stalls in shopping centres or at supermarket entrances.

7/11 staff have the registration website on their phone and will take pictures of your passport and face to upload. Registered in 2 minutes, good to go, and don't even need to insert the SIM in your phone. By contrast, the Philippines needs the foregoing for registration, plus accommodation and ticket-out uploads. Then you don't hear back from them and have to go into a Globe store in person to confirm. The Smart network is more efficient if you buy a basic SIM for 49 pesos from any outlet.

In Thailand, you will need a mobile phone number (and donate a selfie), for Grab and Bolt rides and delivery services. They work quite well, use little data allowance, and can be paid by cash or card, if you choose to register one. Wait for collection at an establishment clearly visible on the app and the road. Grab has many more vehicular options at various prices. The unmarked cars arrive in just a few minutes. Mentally note the 4-digit, Roman-numeral plate number.

I sold some gold for the first time ever. It is a easy process. I took my gold to my favorite gold store. They examined it. They weighed it. They calculated the amount I should be paid and they paid me in CASH. THB mother fucks.

[QUOTE=Allover;2989799]please use this forum's excellent search option for gold discussion by T. Conor (the forum expert on gold) and Oakie.[/QUOTE]Please do, but let me save you some time with a quick summery:

TC said I was going to lose my shirt. Only thing that was lost was his face. Oakie said by low sell high. This is more like the constant [B]male bovine excrement[/B] that he spews thinking he can give advice to [B]International Tricks[/B] while being a one country [B]SexPat[/B] that has never visited Thailand. Nothing wrong with the advice per se. But I do make a point not to take financial advice from [B]International Tricks[/B]. Even TC can admit that he called my Thai Gold purchase wrong at the time. Or is he actually man enough to do so. [B]ROTFLMAO[/B].

[B]How did that trade go?[/B]

[U]Lets do some trader math[/U]

I bought at 32700/ baht.

I sold at 52650/ baht.

52650 - 32700 = 19,950/ baht increase.

[U]That is a [b]61.01%[/b] increase![/U]

No applause or apologies necessary. I will provide assistance to anyone who needs help finding face. [B]ROTFLMAO[/B].

[QUOTE][b]I don't know what you heard about me; But a ***** can get a 1 BAHT of gold out of me; No Cadillac, no perms, you clearly see; That I'm a motherfuckin' S-I-M-P![/b][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=GentileBear;2998861]T-Mobile and Verizon (maybe AT&T?) now include international roaming and calling AND high speed data in their top tier plans. I was able to use my USA number with no extra charges in Pattaya for texting, data or calls. No hassle with trying to ask the girls what the damn wifi pwd is.

Peace![/QUOTE]My T-Mobile plan is shit, so no international roaming for me, but I solve it with a local SIM card. Why not just get a local SIM card? And while you're at it, a smart phone bought locally too. It ain't that pricey. Less than a hundred bucks US. That way, you've completely detached your actual phone with your Thailand hobbying phone.

Anonymity folks! Remember, true peace comes when no one knows who you are.

[QUOTE=NewtonYork;2999561]My T-Mobile plan is shit, so no international roaming for me, but I solve it with a local SIM card. Why not just get a local SIM card? And while you're at it, a smart phone bought locally too. It ain't that pricey. Less than a hundred bucks US. That way, you've completely detached your actual phone with your Thailand hobbying phone.

Anonymity folks! Remember, true peace comes when no one knows who you are.[/QUOTE]I don't understand your obsession with anonymity. Purchase of a Thai SIM card requires passport, so anonymity is lost there. Same deal when you buy a BTS or MRT card. Have you ever checked into a Thailand hotel or flight without showing your passport?

I do recommend you don't give any direct personal information to P4P girls, such as WhatsApp number.

Meeting ISG posters can be fun, I've met about 7 people and don't regret a single meeting.

Just when I thought that I've seen it all, I was browsing YouTube and up popped a video taken at some kind of Chinese dance hall or "dime-a-dance" venue. Turned out that there are dozens and dozens of these videos that look like they are captured on a "spy cam".

In a weird kind of way, it reminded me of a Chinese Thermae. Ha ha ha The gals (90% who look "acceptable") are decked out in party dresses with their hair and make up all done nicely. Their Chinese "tricks" are famously dressed in cargo pants and t-shirts. (Apparently never having looked at Gentleman's Quarterly. LOL).

Anyway, dry humping is the main purpose of these joints (and they seem to be around a lot of cities in China). Too, some mutual ass-grabbing and some tit fondling seems to be on the menu of acceptable behavior. Looks like there is some low key "security" monitoring the "dances" to make sure whatever rules are in place are followed.

Given that the Chinese constitute the largest single source of tourists, I was wondering if anybody has seen or heard of such a dance hall in Thailand. If not, maybe there would be a market for one. Target customers would be those trolling Sukhumvit or Beach road. For the price of a barfine, could probably dry hump your way to a happy ending. Ha ha ha.

You can check out the YouTube videos here (or just query "Chinese dance halls" or "Chinese dance clubs".

Chongqing Sha Dance Hall is the last place of tenderness for the lower classes in China 8-17.

August 10,2024, Chengdu dance club, men like to go.

Chongqing 2025, a group of carefree people in the dance hall, let's dance together.

Sam.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTmswZk0als[/URL]

Freedom, freedom from decades of hell.

Get busy livin or get busy dying. That's gawdamn right.

This is a composite report from a 6+ week February-March Thailand trip, it includes experiences from north to south, big cities and small resort towns. I looked at my old travel records and realize that I've now spent cumulative 13 months in Thailand over the last several years. I'm not a newbie, but I don't have massive experience like some do. Sometimes I feel that it isn't 13 months of experience, but rather 1 month of experience repeated 13 times. I like it that way.

I'm an old guy, tall, fat, and I don't speak Thai; I am unappealing to the typical Thai hottie. I consistently used condoms until age 68, but condoms are no longer possible for me. I pre-negotiate BBFSCIP and sometimes showers, 69, and DFK. Put those things together and I'm at a big disadvantage. What I do have is a willingness to part with the world's greatest aphrodisiac, I do what I have to do. Perhaps this is why I'm a broke ass farang.

Nearly all my experiences involved BBFSCIP. Simulated sex (condom) no longer works for me. I've had a vasectomy and do extensive STD testing before travel (all negative), had one mid-trip bacteria STD analysis (all negative), and had extensive post travel STD testing (all negative). My only safety procedures are pre-sex cleaning, immediate post-sex cleaning, and lots of caffeine to maximize urination. I take daily doxy for reasons unrelated to sex, that may or may not help me avoid bacterial STDs. I had one nasty encounter with STDs in 2006, but have been clean since then. Perhaps I've lived a charmed life.

This report is a sampling of my experiences, nothing is earth shaking.

[U]ThaiFriendly[/U]

I prefer meeting girls in person, but sometimes I can't find what I want or I get lazy and just call someone from TF. This trip I had some success and some failure with TF. (a) Found a hottie on TF and even did a successful 2-minute video confirmation call. A short time later, a different (ordinary) girl showed up at my hotel, this is the first time I've ever had a bait-and-switch after a video call. I sent her away without any money. (b) About 2 days later I was having a soft moment and I arranged a 20-year-old girl with great online pictures to join me at my hotel. I didn't even do my standard video call. Upon arrival she was much prettier than her online pictures, but flakey. She was a below average performer in the room, but I still enjoyed it because of her beautiful face, body, skin, and hair. That was about 6 weeks ago and I regret not repeating. (c) About a year ago I met a freelancer while she was working in a tourist-oriented clothing shop. She was an okay performer in bed, but too thin to warrant a repeat last year. This year I found her on TF and pictures showed she had gained some needed weight. When she appeared at my hotel, I was shocked to see that she had gained a lot of weight, perhaps 10-12 kg heavier now than a year ago. Too thin in 2024 and too chubby in 2025. During normal conversation she told me she had stopped working at the clothing shop where we originally met and now works at a doughnut shop. Hmmmmm, weight gain, doughnut shop, could those things be related?

When I search ThaiFriendly, I only look at girls that have been online within the last few minutes, those are the ones who are actively working. For those of you who want to plan P4P encounters days (or weeks) in advance, I encourage you to schedule your dates just an hour or two before you want her to walk through your door. Here is some redacted text from the chubby TF profile: "My what app +* waiting 1 hour for can send messges and please not say to me tomorrow. " That seems to say "don't text me today for a date tomorrow."

[U]Top Massage Experiences.[/U]

My most repeated massage girl was a beautiful spinner with fantastic everything. Because of my special requirements, she charged a premium price of 3500 baht; I didn't care about money, to my eye she is a hottie and good performer. On about our 4th session, she told me she was fertile for the next few days and I could not CIP. WTF? 3 CIPs and now it isn't allowed? I explained my vasectomy and being sterile; she didn't care. She admitted to using the rhythm method for birth control. She claims (and looks) 25-years-old and clearly never had a baby, that alone is remarkable in the erotic massage business. Being the gentleman that I am, I pulled out at the last instant just to keep on good terms. That is much less satisfying than CIP. Normally for me, pulling out stops everything and results in my failure. Since no CIP during 4th session, there was no 5th session. Plus, 4 sessions with one girl are a lot for me.

One afternoon I my plans involved Butterfly massage on Soi 24 in Bangkok. I picked Butterfly due to their history of BBFSCIP for an extra 2000 baht. When I arrived, there were zero girls in front of Butterfly, but next door was Full Moon, which had about 10 girls out front, including 3 or 4 doable girls. I asked mamasan if "no condom" was allowed and she asked the group something in Thai; three girls raised their hands and I opted for the best looking one, who was also the most enthusiastic. I paid the 2300-baht door fee and later, upon stripping down, I gave the girl the 2000-baht tip for BBFS. She provided the best experience of my trip. Sensual showers, DFK, 69, several positions, all with lots of passion. Being old as dirt and having had sex about 14 hours prior, I struggled to finish. For her, failure was not an option. Finally, success! I was very happy and gave an extra 1000-baht tip, to which she replied "that is too much." This was my last session of an extended trip; she was fantastic under difficult situation and I was happy to tip the extra 1000.

One Bangkok morning I decided to get a massage with no extras, but I changed my mind and got full service. When finished, I opened my wallet and only had about 600 baht, not enough to pay the lady. I simply told her the problem and asked if she would like to accompany me to the nearest ATM, which she did. Both the massage and the FS were unimpressive, but her attitude with my missing cash made this a positive experience.

[U]Chiang Mai Massage Shops[/U]

I'm normally drawn to agogo type businesses, but I never found that in Chiang Mai. Only one street freelancer crossed my path over about 10 days. East of the moat are 3 streets that are overrun with erotic massage shops: Sridonchai, Loi Kroh, and Kampangdin. There are likely others, but those are the ones that I discovered. On Sridonchai and Loi Kroh I've only encountered HJ places. But anything goes on Kampangdin between Sridonchai and Tha Phae. One experience on Kampangdin was planned for a foot massage, but before long we were both naked and she was climbing on top without a single word being uttered. No discussions of money, what I want, or condom. After that I found some others on Kampangdin that offered everything, though I never asked about anal (it's not my thing).

[U]Seeing Humor of Thailands 3rd Gender[/U]

One evening I was wandering Sukhumvit Soi 4 with another punter and we watched 2 ladyboys walking into a short time hotel with 2 Asian men, perhaps Korean or Japanese. About 10 minutes later we were retracing our steps when the same 2 ladyboys walked briskly out of the short time hotel without their men. We could only think that 10 minutes was just about right for them to rent the short time rooms, get naked, discover they weren't natural women, and give the demanded payment. It was humorous at the moment, but I hope that never happens to me. Beware!

[U]Nana Plaza[/U]

While alone in Bangkok I go to Nana Plaza almost every night. I've made a few passes through Soi Cowboy, but haven't been impressed since about 2017. Most nights I do short time with one Nana Plaza agogo girl or another. Bar fines are typically 1000 baht and girl fees are normally 3000 baht. Other recent posters have said prices have increased, but I didn't experience it. Most times I'm with an ordinary agogo girl, but one young, beautiful Butterflies hostess drew my interest so I asked about her availability and price; her price was 4900 baht! I'm not sure if that was just her fee or if it included bar fine, she was a true beauty. I never got to the point of asking if she would satisfy my special requirements.

I was sometimes impressed with the soapy stage girls in Geisha, under ideal circumstances they make a lot of money. One busy night I watched 4 men sit at the tub almost continuously handing 20 or 50 baht notes to the 3 girls dancing. When one man ran out of tips, he would leave and quickly be replaced by another man with a fistful of baht. A couple nights later the business was slow while I watched another man sit with a big stack of 100-baht notes, handing the girls one tip after another. Perhaps tipping 100 baht every 30 seconds; I don't know how long he stayed there, but that comes to 12,000 baht per hour! Too rich for my blood. I don't know what joy that man got from handing out that many tips, it's not my thing.

More than half the agogo bars in Nana Plaza have at least a couple of hotties. Pick whichever bar you fancy. I tend to favor one particular bar because I have years of tipping mamasan and she understands my personal requirements and the type of girl that I like. She gives girls instructions to treat me well because I'm a good customer; I've only once been dissatisfied with one of her girls and my negative report to mamasan resulted in an apology from the girl (no refund). I'm not much of a drinker so usually I'll order Coke, juice, or water. The girls often drink their horrible Thai whiskey, not normally a problem for me, though one girl had breath bad enough to knock me over. Next! Sometimes I will meet mamasan outside the bar and arrange a bar fine without ever buying a drink for myself or the girl. A year ago, I had 2 Nana Plaza mamasans who understood me, but one disappeared and I no longer have a backup. I dread the thought of losing my only remaining mamasan. No individual girl or bar is treasured while a good and supportive mamasan is most valued.

When I buy agogo lady drinks, I only buy her only 1 drink. That is enough for me to decide if I want a bar fine. The bars that have 2+ lady drinks minimums get 0 lady drinks from me. I have no interest in getting drunk in a noisy bar with semi-literate Thai girls. Often, I'll ask my bar fine if she wants anything from 7-11 before we get to the room, sometimes they want something like coconut milk, juice, or yogurt, but only once in my 13 months of experience has a girl asked for alcohol.

Normally I change agogo girls nightly, though this last trip I did have one Nana Plaza girl about 4 times. I think of an agogo bar like I think of a hardware store: I find what I want, make the purchase, and get out. Minimum time in the noisy bar. Total cost is typically about 5500-6000 baht including drinks, tips, bar fine, tuk tuk, tip at my hotel reception, and her fee. Paying a little extra today means tomorrow I'll get more positive attention from mamasan and the girls in that bar. I prefer going to my hotel, though occasionally there are reasons to use a short time room near Nana Plaza.

[U]Street Freelancers[/U]

It's getting more difficult to find street freelancers offering BBFS than it was just a couple years ago, though there are still enough. BBFSCIP does not seem to be much of a problem on TF.

I always pre-negotiate room activities while still on the street. Had one girl quote 2000 baht and then I asked about BBFSCIP, she said no problem. Then I asked about shower together, no problem. Then I asked about 69 and kissing, no problem. Then I said "let's go" and her reply was "what will you give me?" I said 2000 baht, to which she refused. Apparently, those additional "no problem" services were problems. It felt like Tijuana where the street girls charge extra for full nudity and extra for multiple positions. If the girls try to nickel and dime me to death, I'll have a shitty time and I won't finish.

Had one night where I just couldn't find what I wanted so I settled for a "below doable" girl for 1000 baht plus 350 baht for a short time room. She was nice enough in the room, but she constantly complained that I'm too big and that "it hurts". After a short time, I just stopped. Didn't finish. Silently showered, dressed, and walked out. That was 1350 baht wasted. I'm probably not the only punter who has wasted money like that.

There are often 1 or 2 cute deaf girls at the Nana Hotel parking lot sign. This trip one of them struck my fancy and she showed me her translator: "1500 baht, 1 hour, condom". I typed "No condom" and she typed "4000 baht". I walked away but regretted it. The next night she asked for 5000 baht, and I walked away. An hour later I came by and she held up 4 fingers. I held up 3 fingers. Eventually we agreed to 3500 baht for everything on my wish list. She was not a great performer, but her face and hair were beautiful (skin and body were not as great as they appeared on the street). Over the years I've been with about 5 deaf girls; 1 was terrible, 3 were average, and 1 was excellent. It's a crap shoot with these girls and you can't really interview them.

[U]Repeats and Line[/U]

I often like repeats, but giving a girl your Line information gets you set up for future money requests when you are on the other side of planet Earth. Too many bull shit reasons like sick buffalo, motorcycle injury, and (get this) an earthquake! I've learned to say "no" when she texts or calls for money. In cases where the girl is either exceptionally beautiful or a wonderful performer, I sometimes send a little money because I want a repeat in the future. I never give out my WhatsApp information because that links directly to my regular cell phone number, which easily links to my full identity.

[U]Bangkok Blow Job Bars[/U]

While in Bangkok I tried Lolita's and Kasalong a couple times, but I failed to finish. There really weren't any hot girls at either place (nor on Soi 7/1), but I wanted to try. Last fall there were some hotties at 7-Heaven, but this trip I was too lazy to walk there and too cheap for a tuk tuk. A decade ago I could cum like a faucet with a BJ. That is no longer the case, now I need BBFS. Getting old sucks.

[U]Bangkok Sukhumvit Soi 7 Bars[/U]

Only about one or two years ago there were a few good options in this cluster of tiny bars, but now it is overloaded with older, unattractive women. I asked two doable girls about potential bar fines and both declined. One very young hottie was quite forward with me and I asked if she was too young to drink alcohol, she responded "buy me a drink." I then asked if she did bar fines and she laughed, turned, and walked away. I got my answer.

[U]Ages[/U]

I'm old as dirt, so even 50 is young compared to me. This trip I had sessions with girls as old as about 55 (unexpected foot massage turned into BBFSCIP) and as young as 18 (verified by her Lao passport). My worst 3 sessions were with girls who were 18,19, and 20; they simply didn't know what to do to arouse a man (or perhaps I was just too disgusting). My best sessions were with girls 22,25, and 26; they still have good looks but they have learned good technique. At this point, I'd prefer a 35-year-old to an 18-year-old. For me, ideal professional age is middle 20's. A couple years ago I preferred middle 30's.

[U]How to Dress[/U]

Various people have posted the importance of dressing well. I did a little experiment regarding how the girls react when I wear different clothes. I'm old and too heavy, I couldn't experiment changing that. My clothes are always clean and ironed, most days I wear the disrespected cargo shorts. I'm always clean and shaven (up top and down below). My experiment involved wearing button down shirt plus running shoes versus simple T-shirt and sandals. As best I can tell, it didn't matter how I dress. The girls are far more interested in the bulge in my pants (wallet) than what those pants look like.

[U]Boner Pill Side Effects[/U]

I am someone who gets nasty congestion, headaches, and fatigue from boner pills. A couple squirts of oxymetazoline (Afrin) plus some ibuprofen helps reduce, but doesn't eliminate, the agony. The side effects get less with daily use after a week or two. This trip I used sildenafil and prior trips I've used tadalafil and/or vardenafil; regardless of medication, the reducing side effects with time is consistent.

I've also used avanafil (Stendra) from time to time, which for me has near zero nasty side effects and is very fast acting (perhaps 20 to 30 minutes from zero power to full power). The problems with avanafil are price ($65 US per pill last time I bought it) and that it only lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The USA patent on Stendra expired on April 27 and USA generic prices have already reduced to about half; still expensive. If sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil are not to your liking, avanafil might be your answer.

[U]Finances[/U]

I paid for my airlines and hotels using credit cards. Everything else was paid in cash from ATMs. Cash expenses included food, drinks, tips, real massage, taxis, girls, and a few other assorted expenses. My total cash spent averaged 6300 baht per day, the vast majority going to girls (bars, TF, erotic massage, etc.). Again, this is partially why I'm a broke ass farang.

[U]Overview Same Same[/U]

Many people complain that Thailand isn't what it was some years ago. I've only been coming for about a decade, but I don't really see a major change over that time. To my eye and nose, the biggest difference is the mass quantity of cannabis shops and the near constant smell in some areas. Girls look and perform about the same as a decade ago. Prices may have gone up similar to inflation, but not an outrageous increase.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000272]Found a hottie on TF and even did a successful 2-minute video confirmation call. A short time later, a different (ordinary) girl showed up at my hotel, this is the first time I've ever had a bait-and-switch after a video call..[/QUOTE]LOL. What the hell is this world coming to? Know you want this girl. Even lets you talk to the girl you want. Then sends a girl you do not want like you will either not notice or not care. These mfs are crazy!

Thanks for those reports, HorseTrader!

They were fun and easy reads, providing good info and insights for many punters of any age, imo.

I think I remember seeing the especially cute deaf girl you mentioned stationed in front of Nana Hotel around the time you cited as being in Thailand. She was new to the group, if I am thinking of the same one. I wondered about her myself but did not have the opportunity to partake. She hasn't been around for the past couple of weeks. At least not in that location.

Again, good series of reports!

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000272]

My most repeated massage girl was a beautiful spinner with fantastic everything. Because of my special requirements, she charged a premium price of 3500 baht; I didn't care about money, to my eye she is a hottie and good performer. On about our 4th session, she told me she was fertile for the next few days and I could not CIP. WTF? 3 CIPs and now it isn't allowed? I explained my vasectomy and being sterile; she didn't care. She admitted to using the rhythm method for birth control.[/QUOTE]Excellent reports, all of them. Much that can be learned from them, including not being an idiot about giving some obvious scammer money for taxi to fuck off as so many others here seem to do.

I've had the same thing happen about CIP, but who can blame a girl for not being 100% I'm not some lying creep just pretending I had a vasectomy? I would not hold it against her at all, and if she's ok with the calendar method, I'd just bang her the next time her calendar said it was "ok" instead.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3000322]Thanks for those reports, HorseTrader!

They were fun and easy reads, providing good info and insights for many punters of any age, imo.

I think I remember seeing the especially cute deaf girl you mentioned stationed in front of Nana Hotel around the time you cited as being in Thailand. She was new to the group, if I am thinking of the same one. I wondered about her myself but did not have the opportunity to partake. She hasn't been around for the past couple of weeks. At least not in that location.

Again, good series of reports![/QUOTE]I join in those thanks.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3000285] Know you want this girl. Even lets you talk to the girl you want. Then sends a girl you do not want like you will either not notice or not care. [/QUOTE]The key line from Horse Trader's message that you chopped off from your quote of his message was, "I sent her away without any money. "

I hope that guys will take note that this is the correct step to take in cases like this.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000273][U]Chiang Mai Massage Shops[/U]
I'm normally drawn to agogo type businesses, but I never found that in Chiang Mai. Only one street freelancer crossed my path over about 10 days. East of the moat are 3 streets that are overrun with erotic massage shops: Sridonchai, Loi Kroh, and Kampangdin. There are likely others, but those are the ones that I discovered. On Sridonchai and Loi Kroh I've only encountered HJ places. But anything goes on Kampangdin between Sridonchai and Tha Phae. One experience on Kampangdin was planned for a foot massage, but before long we were both naked and she was climbing on top without a single word being uttered. No discussions of money, what I want, or condom. After that I found some others on Kampangdin that offered everything, though I never asked about anal (it's not my thing).
[/QUOTE]This reflects my experience in Chiang Mai. Most of the shops on Loi Kroh and Sridonchai do a lot of teasing and are HJ only. There are a few where I've had FS, including BBFS, but that is not common.

Kamphaengdin is good for everything. I'm intrigued (but not completely surprised) at the foot massage that turned into FS. Do you remember at what shop that took place?

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;3000387]Kamphaengdin is good for everything. I'm intrigued (but not completely surprised) at the foot massage that turned into FS. Do you remember at what shop that took place?[/QUOTE]The shop was on Kamphaengdin. When walking from Tha Phae toward Loi Khro, it will be the first shop on the left. When you enter that shop, the foot massage chair is straight ahead (I started there), the floor is lower off to the right, and curtained massage tables are to the back left (I finished there).

I checked out [B]EM Motors[/B] show room. But their units simply did not compare to [U]AJEV[/U] units that I look at when it came to the features I was seeking in a EV two wheel transportation. Prices are competitive to ICE units. But for my money I went with [U]AJEV[/U].

[URL]https://www.aj-ev.com/[/URL]

Just bought a unit from the above company. My unit has two removable batteries. Each one will provide a [I]reported[/I] 75 KM range. Engine is 2000 K. Unit will run on one battery. Cost 30,000 THB less than comparable ICE units of the same size.

[U]Full Size Electric Motorcycle[/U]

I cannot justify the removable battery units due to the price compared to ICE equipped unit. The plug in types are not practical to me as I live in a multi-story residential building. So, I will buy a ICE for [I]fun over the road travel[/I]. I took up motorcycling very late in life. I wish it was something I had done early in my life. My one recommendation is that new riders seek out professional training. I just finished up mine with a half day on the track. Where I was able to push myself and develop the confidence of my ability to control my machine. I was doing the lean like the Moto GP racers be doing (just a lower speeds). It is powerful to learn a new skill. Now I am setting out to master it. Many friends told me I was crazy, they wouldn't do it, to be careful. I refuse to live my life in fear. I am enjoying it to the max. I thank Thailand for that. As life is more than just flying around the world in order to pay for pussy.

I would live in Thailand even if there was not all this pussy available to me. I have zero problems finding girls I consider young and attractive off of [U]Thai Friendly[/U]!

[B]Your time; Your money; Your dick; Your call![/B]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2999533]Those are the biggest hurdles for me to consider before buying a full size electric motorcycle.

Right now I drive an electric bicycle around Bangkok and love it so much I will never buy a gas-powered vehicle again. Not for around here. I can go and drive anywhere a full size motorcycle can go but with the added freedom of more easily taking the sidewalk or at least easily riding up onto the sidewalk in short enough distances to maneuver around a traffic jam stalemate, park right on the sidewalk conveniently at the entrance of my destination because that is where the bicycle racks are, no license is required, no registration, no insurance, no helmet required by law.

The downsides are the top speed for this bicycle version is 35 kph, which also keeps it a much safer ride and, frankly, fast enough in a high traffic area like Bangkok, and I can only ride about 30 km before I need to recharge the battery, which is best done overnight as you suggest. Takes about 5 hours from zero to full. Costs about 2 baht in electricity.

However, the recharging infrastructure is, as you also suggest, the big issue that must be addressed.

In my case, the bike has a portable and removable battery that I pop out and carry by the built-in handle to the lift up to my 18th floor apartment and plug it into an ordinary electrical outlet via a small charging unit similar to the kind we use on laptop computers..[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3000322]I think I remember seeing the especially cute deaf girl you mentioned stationed in front of Nana Hotel around the time you cited as being in Thailand. She was new to the group, if I am thinking of the same one. I wondered about her myself but did not have the opportunity to partake. She hasn't been around for the past couple of weeks. At least not in that location.[/QUOTE]My encounter with the pretty, deaf girl was somewhere between about March 20-24. Perhaps the same one you noticed. I didn't notice her there a month prior.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3000334]Excellent reports, all of them. Much that can be learned from them, including not being an idiot about giving some obvious scammer money for taxi to fuck off as so many others here seem to do.[/QUOTE]The reason I could send the scammer away without payment was because I insist on meeting girls either in the hotel lobby or the parking lot. I never give room number until we are at the room. It's easy to ghost them on ThaiFriendly and Line.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000421]The reason I could send the scammer away without payment was because I insist on meeting girls either in the hotel lobby or the parking lot. I never give room number until we are at the room. It's easy to ghost them on ThaiFriendly and Line.[/QUOTE]Been posted up in Pattaya for nearly two years. The Cmdr had a bait and switch one time. Girl was prettier than her pictures. She performed well. She left with money. I wrote it up back when the [U]Pattaya Reports[/U] thread contained reports.

But those out there who cannot afford the 100 THB for taxi fare to send a girl away, I am sure the inconvenience of going out in to the damn lobby of your hotel is worth it.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

So much for the market being down leading to individuals [I]flying[/I] because they can not pay their bar tabs, bar fines or short term fees. [B]ROTFLMAO[/B]!

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;2994650]Not even our SubCmdr is talking about his stock market winnings lately.[/QUOTE]I recently took profits on GE and MSTR in April 2025. I used the profits to buy one of these:

[URL]https://www.aj-ev.com/[/URL]

[B]I get paid, nearly every trade, in short, I got it made![/B]

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000421]The reason I could send the scammer away without payment was because I insist on meeting girls either in the hotel lobby or the parking lot. I never give room number until we are at the room. It's easy to ghost them on ThaiFriendly and Line.[/QUOTE]I do the same for the exact same reasons.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3000430]So much for the market being down leading to individuals [I]flying[/I] because they can not pay their bar tabs, bar fines or short term fees. [B]ROTFLMAO[/B]!

I recently took profits on GE and MSTR in April 2025. I used the profits to buy one of these:

[URL]https://www.aj-ev.com/[/URL]

[B]I get paid, nearly every trade, in short, I got it made![/B][/QUOTE]If Trump backs down on the tariffs, no reason why the market can't go higher.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3000492]If Trump backs down on the tariffs, no reason why the market can't go higher.[/QUOTE]Well, except for the fact that Trump has proven to be so mercurial, erratic and likely to up-end and reverse by 4 pm whatever he proposed and sat for a photo op to assert at 12 Noon, nether the markets nor any serious business enterprise can plan or operate with any hope of certainty beyond an hour or two.

I suspect as long as Trump is within a mile of a phone, microphone or camera as president, the stock market will only trade within a range between 10%-20% below the S&P 500 Index's all time closing high, not likely to close at many more all time closing highs for a while. If we're lucky.

Or did you mean there will be no reason the market won't go significantly higher soon after Trump leaves office, presumably but only presumably, at 12 Noon on January 20,2029?

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000405]The shop was on Kamphaengdin. When walking from Tha Phae toward Loi Khro, it will be the first shop on the left. When you enter that shop, the foot massage chair is straight ahead (I started there), the floor is lower off to the right, and curtained massage tables are to the back left (I finished there).[/QUOTE]I know the shop, it is Mintra Massage, usually very pretty ladies sitting outside. The next shop is Sunrise Massage, then Thara Song Massage. Just a little further down is Healthy Massage.

I almost never make it to Mintra, since I typically come the other direction. A lady named Fon is at Healthy Massage in the morning and very early afternoon. Fon loves, loves "boom boom" and does not like condoms. I loved to see Fon after a workout at the gym. Then there is Faa at Thara Song typically starting in January, and typically afternoon and evening only. Faa has large man-mades that are so well done they seem natural. I've known Faa for about 5 or 6 years. Always an excellent time. Faa is a little older, probably over 40, but a really sensuous provider. Then there is Cindy at Sunrise, also older, and also very sensuous. I met Cindy this last winter and repeated many times. So I never experienced Mintra, but I will when I return to Chiang Mai this coming November.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;3000665]I know the shop, it is Mintra Massage, usually very pretty ladies sitting outside. The next shop is Sunrise Massage, then Thara Song Massage. Just a little further down is Healthy Massage.

I almost never make it to Mintra, since I typically come the other direction. A lady named Fon is at Healthy Massage in the morning and very early afternoon. Fon loves, loves "boom boom" and does not like condoms. I loved to see Fon after a workout at the gym. Then there is Faa at Thara Song typically starting in January, and typically afternoon and evening only. Faa has large man-mades that are so well done they seem natural. I've known Faa for about 5 or 6 years. Always an excellent time. Faa is a little older, probably over 40, but a really sensuous provider. Then there is Cindy at Sunrise, also older, and also very sensuous. I met Cindy this last winter and repeated many times. So I never experienced Mintra, but I will when I return to Chiang Mai this coming November.[/QUOTE]Just for kicks, I looked at Google Maps street view and you are correct, the shop described is Mintra Massage. I don't remember my lady's name, but she was a very well preserved lady of about 55 years.

I don't know how you remember the names of these small shops and the ladies that you see. I often don't even see the shop name, I just look at the ladies outside and remember how the shop looks for my return. Sometimes the ladies tell me their names, but I forget 5 seconds later. In March I repeated with one pretty lady for 4 sessions, but I have no idea the name of her shop. For unknown reason, I remember the shop names on Soi 24, Sukhumvit, Bangkok. I spend a lot of time in Samui and get massages almost every day (some erotic, some standard), but I don't know the name of any of those shops. Same for lower Sukhumvit in Bangkok.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3000703]Just for kicks, I looked at Google Maps street view and you are correct, the shop described is Mintra Massage. I don't remember my lady's name, but she was a very well preserved lady of about 55 years.
I don't know how you remember the names of these small shops and the ladies that you see. I often don't even see the shop name, I just look at the ladies outside and remember how the shop looks for my return. Sometimes the ladies tell me their names, but I forget 5 seconds later. In March I repeated with one pretty lady for 4 sessions, but I have no idea the name of her shop. For unknown reason, I remember the shop names on Soi 24, Sukhumvit, Bangkok. I spend a lot of time in Samui and get massages almost every day (some erotic, some standard), but I don't know the name of any of those shops. Same for lower Sukhumvit in Bangkok.[/QUOTE]I remember the lady's names and the shop names because I have been visiting Chiang Mai every winter for 12 years (except 1 due to pandemic) and I spend from 30 to 80 days there. Have had many good times on Kamphaengdin, but also elsewhere, including Loi Kroh. I'll look for the older lady in Mintra when I return. Being older, I prefer the older ladies, and often they are a very nice surprise. Will discuss in the Chiang Mai thread when I return in November (after a couple of days in BKK).

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

[QUOTE=SamSanuk;2999715]Just when I thought that I've seen it all, I was browsing YouTube and up popped a video taken at some kind of Chinese dance hall or "dime-a-dance" venue. Turned out that there are dozens and dozens of these videos that look like they are captured on a "spy cam".

In a weird kind of way, it reminded me of a Chinese Thermae. Ha ha ha The gals (90% who look "acceptable") are decked out in party dresses with their hair and make up all done nicely. Their Chinese "tricks" are famously dressed in cargo pants and t-shirts. (Apparently never having looked at Gentleman's Quarterly. LOL).

Anyway, dry humping is the main purpose of these joints (and they seem to be around a lot of cities in China). Too, some mutual ass-grabbing and some tit fondling seems to be on the menu of acceptable behavior. Looks like there is some low key "security" monitoring the "dances" to make sure whatever rules are in place are followed.

Given that the Chinese constitute the largest single source of tourists, I was wondering if anybody has seen or heard of such a dance hall in Thailand. If not, maybe there would be a market for one. Target customers would be those trolling Sukhumvit or Beach road. For the price of a barfine, could probably dry hump your way to a happy ending. Ha ha ha.

You can check out the YouTube videos here (or just query "Chinese dance halls" or "Chinese dance clubs".

Chongqing Sha Dance Hall is the last place of tenderness for the lower classes in China 8-17.

August 10,2024, Chengdu dance club, men like to go.

Chongqing 2025, a group of carefree people in the dance hall, let's dance together.

Sam.[/QUOTE]Ugh. Looks a bit like a very sleazy version of something I once saw at a fair in some Thai province 20 years ago. After the muay thai bouts had finished, some army guys politely guided me towards a big stage that had a lot of young girls in pretty dresses and nice hairdos. You could buy a ticket of some sort, enter the stage, and then I think give your ticket to your chosen girl and dance with her for a bit while thai music was played. They let me enter for free due to the muay thai bout, and then encouraged me to choose a girl to dance with, but I was too shy to bust out my, do not doubt, spectacular, farang dance moves as the only farang on that stage in front of such a big audience.

Lots of older men dancing with young girls, though unlike the chinese videos it all seemed to be rather respectful and devoid of any groping, perhaps partly due to army handling the security.

A 19-year-old woman arrested for producing and selling sex videos on social media tells police she earned between 70,000 and 90,000 baht a month from subscription fees.

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/3021496/woman-19-arrested-for-selling-sex-videos-on-x[/URL]

[B]Who out there still believes prostitution is legal in Thailand? [/B]

[B]Russian sex Worker suspect arrested on Koh Phangan[/B]

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3021645/russian-sex-worker-suspect-arrested-on-koh-phangan[/URL]

[B]Say it ain't so[/B]

[QUOTE][b]Pattaya police arrest 13 foreign prostitutes[/b]

Thirteen foreign nationals have been arrested in this beach town for [u]prostitution[/u] and immigration offences.[/QUOTE][URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3021852/pattaya-police-arrest-13-foreign-prostitutes.[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3003000][URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3021852/pattaya-police-arrest-13-foreign-prostitutes.[/URL][/QUOTE]Russians advertizing sex for sale? Foreign nationals with suspected visa offences busted by immigration officers?

Bangkok Post and other lazy media can simplify it all they want or rather all they need to do in order to please the Thai Tourism Image Protectors by saying somebody was arrested "for prostitution", but where are the reports of ordinary Thai people or even Russians who are not shamefully and openly advertising sex for sale and Foreign Nationals who are not suspected of having visa problems being busted "for prostitution"?

And are any of these Russian Advertisers' and Foreign Nationals' / Uzbek and Ugandan women with probable visa offences customers busted for anything?

Oh, that's right. The customers, of whatever nationality and whatever visa status, were not the ones shamefully and openly advertising sex for money or flagging down hookers and "observably" offering money for sex in public.

[QUOTE]A combined team of tourist police, immigration officers and local officials launched a crackdown on [b]foreign nationals[/b] involved in selling sex and other activities that [b]damaged the tourism image of Pattaya. [/b]The operation took place on Thursday night.

Undercover officers [b]observed the behaviour of the women and the way they were interacting with tourists, which indicated they were selling sexual services[/b], police said.[/QUOTE]To answer your question, the parts highlighted by me are, IMO, the reason anyone was busted. Not "for prostitution."

There should be a dedicated thread for this argument, so you guys can make the same points over and over.

Regardless of the law, a prostitute is subject to arrest at the discretion of the police.

Last week, a massage shop on Soi Honey was raided by the police, and the manager taken down to the station, as they found one naked Farang being massaged in the shop.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3003121]There should be a dedicated thread for this argument, so you guys can make the same points over and over.

Regardless of the law, a prostitute is subject to arrest at the discretion of the police.

Last week, a massage shop on Soi Honey was raided by the police, and the manager taken down to the station, as they found one naked Farang being massaged in the shop.[/QUOTE]So the manager of a shop profiting from the proceeds of prostitution was arrested but not the naked customer or the massage girl performing a presumed P4P service?

Yep, that would be in line with what is and is not cited as being illegal in the Thai Penal Code.

Again.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3003121]There should be a dedicated thread for this argument, so you guys can make the same points over and over.

Regardless of the law, a prostitute is subject to arrest at the discretion of the police.

Last week, a massage shop on Soi Honey was raided by the police, and the manager taken down to the station, as they found one naked Farang being massaged in the shop.[/QUOTE]Out of nowhere you bring up a 6 month old post about the legality of prostitution, then complain people are talking about the legality of prostitution.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3003268]So the manager of a shop profiting from the proceeds of prostitution was arrested but not the naked customer or the massage girl performing a presumed P4P service?

Yep, that would be in line with what is and is not cited as being illegal in the Thai Penal Code.

Again.[/QUOTE]His post did not say the foreigner was fucking in the shop. It only said he was getting massaged.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3003324]His post did not say the foreigner was fucking in the shop. It only said he was getting massaged.[/QUOTE]Massage shops are definitely not my thing so I didn't know it was illegal for a massage shop customer to be naked during the massage.

Was that it? Which begs the question, how in the world would the cops know a customer got naked in a massage shop and come charging in to arrest the shop owner for it?

Otherwise, if the post had something to do with somebody being arrested for a prostitution-related crime, what was it the shop owner did?

Yes, Explorer is corrected that the cops can arrest anyone for anything. For one, they might need to arrest someone first before questioning them about a suspected crime. And by "arrested" in this case, I only mean taken into custody. Perhaps not "arrested" in the sense that it goes on your record. "Rounded up" for questioning as is sometimes the case with street hookers.

However, "arresting" someone is one thing. And, yes, doing that is very easy for the cops to do. Charging, trying in a court of law and convicting someone of a prostitution-related crime is something else. And that is where the simple act of consenting adults exchanging sex for money is, as far as I have ever heard or known, utterly missing in the Thai legal records.

Ultimately, it is blissfully easy for the cops to bust someone "for prostitution", IF that is really a crime that can be charged, tried and convicted for in a way that does not require involving teams of Immigration Officers, renting a hotel room or scouring the internet for shameful and openly public ads, explicitly for sex.

Here is how:

They outfit a plain-clothes male cop with the same kind of hidden camera, audio / video recording device used by YouTube bloggers.

The cop walks up to any girl standing on Beach Road or working in a bar on Soi 6 or Walking Street.

Him, the cop with the hidden camera: "How much to fuck in my room"?

Her, if she is older, fatter and less attractive than most: "1500 baht", maybe she comes down to 1,000 baht within a few seconds.

Or if she is younger, slim and hot: "3,500 baht", maybe she comes down to 3,000 or 2,500 but has no need to budge below that.

LOL. But I digress.

Back to the legal angle.

Whatever amount of baht she states, that is it. If prostitution is really illegal in Thailand and assuming there is no tangential issue in that simple exchange, such as an age issue, a visa issue, nobody has been forced into it, neither of them are shouting it loud enough in public to make a tourist blush, then the cop slaps on the cuffs and off they go to a criminal charge and easy-peasy conviction "for prostitution."

The cops could arrest, charge and be 100% certain of a conviction within 5 minutes of targeting a likely perpetrator. They could bust 12 hookers per hour every hour of every day in Pattaya, Bangkok and probably most other towns in Thailand.

The same thing would apply if they outfitted a plain-clothes attractive female cop targeting any male strolling along Beach Road, Soi 6 and Walking Street.

Her: "Want to fuck me for 1,000 baht"?

Him: "Hell yes. You're hot. 1,000 for you is the best deal in all of Thailand"!

Busted, arrested, charged, tried and convicted. No problem.

Except one problem; with that audio / video device and again with no tangential factors and just a simple discrete exchange between two consenting adults, the cops will have inarguable, ironclad evidence of exactly No Crime Whatsoever In Thailand.

And that is why the cops don't do an "anti-prostitution sting" that way in Thailand.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3003468]Massage shops are definitely not my thing so I didn't know it was illegal for a massage shop customer to be naked during the massage.

Was that it? Which begs the question, how in the world would the cops know a customer got naked in a massage shop and come charging in to arrest the shop owner for it?
[/QUOTE]Definitely not it. Regular oil massage is normally naked (sans either a towel over genitalia, and also over the breasts for girls, or one of those one-time underwears some places offer), and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this forum who also gets naked for his foot massages.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3004626]Definitely not it. Regular oil massage is normally naked (sans either a towel over genitalia, and also over the breasts for girls, or one of those one-time underwears some places offer), and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this forum who also gets naked for his foot massages.[/QUOTE]Next we convince the girls that getting naked is the norm while having their nails done in those Skytrain station shops.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3004626]Definitely not it. Regular oil massage is normally naked (sans either a towel over genitalia, and also over the breasts for girls, or one of those one-time underwears some places offer), and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this forum who also gets naked for his foot massages.[/QUOTE]If you mean the foot massages that are done in full view of all passers-by, then I'm afraid you're the only one.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3004717]Next we convince the girls that getting naked is the norm while having their nails done in those Skytrain station shops.[/QUOTE]One of your wet dreams?

I was in Bangkok last week and found out that some of the Starbucks locations do not accept cash payments anymore. They only accept credit card payments. This was around BTS station Siam.
Has anyone else experienced this, either in Bangkok or somewhere else? It was rather annoying because I do not carry around my credit card all the time.
Luckily the Starbucks locations that I visit the most (in Soi 2 and Terminal 21) still accept cash.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004812]I was in Bangkok last week and found out that some of the Starbucks locations do not accept cash payments anymore. They only accept credit card payments. This was around BTS station Siam.
Has anyone else experienced this, either in Bangkok or somewhere else? It was rather annoying because I do not carry around my credit card all the time.
Luckily the Starbucks locations that I visit the most (in Soi 2 and Terminal 21) still accept cash.[/QUOTE]Never experienced it, but last couple of years I usually I pay via my phone in Thailand. Even the barfines. If you have a thai bank account, you can use the ubiquitous QR-code system which even the local coconut sellers on the street have, and if not, most credit cards can be loaded into google pay / google wallet, or apple pay for iphone users.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004812]I was in Bangkok last week and found out that some of the Starbucks locations do not accept cash payments anymore. They only accept credit card payments. This was around BTS station Siam.
Has anyone else experienced this, either in Bangkok or somewhere else? It was rather annoying because I do not carry around my credit card all the time.
Luckily the Starbucks locations that I visit the most (in Soi 2 and Terminal 21) still accept cash.[/QUOTE]I have read posts from other members here who claim they have patronized establishments in different parts of the world where only a credit card was accepted. No cash. In all my many travels around the world this has never happened to me. There have been times when I was told no credit cards and cash only. But never the other way around. Still waiting (shrugs). When on a mongering trip I greatly prefer cash. It's quick and easy and everyone takes it, at least in my experience! And it helps me to better stay within my travel budget too versus just whipping out the metal (my preferred cards are all metal now versus plastic).

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3004863]Never experienced it, but last couple of years I usually I pay via my phone in Thailand. Even the barfines. If you have a thai bank account, you can use the ubiquitous QR-code system which even the local coconut sellers on the street have, and if not, most credit cards can be loaded into google pay / google wallet, or apple pay for iphone users.[/QUOTE]I have bank account info for many ladies in my rotation and pay via bank transfer.

This worked out badly for a lady last night when she went home. Her young Thai boyfriend demanded cash, which she didn't have, and got so violent she left her room and came back to my place to sleep.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004812]I was in Bangkok last week and found out that some of the Starbucks locations do not accept cash payments anymore. They only accept credit card payments. This was around BTS station Siam.
Has anyone else experienced this, either in Bangkok or somewhere else? It was rather annoying because I do not carry around my credit card all the time.
Luckily the Starbucks locations that I visit the most (in Soi 2 and Terminal 21) still accept cash.[/QUOTE]Have you ever had a bill for say 98 baht and gave the teller 100 and 3 one baht coins to get rid of the in exchange for you 5 baht change? The tellers don't know waht the hell you are thinking. They can't make change, can't calculate in their heads. Do you really think the balance their bank accounts when using all these QR codes?

Historically which country has had a better economy? Better respected currency? Thailand or Japan? Try this on:

In Japan, cash remains a significant part of daily transactions, despite the rise of cashless payments. As of 2024, approximately 20% of all transactions were still conducted in cash. While digital payments have gained popularity, many small businesses, traditional markets, and rural areas still prefer cash transactions.

Japan has historically been known for its preference for physical currency.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3004863]Never experienced it, but last couple of years I usually I pay via my phone in Thailand. Even the barfines. If you have a thai bank account, you can use the ubiquitous QR-code system which even the local coconut sellers on the street have, and if not, most credit cards can be loaded into google pay / google wallet, or apple pay for iphone users.[/QUOTE]I don't have a Thai bank account, and I have never even considered Google Pay, because Google already knows too much about me.
Cash is so much easier and quicker. People who pay with the QR code often spend ages trying to get it done on their phone.

And I guess when you pay by credit card, the exchange rate is lousy.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004812]I was in Bangkok last week and found out that some of the Starbucks locations do not accept cash payments anymore. They only accept credit card payments. This was around BTS station Siam.
Has anyone else experienced this, either in Bangkok or somewhere else? It was rather annoying because I do not carry around my credit card all the time.
Luckily the Starbucks locations that I visit the most (in Soi 2 and Terminal 21) still accept cash.[/QUOTE]Yup I was at a T21 restaurant the day and saw a sign that said doesn't accept cash. Luckily the girl I was with paid with her thai bank account.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]I don't have a Thai bank account, and I have never even considered Google Pay, because Google already knows too much about me.
Cash is so much easier and quicker. People who pay with the QR code often spend ages trying to get it done on their phone.

And I guess when you pay by credit card, the exchange rate is lousy.[/QUOTE]I understand that choice, though in my case, convenience triumphed privacy some 10+ years ago.

The exchange rate itself is excellent, as set by visa / mastercard. Normally it's the "foreign transaction fee" that kills it, which is something your local bank who issued you the card tacks on top, but at least in Europe (N26, others?) and the USA (Schwab, others?) you can get some cards without this fee.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]I don't have a Thai bank account[/QUOTE]I do. When I have run into places that are cashless it has been great to have it. You know when in Thailand! First time that happened to me I was sending a package to a family member in Dis-United States of America through DHL. The office did not take cash. The employee in the store had to teach me how to use scan to pay.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]Cash is so much easier and quicker.[/QUOTE]I pay cash as much as I can because it is a personal preference. I am old school. But the idea that is quicker and easier, nah! Not my experience. [B]Maybe because I keep a LOT of mother fucking money up in dat *****[/B]!

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]People who pay with the QR code often spend ages trying to get it done on their phone.[/QUOTE]That has not been my experience in Thailand. Either with being in line with others or using [I]scan to pay[/I] using QR Codes myself. It is a great option to have. Especially when making a large purchase that you need a record for in case of a problem. My attorney taught me that.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]And I guess when you pay by credit card, the exchange rate is lousy.[/QUOTE]Depends upon what credit card you hold. The credit card and debit card I use for overseas transactions consistently gives me a exchange rate that surpasses what I can get retail on on the streets of Thailand even if using [U]T.T. Currency[/U] exchange located all over the greater Pattaya metropolitan area.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;3004952]I understand that choice, though in my case, convenience triumphed privacy some 10+ years ago.

The exchange rate itself is excellent, as set by visa / mastercard. Normally it's the "foreign transaction fee" that kills it, which is something your local bank who issued you the card tacks on top, but at least in Europe (N26, others?) and the USA (Schwab, others?) you can get some cards without this fee.[/QUOTE]I realize everyone isn't eligible, but the best thing about USAA is there's no foreign transaction fees.

[QUOTE=FutureDeadGuy;3005014]I realize everyone isn't eligible, but the best thing about USAA is there's no foreign transaction fees.[/QUOTE]Schwab debit card is also good. They refund any and all fees incurred at the end of each month. I got over $70 in fees refunded after spending a month in Brazil using the ATMs quite heavily.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3004898]Cash is so much easier and quicker. People who pay with the QR code often spend ages trying to get it done on their phone.[/QUOTE]For places that I frequent, I have the pictures of their QR codes in my phone so I can pay anytime I am ready. No waiting for change or anything. Massage shops, restaurants, landlord, chicks, grocery store, mechanic, etc. Chick gets ready to leave in the morning, I do not have to worry if I have enough cash. I simply pull out my phone and do the QR code transfer.

Well maybe it's just bad luck, but there are quite often people in front of me who are scrolling endlessly on their phone to get the bloody payment done.

[QUOTE]Pattaya police rounded up some 50 women and members of the third gender on Beach Road amid claimed that they will eradicate the historic selling of bodies on [b]Beach Road[/b] a bold statement for sure but as police from numerous areas saw them take many into custody and in other cases monitor some then nab them as they prospected for clients the operation we're told will remain ongoing in the hope that they can at least remove the body sellers from the beach which is now designated as a family and regular tourist resort those women though have been operating for decades but the ones on [b]Beach Road[/b] are considered to be the lowest on the food chain being for whatever reason mostly unemployable in bars and clubs many have records of illness others of crimes and violence most news stories involving hookers committing crimes see them carried out by those working the streets and not the clubs and bars[/QUOTE]The Defense Rests!

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=Allover;3000611]You weren't there 25 years ago. [b]You just got there and know nothing[/b]. Would somebody please post the baht bus route for Beach and Second Road? This dumbfuck doesn't understand it. He had to buy a motorbike to pick up his Beach Road and Soi 6 uglies and get around town. He can't figure out the circular bus routes.[/QUOTE]The baht bus runs along [B]Beach Road[/B]. I know this because I often ride it. When I do so at night I check out the [I]princesses standing under the palm trees[/I]. I just go here and I know nothing? I don't think so. But I do have one question:

[B]Tell me is prostitution illegal in Thailand?[/B]

[URL]https://youtu.be/zZcOrKKhWpk?si=2lvMpvNOiXwV7cDk[/URL]

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3005069]For places that I frequent, I have the pictures of their QR codes in my phone so I can pay anytime I am ready. No waiting for change or anything. Massage shops, restaurants, landlord, chicks, grocery store, mechanic, etc. Chick gets ready to leave in the morning, I do not have to worry if I have enough cash. I simply pull out my phone and do the QR code transfer.[/QUOTE]Better stick to cash. I don't think paying prostitutes by electronic means is a good idea. Transactions records might stay around forever. With all the big data, AI, and increasingly hostile attitudes towards our hobby, who knows when it'll come back to bite you.

[QUOTE=Crocodilexp;3005236]Better stick to cash. I don't think paying prostitutes by electronic means is a good idea. Transactions records might stay around forever. With all the big data, AI, and increasingly hostile attitudes towards our hobby, who knows when it'll come back to bite you.[/QUOTE]I am not afraid of any of that. Who can tell the difference of a transaction to a hooker with the lady I bought a dive computer from off facebook marketplace? We are obscure mongers paying obscure hookers. Nobody is combing through bank records to see who gave 1500 baht to an Esan freelancer working out of iBar.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3005069]For places that I frequent, I have the pictures of their QR codes in my phone so I can pay anytime I am ready. No waiting for change or anything. Massage shops, restaurants, landlord, chicks, grocery store, mechanic, etc. Chick gets ready to leave in the morning, I do not have to worry if I have enough cash. I simply pull out my phone and do the QR code transfer.[/QUOTE]I don't know how to do a QR scan from my phone if the QR code is on a photo in my phone. I always have to scan a QR code off the lady's phone.

Or use a photo of her bank account information to enter manually.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3005473]I don't know how to do a QR scan from my phone if the QR code is on a photo in my phone. I always have to scan a QR code off the lady's phone.

Or use a photo of her bank account information to enter manually.[/QUOTE]Mr. E will probably answer for his mobile bank interface.

But with my Bangkok Bank mobile account, when you open the app, tap the "scan"/ QR Code option and the next page will offer you the option to camera scan a QR Code in front of you or to locate one from your photo Gallery. If you already have a photo of the QR Code you need or want to scan in your photo Gallery, tap on the Gallery option, scroll to that photo, tap on it and the photo of it will appear in the "scan" brackets the same as if it was in front of you on someone else's phone or at a pay station.

Other mobile bank apps might do it differently or call the photo scan option a different name.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3005473]I don't know how to do a QR scan from my phone if the QR code is on a photo in my phone. I always have to scan a QR code off the lady's phone. Or use a photo of her bank account information to enter manually.[/QUOTE]When I order from Lazada or make any other online payment (hotels and other things), the vendor has a provision to save the QR payment code. It is stored in a picture format. When I goto my Bank App. Scan-to-pay offers the Gallery Function. It pulls up the photo of the QR Payment code and reads it for me.

Like [U]Office Depot[/U] says:

[B]That was easy![/B]

[QUOTE=Allover;3000611]You weren't there 25 years ago. [b]You just got there and know nothing[/b]. Would somebody please post the baht bus route for Beach and Second Road? This dumbfuck doesn't understand it. He had to buy a motorbike to pick up his Beach Road and Soi 6 uglies and get around town. He can't figure out the circular bus routes.[/QUOTE]Now can someone explain why I know this and [B]Exporer8939[/B] who has been going to Thailand for a much longer period of time than I have does not?

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3005245]I am not afraid of any of that. Who can tell the difference of a transaction to a hooker with the lady I bought a dive computer from off facebook marketplace? We are obscure mongers paying obscure hookers. Nobody is combing through bank records to see who gave 1500 baht to an Esan freelancer working out of iBar.[/QUOTE]Nobody is combing through Noi from Isaan's account to see who gave her 1500, probably. But the reverse? Someday somebody may be combing through who the future president candidate transferred 1500 to while in Thailand. At that time they may see Noi from Isaan's account receiving 1500. Not only from the future president, but also from Mr. E. (only 1200), Werqweq, and a host of other unsavory characters. Future president may need to cancel his candidature after reading the Post's interview with Noi in the morning paper.

I don't worry, as I'm not a person so interesting anyone will have any reason to expend that effort, and hopefully never will be, but the man has a point. What is difficult today will be easy tomorrow, and as usual, convenience triumphs privacy for most of us.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3005617]When I order from Lazada or make any other online payment (hotels and other things), the vendor has a provision to save the QR payment code. It is stored in a picture format. When I goto my Bank App. Scan-to-pay offers the Gallery Function. It pulls up the photo of the QR Payment code and reads it for me.

Like [U]Office Depot[/U] says:

[B]That was easy![/B]

[/QUOTE]Yep.

My bank app has a gallery function. Thanks.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3005473]I don't know how to do a QR scan from my phone if the QR code is on a photo in my phone. I always have to scan a QR code off the lady's phone.

Or use a photo of her bank account information to enter manually.[/QUOTE]When you go to scan something there is a place to click at the bottom right where you can choose pictures from your phone. You click that, then choose the picture you want to scan.

[B]TConor[/B], have you ever used Gold as currency when making financial transactions other than to buy and sell [U]Thai Gold[/U] like I do?

[QUOTE=TConor;3004895]Have you ever had a bill for say 98 baht and gave the teller 100 and 3 one baht coins to get rid of the in exchange for you 5 baht change? The tellers don't know waht the hell you are thinking. They can't make change, can't calculate in their heads. Do you really think the balance their bank accounts when using all these QR codes?

Historically which country has had a better economy? Better respected currency? Thailand or Japan? Try this on:

In Japan, cash remains a significant part of daily transactions, despite the rise of cashless payments. As of 2024, approximately 20% of all transactions were still conducted in cash. While digital payments have gained popularity, many small businesses, traditional markets, and rural areas still prefer cash transactions.

Japan has historically been known for its preference for physical currency.[/QUOTE]

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[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3005862][B]TConor[/B], have you ever used Gold as currency when making financial transactions other than to buy and sell [U]Thai Gold[/U] like I do?[/QUOTE]Not real Jewelry – as gold jewelry is bought as "art" and sold back as a commodity". I invested in gold stocks that trade covered calls. This strategy allows my gold holdings to not only fluctuate in value alongside the price of gold but also generate a steady income stream. Unlike physical gold, which incurs storage costs and lacks income potential, gold stocks provide multiple financial advantages. Holding a million dollars in gold earns nothing—it only gains value if the price increases and may even require additional storage expenses. Conversely, gold stocks appreciate with gold prices without custodial fees, while also offering quarterly cash returns through dividends and covered call premiums.

[QUOTE=TConor;2984008]Again if you think the USA is a shit hole why are you dealing in US $?[/QUOTE]USD is the world reserve currency. I am a [B]International Trick[/B]! Even pussy is paid for internationally with USD and here in Thailand by converting them to Thai Baht. USA got problems brother! We can get into them over in the [B]American Politics[/B] thread if you would like.

You actually live in Thailand and you don't understand [U]Thai Gold[/U].

[QUOTE=TConor;3006006]Not real Jewelry as gold jewelry is bought as "art" and sold back as a commodity".[/QUOTE]Sounds like you are talking about gold where ever you are happen to be at. [U]Thai Gold[/U] is a very different. The premium on Thai Gold is very low. Throughout the world it on average 5%. Thai Gold has a premium on average of 1%. The price you pay for workmanship for [U]Thai Gold[/U] is very low.

You don't know this because you have blinders on because of your investment preferences. Have you even been in a [U]Thai Gold[/U] shop to see if you assertions about it is true?

The only reason I don't actually wear extensive gold jewelry any more is because it has appreciated so much that a 2 Baht gold chain is a tempting target and it is my personal philosophy to [B]protect my neck[/B]!

[QUOTE=TConor;3006006]I invested in gold stocks that trade covered calls. This strategy allows my gold holdings to not only fluctuate in value alongside the price of gold but also generate a steady income stream. [/QUOTE]The problem I have with your personal investment strategy is that Gold Stocks have not kept up in appreciation with the actual metal. Gold Mining is expensive, difficult and capital intensive. Yes, I know. I own gold stocks. I look for capital appreciation. I personally don't need income. My dividend paying stocks are for my heirs. Only so much money is needed to pay for prostitutes and I actually live a rather modest lifestyle other than ballin [B]Like a mother fuckin pro[/B] on occasion.

[QUOTE=TConor;3006006]Unlike physical gold, which incurs storage costs and lacks income potential, gold stocks provide multiple financial advantages.[/QUOTE]Gold has been used as hedge on inflation and bad government monetary policies for 5000 years. The payback I receive is capital appreciation that is not taxed until I realize the gains.

[B]Didn't you write this:[/B]

[QUOTE=TConor;2867019][b]And you'll loose your shirt trying to trade gold in Thailand.[/b] The US primarily 10 and 18 karat gold. Most gold shops in Thailand are selling 23 karat gold 1. This is equivalent to 96.5% pure gold, which is considered very high by international standards. They will fuck you coming and going with exchange rates, karat differences and grams to ounces conversions. [b]Good luck with that plan[/b].[/QUOTE]Thai Gold: 52750/baht.

I sold some gold for the first time ever. It is a easy process. I took my gold to my favorite gold store. They examined it. They weighed it. They calculated the amount I should be paid and they paid me in cash.

How did that trade go?

Lets do some trader math.

I bought at 32700/ baht.

I sold at 52650/ baht.

52650 - 32700 = 19,950/ baht increase.

[U]That is a [b]61.01%[/b] increase![/U]

No applause or apologies necessary. I will provide assistance to anyone who needs help finding face. [B]ROTFLMAO[/B].

[QUOTE=TConor;3006006] Holding a million dollars in gold earns nothing it only gains value if the price increases and may even require additional storage expenses. Conversely, gold stocks appreciate with gold prices without custodial fees, while also offering quarterly cash returns through dividends and covered call premiums.[/QUOTE]I don't hold millions of dollars of anything except land. Land like Gold does not offer any income. Unless you do what I do and put a business on it that generates cash flow for the time period that hold it for appreciation.

Storage fees for gold are easily covered through capital appreciation. Capital appreciation is not taxed until realized. Dividends and covered call premiums are taxed in the year they are received. The price of Gold stocks have NOT kept up with the price appreciation of the metal.

[B]I have face[/B] I picked some up at the market on Soi Buakhao and I'm willing to give it to you because appears that you need it and that is the type of person I am.

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE]A reclusive Chinese billionaire whose prescient gold trades turned into an eye-catching windfall has now become the countrys biggest copper bull, amassing a bet worth nearly $1 billion in a market jolted by escalating competition between the US and China.
[u]Bian Ximing[/u], who made an early fortune in plastic tubes before seeking a quiet life in Gibraltar, has made waves over the last two years with his investment in Chinese gold futures, betting on what he argued would be a global effort to reduce reliance on the dollar and counter inflation worries. His fund came in just as bullion was beginning a record-breaking ascent and made roughly $1.5 billion in profit in the process, according to*Bloomberg*calculations.[/QUOTE][URL]https://www.mining.com/web/chinese-trader-who-made-1-5-billion-on-gold-builds-a-giant-bet-on-copper/[/URL]

Your thoughts?

[B]I believe in investing in the physical metal. For income, I trade Gold (and other futures contracts).[/B]

Your serve Mr. TConor!

We already knew that it was no longer possible to open an account at Bangkok Bank without a long-term visa. It seems the rules are getting stricter, and the bank is even closing some accounts, particularly those opened by Chinese or Russian nationals, but they could extend to other nationalities.

Have any of you heard about or experienced these new rules ? Do other banks apply these same rules ? Is it possible to open an account without any problems or these restrictions at other banks ?

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/3037155/bangkok-bank-cracks-down-on-foreigners-accounts[/URL]

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/05/29/bangkok-bank-closing-accounts-held-by-foreigners-without-long-term-visas-russian-tourists-up-in-arms/[/URL]

[QUOTE=Pimpampoumpipo;3006589]We already knew that it was no longer possible to open an account at Bangkok Bank without a long-term visa.

Have any of you heard about or experienced these new rules ? Do other banks apply these same rules ? Is it possible to open an account without any problems or these restrictions at other banks ?
[/QUOTE]This is a Bangkok Bank thing. Other banks don't even know what is going on.

A moment of silence to all who lost their lives in Thailand during the brutal fighting and occupation that occurred during World War II.

[B]The cost of freedom to preserve [i]Paradice[/i] was and still is expensive![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3020863]A moment of silence to all who lost their lives in Thailand during the brutal fighting and occupation that occurred during World War II.

[B]The cost of freedom to preserve [i]Paradice[/i] was and still is expensive![/B][/QUOTE]Remember that Thailand was on the wrong side during WWII.

Welcome to Thailand!

Why Thailand again?

I returned to Thailand after a 10-year hiatus because I really missed the country, as well as playing Connect Four! Plus, I love the phrase, "Up to you."

History:

The US Navy introduced me to Thailand in 1978. That was when I started my long mongering career. Being on ships, it seemed we stopped in Thailand numerous times during my 10 deployments and I went there a few times while I was stationed in Japan. After I retired from the military, I returned to Thailand on a semi-regular basis.

I am not sure why it took me so much time to return, maybe it was because I was exploring Latin America and did not like the long flights to SEA. My last trip in SEA was in 2024 in the Philippines and that was after a 30-year hiatus. But for whatever reason this year, I felt nostalgic and had to return to Thailand.

My itinerary was:

Bangkok Two nights at Nana Hotel.

Pattaya Seven nights at Penthouse Hotel.

Logistics & Other Stuff:

References:

I used two references: ISG members and Google search. Thank you ISG members!

Travel Insurance:

The SquareMouth web-site gave me over 50 quotes from over 50 different companies. I chose International Medical Group (IMG). It was for 10-days and cost $260.00.

Money:

All the money I quote is in Thai Baht. During my stay, the exchange rate was around 32.00 to 1. I exchanged some US dollars in the airport and exchanged cash as needed thereafter.

Flight:

I flew round-trip with EVA Airlines. The service was excellent. The flight went from LAX to Taipei to Bangkok.

Immigration and Customs:

According to the Thailand immigration requirements: "Starting May 1, 2025, a new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) must also be completed online before arrival. Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand completed online within 72 hours of arrival. ".

Web-site: [URL]https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/[/URL]#/ home.

The card was for arrival purposes only; nothing was needed to exit. I filled out the information on-line and received the document shortly thereafter via my e-mail.

When I went through immigration, I was never asked to show the TDAC document.

Communication:

I have the T-Mobile Go5 GPlus55 plan; no worries whatsoever.

Electrical voltage: 220.

Transportation:

While in Bangkok, everywhere I went was within walking distance. In Pattaya, I used the motorbike taxis and Grab. It turned out, Grab was cheaper than the motorbikes. Maybe it was because I was paying the motorbikes 100 baht.

From Bangkok to Pattaya I used Mr. T. taxi service, the cost was 1400. Returning, I used Mr. T. from Pattaya to the airport and the cost was 1200.

Trip reports:

I plan to write a separate trip report for both cities. I had my trusty note pad and I am still trying to figure out my shorthand writing so I can post the correct information.

Overall thoughts on Thailand:

I was not sure what to expect after a 10-year hiatus. Yes, like all the other countries I visited, pinche covid did its toll; especially with pricing. The only thing that was similar were the girls; still playful as ever. I thought both cities were quite safe and I never felt threaten in any manner.

Would I ever return to Thailand? Nah, it was my second trip within 1-year across the pond my old ass is completely worn out! Overall, I had a great time! Would I recommend it to other mongers? Absolutely!

Como siempre, Solo mis dos pinche pesos, por supuesto!

[QUOTE=TomJackin;3021507]I thought both cities were quite safe and I never felt threaten in any manner.[/QUOTE]One of the reasons I prefer Thailand over LATAM. I can walk around anytime of the day or night without fear. Of course I don't wear a 2 Baht gold chain nor do I go looking for fuckery at 0400. If you are doing that, bad things may happen to you.

[QUOTE=TomJackin;3021507]
My itinerary was:
Bangkok Two nights at Nana Hotel.
Pattaya Seven nights at Penthouse Hotel.
....
Would I ever return to Thailand? Nah, it was my second trip within 1-year across the pond my old ass is completely worn out! Overall, I had a great time! Would I recommend it to other mongers? Absolutely!
[/QUOTE]Such a short trip, I wouldn't repeat that either. It takes my old ass about 3 days to fully recover from the flights. I cannot imagine making the trip for less than about 3 weeks, longer is better. Glad you had a great time.

[QUOTE=TomJackin;3021507]
Travel Insurance:
The SquareMouth web-site gave me over 50 quotes from over 50 different companies. I chose International Medical Group (IMG). It was for 10-days and cost $260.00.[/QUOTE]OMG, is it that expensive in the USA? I have a continuous travel insurance for only €68 ($79) a year.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3021610]OMG, is it that expensive in the USA? I have a continuous travel insurance for only 68 ($79) a year.[/QUOTE]I presume the 68euro policy you refer to allows you to travel up to 30 days max at any one time? (or a similar duration) A policy which has no single trip duration limit would be more, I suppose.

[QUOTE=MissMaryHinge;3021617]I presume the 68euro policy you refer to allows you to travel up to 30 days max at any one time? (or a similar duration) A policy which has no single trip duration limit would be more, I suppose.[/QUOTE]180 days max at any one time.

I have to add, by the way, that you must have a health insurance in order to be able to get this travel insurance. But in the Netherlands, where I live, a health insurance is mandatory.

Welcome to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand!

This trip report will cover transportation, hotel, restaurants, and clubs / bars in Bangkok. For logistics and other notes, please refer to my trip report in the General Reports section, #14333.

Transportation:

While in Bangkok, everywhere I went was within walking distance.

Hotel:

I stayed at the Nana Hotel. Every time I stayed there in the past, I always hoped the hotel would do some sort of remodeling. But nooooo, it was still a crappy rundown place. The best part about the hotel was the location, location, and location. Was it lady friendly: YES. I think it was even goat friendly! There were no joiner fees.

Restaurants:

I was there for only two nights, so I only went to a couple:

8855 good (right across from Lolitas).

Monsoon very good.

Clubs / Bars:

In each club / bar, I asked several questions and did my best to write the answers on my trusty note pad. Thus, if I am wrong with any of my notes, feel free to chime in with the correct information.

Place: Candy.

Lady drink: 220.

Bar fine: 800.

Sex: The two ladies I talked to wanted 2000.

Number and quality: 12/ OK to good.

Day / time: Thursday /2.

Comments: This bar was right across from Nana Hotel. The majority of the ladies were older and really friendly. The ladies were asking from 1000 to 2000. After flying all night, it was a good place to relax.

Place: Wood Bar / Annie's.

Lady drink: 250.

Bar fine: Never asked.

Sex: 2000 for small room, 2500 for large room. BJ 800 (I think.).

Number and quality: 15/ OK to very good.

Day / time: Thursday /4.

Comments: Annie's was in one building and The Wood Bar was across the street. The ladies were presented in the Wood Bar. After I chose one, we went across the street and the rooms were in Annie's. I am not sure if rooms were available in the Wood Bar.

I had a great time there and I got an unexpected bonus. After I showed the picture of me in the fishbowl, they brought out Aey. When she saw and recognized me, she had a big smile on her face. We chatted about the past and how her daughter ran the place for several years. It was a nice moment I will never forget.

Place: Kasalong.

Lady drink: Never asked.

Bar fine: Never asked.

Sex: 800 BJ, 1 hour in the room 1700.

Number and quality: 6, OK to good.

Day / time: Thursday /7:30.

Comments: This place was pretty dated. It was clean, but a crappy looking place and the seating was not very comfortable. However, I did get a great BJ.

Place: Lolitas.

Lady drink: Never asked.

Bar fine: Never asked.

Sex: 800 BJ, 1 hour in the room 1700.

Number and quality: 5, OK to good.

Day / time: Thursday /8:30.

Comments: This place was very close to Kasolong. The place was modern looking and nice. And the atmosphere was a lot better. I liked that place.

Place: Spanky's Club.

Lady drink: 220.

Bar fine: 1000.

Sex: Never asked.

Number and quality: 30+, good to freakin hot.

Day / time: Thursday /10.

Comments: This was a smaller club and the place was packed; just finding a seat was a task. But still, I loved the place.

Place: Magic Table.

Lady drink: 220.

Bar fine: 1000.

Sex: BJ 800,1 hour in the room 2000.

Number and quality: 5/ OK.

Day / time: Friday /8.

Comments: I found this place while doing a Google search. It was very close to Wood Bar. This place was nothing special, maybe because it was early; doubt it.

Place: Lollypop Club.

Lady drink: 250.

Bar fine: 1000.

Sex: One lady I talked to wanted 4000. I am sure with proper negotiations the price would be lower.

Number and quality: 40+, good to hot.

Day / time: Friday /10.

Comments: This was a great club. One lady sat next to me, lay down, and was rubbing her ass on my leg; I fell in love! She gave me her number and said she would come to my hotel after work; it did not pan out.

Place: Butterflies Club.

Lady drink: 220.

Bar fine: 1000.

Sex: Depends on the lady.

Number and quality: 60+, good to drop-dead gorgeous.

Day / time: Friday /11.

Comments: Fuck me to tears! This was a huge club with two stages packed with ladies. There was a separate area for topless ladies. This club is a must-see!

Place: Angel Witch Club.

Lady drink: 220.

Bar fine: 1000.

Sex: I bar fined a beautiful lady and the cost was 2000.

Number and quality: 25+, good to hot.

Day / time: Friday / Midnight.

Comments: All the ladies were topless in this club. It was a smaller place and it had a lot of energy. They also had a couple of shows while I was there. I liked the club and recommend the place!

Overall thoughts on Bangkok:

I have always thought Bangkok was one of the wildest cities in the world. The city is huge and full of energy every-damn-day / night. It was a great 2-night romp! Having said that, I have no plans to return to Thailand; at least for now.

Como siempre, Solo mis dos pinche pesos, por supuesto!

So I stopped by my favorite Thai Gold store (which shall remain a secret for security purposes). Price current price per baht (weight) is in the title of the post. I walked in and the man sitting behind the counter was on his phone and ignored me for two minutes.

[B]TIT![/B]

So I just chilled until he lifted his head up. I greeted him and told him what I wanted. He showed to me and gave me the price. I told him I would take it. I then pulled out my money bag to pay. Everything changed at that point. He noticed that the bag that I had my money in was from his store. His face lit up and he pointed to it. I said yes, I am a regular customer here. He reached down under the counter and gave me a gift. A more elaborate and money pouch with promotional signage on the outside. I thanked him and gave him the money. He put the cash on his money counter and indeed it was the correct amount to the nearest thousand and he provided my change. He completed my purchase card which includes the date, purity, weight and amount paid.

The premium on [U]Thai Gold[/U] is very low. Throughout the world it on average 5%. [U]Thai Gold[/U] has a premium on average of 1%. On my purchase the premium was 1. 3%. The price you pay for workmanship for [U]Thai Gold[/U] jewelry is also very low when you buy it out of regular [U]Thai Gold[/U] shops. There are much more elaborate and custom pieces you can buy that of much hire quality and workmanship and therefor also cost significantly more.

If you want to learn more about [U]Thai Gold[/U] there are excellent videos on YouTube and also websites.

New government regulations will require those who provide those services to register their vehicle and show they have business insurance. This will raise the cost of operations for the two ride hailing services in Thailand.

One day after my last purchase of [U]Thai Gold[/U]. I am walking past a gold store late at night (close to midnight I didn't know they were even still open that late), and I observed the posted prices: [B]Bid: 51400[/B]. So just like that, the premium on my spread is covered and I have broken even.

[B]I've noticed my personal detractors and nay-sayers about [u]Thai Gold[/u] have fallen silent.[/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3022056]So I stopped by my favorite Thai Gold store (which shall remain a secret for security purposes). Price current price per baht (weight) is in the title of the post. I walked in and the man sitting behind the counter was on his phone and ignored me for two minutes.

[B]TIT![/B]

So I just chilled until he lifted his head up. I greeted him and told him what I wanted. He showed to me and gave me the price. I told him I would take it. I then pulled out my money bag to pay. Everything changed at that point. He noticed that the bag that I had my money in was from his store. His face lit up and he pointed to it. I said yes, I am a regular customer here. He reached down under the counter and gave me a gift. A more elaborate and money pouch with promotional signage on the outside. I thanked him and gave him the money. He put the cash on his money counter and indeed it was the correct amount to the nearest thousand and he provided my change. He completed my purchase card which includes the date, purity, weight and amount paid.

The premium on [U]Thai Gold[/U] is very low. Throughout the world it on average 5%. [U]Thai Gold[/U] has a premium on average of 1%. On my purchase the premium was 1. 3%. The price you pay for workmanship for [U]Thai Gold[/U] jewelry is also very low when you buy it out of regular [U]Thai Gold[/U] shops. There are much more elaborate and custom pieces you can buy that of much hire quality and workmanship and therefor also cost significantly more.

If you want to learn more about [U]Thai Gold[/U] there are excellent videos on YouTube and also websites.[/QUOTE]

Prices listed in my the post below were incorrect (Typo).

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3022219]One day after my last purchase of [U]Thai Gold[/U]. I am walking past a gold store late at night (close to midnight I didn't know they were even still open that late), and I observed the posted prices: [B]Bid: 51400[/B]. So just like that, the premium on my spread is covered and I have broken even.

[B]I've noticed my personal detractors and nay-sayers about [u]Thai Gold[/u] have fallen silent.[/B][/QUOTE]

My previous post quoting the price on Thai Gold was messed up. [B]My Bad![/B]. It's up actually over 1% since I last checked it. Not only are prices up, premiums are also. 1.6% premium on a 1/2 Baht gold bar.

Gold on the world market for both spot and futures have hit record prices. The market has rewarded those who bought even when others in this thread were advising against it when gold on the world market was at 3000/ USD Oz Spot. For the record I am looking at chart for gold futures on COMEX it is at 3586 flat.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3024358]My previous post quoting the price on Thai Gold was messed up. [B]My Bad![/B]. It's up actually over 1% since I last checked it. Not only are prices up, premiums are also. 1.6% premium on a 1/2 Baht gold bar.

Gold on the world market for both spot and futures have hit record prices. The market has rewarded those who bought even when others in this thread were advising against it when gold on the world market was at 3000/ USD Oz Spot. For the record I am looking at chart for gold futures on COMEX it is at 3586 flat.[/QUOTE]This is my "go to" website to track the spot price. I haven't bought any gold in Thailand in a couple of decades. I'm pretty sure it was machine made in Italy.

I've invested very little in gold relative to other holdings: mostly real estate and mutual funds.

However, in June 2024 I did invest some serious coin in gold bullion; specifically PAMP one-ounce bars and US Gold Eagles. I was enticed by the fact that I was able to purchased those items at (effectively) spot price (without any premium). As my buddies Abe and Irving would say, "Such a deal". LOL I did so when I learned that COSTCO was selling gold. And some guy explained how it worked. My "executive" membership card gave me a 2% credit back to my yearly account credit; plus, my credit card company gave me a 2% credit on the purchase.

I like the idea of having physical control of gold. If I was based in Thailand or any place in SEA, I would for sure have some stashed next to my "go bag". I have no idea about how "liquid" Thai gold is outside of Thailand. That is, how easy or difficult it would be to sell a 5 baht chain to a gold buyer in Australia and receive a fair price. I'm pretty confident with my PAMP bars with sealed assayed registration. (They are easily analyzed through the clear packaging.) Same with my sealed Gold Eagles.

I'd love to see the spot price hit 3700 before the end of year. But not likely to happen. Of course, I haven't reaped any benefits of having bought at 2300 unless I sell today. 555.

Sam.

Well, maybe.

Lek was a nursing student in BKK when I first met her. She was 23 years old at the time and about to finish her studies. It had been a bit of a struggle for her financially, being the daughter of a farming family in an up-country province. So it was that she joined 3 or 4 provincial friends during university holidays and "down" periods between terms to work in Nana Plaza. Yep, "working her way through college, gettin' a lot of knowledge", it might be said.

I had first met Lek a year before in the Nana Plaza bar where she and her friends were dancing. We maintained sporadic contact over the internet; we were both looking forward to meeting up again on my next visit. Lek was a fun girl. Had she been a guy, she would've been at NP or Cowboy every night as a monger. She loved sex and loved to make home movies.

Anyway, one night, Lek was going down on me and, as usual, about to take a load of cum in her mouth which she would swallow. Occasionally, she would open her mouth to show the fruit of her labor before swallowing. But on this night, she abruptly pulled away almost as soon as my jizz made it into her mouth. I was puzzled, watching her rush into the bathroom where I could hear her spitting into the wash basin. She returned a minute later and explained "blood".

WTF? Well, needless to say Lek wasn't real interested in giving me a blow job the next morning. But she did perform a decent handjob, the proceeds of which I captured in a tissue for examination. Indeed, there was a faint red tint present in my semen. Absent any pain associated with the ejaculation, I was hopeful that some internal bruising from 3 weeks of heavy usage of my tool might be the cause.

To be on the safe side, I checked in with my primary care doctor when I returned home the next week. He sent me over to his buddy who was a urologist; that doc then referred me to an oncologist (cancer doctor). A biopsy of my prostate gland was performed; cancer was detected.

To make a long story short, the cancer was treated with radiation (pellets implanted in the prostate). Easy, out patient procedure. For almost 15 years now, I have been cancer free. I was lucky that the cancer was detected at an early stage and before it made its way to other parts of my body. Prostate cancer is one of the easiest to successfully treat. I highly recommend that all men (starting at about age 45) get yearly PSA screening.

Last I heard, Lek was married and living in Aussieland. If you see her, be sure to thank her for me. (Photo attached.)

[QUOTE=SamSanuk;3024625]Well, maybe.

Lek was a nursing student in BKK when I first met her. She was 23 years old at the time and about to finish her studies. It had been a bit of a struggle for her financially, being the daughter of a farming family in an up-country province. So it was that she joined 3 or 4 provincial friends during university holidays and "down" periods between terms to work in Nana Plaza. Yep, "working her way through college, gettin' a lot of knowledge", it might be said.

I had first met Lek a year before in the Nana Plaza bar where she and her friends were dancing. We maintained sporadic contact over the internet; we were both looking forward to meeting up again on my next visit. Lek was a fun girl. Had she been a guy, she would've been at NP or Cowboy every night as a monger. She loved sex and loved to make home movies.

Anyway, one night, Lek was going down on me and, as usual, about to take a load of cum in her mouth which she would swallow. Occasionally, she would open her mouth to show the fruit of her labor before swallowing. But on this night, she abruptly pulled away almost as soon as my jizz made it into her mouth. I was puzzled, watching her rush into the bathroom where I could hear her spitting into the wash basin. She returned a minute later and explained "blood".

WTF? Well, needless to say Lek wasn't real interested in giving me a blow job the next morning. But she did perform a decent handjob, the proceeds of which I captured in a tissue for examination. Indeed, there was a faint red tint present in my semen. Absent any pain associated with the ejaculation, I was hopeful that some internal bruising from 3 weeks of heavy usage of my tool might be the cause.

To be on the safe side, I checked in with my primary care doctor when I returned home the next week. He sent me over to his buddy who was a urologist; that doc then referred me to an oncologist (cancer doctor). A biopsy of my prostate gland was performed; cancer was detected.

To make a long story short, the cancer was treated with radiation (pellets implanted in the prostate). Easy, out patient procedure. For almost 15 years now, I have been cancer free. I was lucky that the cancer was detected at an early stage and before it made its way to other parts of my body. Prostate cancer is one of the easiest to successfully treat. I highly recommend that all men (starting at about age 45) get yearly PSA screening.

Last I heard, Lek was married and living in Aussieland. If you see her, be sure to thank her for me. (Photo attached.)[/QUOTE]You had good lek.

I can easily say from this forum Pattaya is the place most guys like this visit. However, I'm wondering do Patong in Phuket still attract visitors there looking for boom boom? Patong used to be the shut 25 years ago and on back I've been to Pattaya, Koh Sumui, and Bangkok before. I'm wondering do Thai bar girls still do that I'm looking for a husband shit in that country?

[QUOTE=MwenByen;3025280]I'm wondering do Thai bar girls still do that I'm looking for a husband shit in that country?[/QUOTE]You have to realize what husband means to them. It is someone who is going to come in and pay all their bills and solve all their problems. So I would say that even if most were not looking for a husband that they would still accept one. A lot of women in their Thai Friendly profile mention they are looking for someone to support them, but say nothing about a husband. For the most part, when dealing with hookers you know it is Money Number One.

That being said, I have had no problem over the years meeting normal girlfriends that did not expect money. And come to think of it, none of them have mentioned anything about getting married. I think that getting married is usually the Western dude's idea. Even a buddy of mine who has lived here many years insisted on having his live-in girlfriend of many years an expensive diamond ring made despite people around here not even wearing that sort of thing.

People tend to point the finger at the women, but from what I have observed it is always the dude that tends to dig his own grave, jump into it, and cover himself with dirt. In all these years here I have managed to not buy any bars, massage shops, or pay for the treatment of any sick buffalos or family members. I have not even been asked to do such.

Well that's how the way things was in the past I haven't been to Thailand in 20 yrs or so. I've met plenty of Farangs who gotten took to the cleaners by a hooker. Those guys was mostly slobs from Germany, Italian, Holland.

Australia and Ireland in that order. I learned that there parents will send them to the major tourists towns to work in the bar in order to get a cash cow.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3025301]You have to realize what husband means to them. It is someone who is going to come in and pay all their bills and solve all their problems. So I would say that even if most were not looking for a husband that they would still accept one. A lot of women in their Thai Friendly profile mention they are looking for someone to support them, but say nothing about a husband. For the most part, when dealing with hookers you know it is Money Number One.

That being said, I have had no problem over the years meeting normal girlfriends that did not expect money. And come to think of it, none of them have mentioned anything about getting married. I think that getting married is usually the Western dude's idea. Even a buddy of mine who has lived here many years insisted on having his live-in girlfriend of many years an expensive diamond ring made despite people around here not even wearing that sort of thing.

People tend to point the finger at the women, but from what I have observed it is always the dude that tends to dig his own grave, jump into it, and cover himself with dirt. In all these years here I have managed to not buy any bars, massage shops, or pay for the treatment of any sick buffalos or family members. I have not even been asked to do such.[/QUOTE]

For years I've needed BBFS or I won't finish. That has forced me to negotiate BBFS services in advance, which often brings concerns over STDs. Of course, I say "I'm clean, was tested XXX days ago", which sometimes is enough to move forward with a BBFS deal. A few days ago I found a TF girl who actually asked to see my negative report. Fortunately, I had the printed proof, she actually studied it, and we went through with the deed. Had a second session a night later and now she is trying to schedule a 3rd session.

Suggest that all BBFS punters travel with a printed (or phone) copy of your most recent clean STD report.

If you don't have recent STD test report, I suggest you get one. Go to google maps and enter "STD testing near me". At my current resort location there are 2 places within a 10 minute walk of my hotel.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3040417]For years I've needed BBFS or I won't finish. That has forced me to negotiate BBFS services in advance, which often brings concerns over STDs. Of course, I say "I'm clean, was tested XXX days ago", which sometimes is enough to move forward with a BBFS deal. A few days ago I found a TF girl who actually asked to see my negative report. Fortunately, I had the printed proof, she actually studied it, and we went through with the deed. Had a second session a night later and now she is trying to schedule a 3rd session.

Suggest that all BBFS punters travel with a printed (or phone) copy of your most recent clean STD report.

If you don't have recent STD test report, I suggest you get one. Go to google maps and enter "STD testing near me". At my current resort location there are 2 places within a 10 minute walk of my hotel.[/QUOTE]I am older and also need BBFS or I can't finish. While there are a number of girls who will do BBFS without asking about being tested, but I always have either a paper copy or an electronic copy in my phone. Here in Chiang Mai, you can get STD tests with results in an hour for 1500 THB. Like at HorseTrader, there are two such places within a 10 minute walk of my hotel, too.

Stay safe out there.

[QUOTE=MwenByen;3025280]I can easily say from this forum Pattaya is the place most guys like this visit. However, I'm wondering do Patong in Phuket still attract visitors there looking for boom boom? Patong used to be the shut 25 years ago and on back I've been to Pattaya, Koh Sumui, and Bangkok before. I'm wondering do Thai bar girls still do that I'm looking for a husband shit in that country?[/QUOTE]They don't say they are looking for a husband, the term is "boyfriend ". And by "boyfriend " they mean someone in Thailand who is on a 2 week holiday, who will go home and send the bargirl money. So she can support her Thai boyfriend. A bargirl may have multiple sponsor "boyfriends."

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3020906]Remember that Thailand was on the wrong side during WWII.[/QUOTE]Exactly. They fought with and helped Imperial Japan kill other innocent Asian civilians and Allied troops from 1941 to the end of the war. Since then they have been a good ally but in WW2 they were no friend.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3025301]You have to realize what husband means to them. It is someone who is going to come in and pay all their bills and solve all their problems. So I would say that even if most were not looking for a husband that they would still accept one. A lot of women in their Thai Friendly profile mention they are looking for someone to support them, but say nothing about a husband. For the most part, when dealing with hookers you know it is Money Number One.

That being said, I have had no problem over the years meeting normal girlfriends that did not expect money. And come to think of it, none of them have mentioned anything about getting married. I think that getting married is usually the Western dude's idea. Even a buddy of mine who has lived here many years insisted on having his live-in girlfriend of many years an expensive diamond ring made despite people around here not even wearing that sort of thing.

People tend to point the finger at the women, but from what I have observed it is always the dude that tends to dig his own grave, jump into it, and cover himself with dirt. In all these years here I have managed to not buy any bars, massage shops, or pay for the treatment of any sick buffalos or family members. I have not even been asked to do such.[/QUOTE]I like the pic, I'm laughing my pants off, it applies to the whole SEA.

[QUOTE=SamSanuk;3024398]I'd love to see the spot price hit 3700 before the end of year. But not likely to happen. Of course, I haven't reaped any benefits of having bought at 2300 unless I sell today. 555..[/QUOTE]Currently $4,331.00 USD.

[QUOTE=Garrapata;3042592]Currently $4,331.00 USD.[/QUOTE]More than a decade ago when I was younger and just as much dumber, I spent my spending money on old gold mint coins. Beautiful things. I have not checked the spot price of gold or silver for at least a decade. Forgot about them since I put them in a lock box.

Holy shit I've more than doubled my money. Holy shit!

555.

The smartasses are hard at work again this year on Youtube with their alluring vids about Pattaya and Bangkok, contributing to drawing more crowds to already overcrowded venues. I regularly flag those ruiners, clicking "sexual content" as reason to flag, then I write one sentence to explain the video glorified prostitution in Thailand. However, I cannot flag vids too often lest Youtube block me too for being a trouble-maker.

Guys, when you have five minutes' time on your hands, do me a favour a flag one of those vids. In our hobby the motto should be: "Don't shit where you eat".

[QUOTE=XXL;3043230]The smartasses are hard at work again this year on Youtube with their alluring vids about Pattaya and Bangkok, contributing to drawing more crowds to already overcrowded venues. I regularly flag those ruiners, clicking "sexual content" as reason to flag, then I write one sentence to explain the video glorified prostitution in Thailand. However, I cannot flag vids too often lest Youtube block me too for being a trouble-maker.

Guys, when you have five minutes' time on your hands, do me a favour a flag one of those vids. In our hobby the motto should be: "Don't shit where you eat".[/QUOTE]Anyway, Mr. Karen, I hope you don't take offense if I and others don't do you a favor in the hopes that the videos will be taken down. LOL +++.

Sam.

Anyone have information about massage parlor?

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3040417]For years I've needed BBFS or I won't finish. That has forced me to negotiate BBFS services in advance, which often brings concerns over STDs. Of course, I say "I'm clean, was tested XXX days ago", which sometimes is enough to move forward with a BBFS deal. A few days ago I found a TF girl who actually asked to see my negative report. Fortunately, I had the printed proof.

Suggest that all BBFS punters travel with a printed (or phone) copy of your most recent clean STD report. If you don't have recent STD test report, I suggest you get one.[/QUOTE]As a fellow connoisseur of BBFS, this is a really good suggestion from Horse Trader. I recently picked up a super cute girl who had concerns. I had my all-negative test result on my phone and zoomed-in on the key negative result for HIV. I also showed her a pic of the bottle of meds I take for HIV PrEP as well as my vaccination certificate for HPV, which sealed the deal for BBFS. She did upcharge me THB500 for the extra which I readily agreed to. Needless to say, her pussy was blissfully tight and the session ended in a nice creampie.

My observation in 2025 is that BBFS is making quite a comeback in Thailand. This IMO has been thanks to the Thai government. Walking along Sukhimvit I see lots of advertisements on the big LED boards from the Ministry of Health touting PrEP meds and HPV vaccinations. Now Thai girls have affordable and easy access to multiple tools to deal with STDs and pregnancy.

(1) 3-5 year birth control implants are available for FREE to Thai citizens at government hospitals. I have seen many girls point to their arm or upper butt to show they have gotten a birth control implant.

(2) HIV PrEP to prevent HIV transmission is also available for FREE to Thai citizens at government hospitals.

(3) The HPV vaccine is available for free (or low cost) to prevent cancer and genital warts from many high risk variants.

(4) Other bacterial and fungal driven issues can be dealt with over the counter antibiotics and antifungals.

(5) The greatest risk to both provider and punter with no prevention or cure is genital herpes, which is why girls at venues like massage parlors will make a close inspection of your junk (disguised as a careful washing) in the pre-session shower to ensure there are no blisters or sores. I also closely inspect the girl before penetration as well.

(6) Lastly, there are still some girls who are behind the curve on pregnancy protection. After delivering a creampie, I always offer them a morning after pill, which I always carry with my silicone lubricant (which helps to reduce excessive friction, lowering some risk of STD transmission). Pills like the Maple or Tansy One brand are available at Southeast Pharmacy for around USD2 per pill, which is much appreciated by the girls. Enjoy, AR.

Hello gentlemen.

I am uncircumcised and have a small dick, about 5 and a half inches. If it is relevant, I do CFS only as I am a young man and BBFS appears to be too risky.

Many times, I have difficulty feeling much during sex, despite my penis tip being very sensitive. I think one problem could be that my foreskin does not retract to expose the tip.

I would like the foreskin to be retracted at all times during sex. Regardless of whether I am thrusting in or out. That way the tip is always exposed and will lead to more sensation. How to achieve this in a safe and reliable manner?

Solutions by ChatGPT are nonsense. I looked around on the internet. Someone suggested glans ring but that does not seem like it will reliably work. Someone else suggested a silicone ring that has two holes, one for penis and one for ballsac. I imagine that will indeed work if put on correctly but there are two issues. First, it will lock away 1-2 centimeters of my shaft making my dick effectively smaller. Second, I do not see any online sextoy stores in India selling this sort of ring. But perhaps I can buy this in Thailand.

Any advice or thoughts here? Please help a brother out.

Thanks in advance.

Hey guys I've been fiddling around with telegram and fan4 you, and was wondering is this a good app to use? Because I've been having difficulty trying to navigate and contact women. Any advice would help. Thank you.

[QUOTE=Watnow78;3046419]Hey guys I've been fiddling around with telegram and fan4 you, and was wondering is this a good app to use? Because I've been having difficulty trying to navigate and contact women. Any advice would help. Thank you.[/QUOTE]If you are in Pattaya and can't find a lady, you've got problems.

If you're not in Pattaya, and you are trying to contact ladies online, you've got problems.

99% of Pattaya ladies use social media to find a customer right now. They don't care about promises of a "date" next week.

[QUOTE=AsianRain;3044703]As a fellow connoisseur of BBFS, this is a really good suggestion from Horse Trader. I recently picked up a super cute girl who had concerns. I had my all-negative test result on my phone and zoomed-in on the key negative result for HIV. I also showed her a pic of the bottle of meds I take for HIV PrEP as well as my vaccination certificate for HPV, which sealed the deal for BBFS. She did upcharge me THB500 for the extra which I readily agreed to. Needless to say, her pussy was blissfully tight and the session ended in a nice creampie.

My observation in 2025 is that BBFS is making quite a comeback in Thailand. This IMO has been thanks to the Thai government. Walking along Sukhimvit I see lots of advertisements on the big LED boards from the Ministry of Health touting PrEP meds and HPV vaccinations. Now Thai girls have affordable and easy access to multiple tools to deal with STDs and pregnancy..[/QUOTE]Which STIs do you test for? Presumably most people have HSV1 and don't even know but showing her all negatives with positive hsv1 would probably scare her off.

Do you ask the girl for her results? Curious if they get the full panel too.

[QUOTE=AsianRain;3044703]As a fellow connoisseur of BBFS, this is a really good suggestion from Horse Trader. I recently picked up a super cute girl who had concerns. I had my all-negative test result on my phone and zoomed-in on the key negative result for HIV. I also showed her a pic of the bottle of meds I take for HIV PrEP as well as my vaccination certificate for HPV, which sealed the deal for BBFS. She did upcharge me THB500 for the extra which I readily agreed to. Needless to say, her pussy was blissfully tight and the session ended in a nice creampie.

My observation in 2025 is that BBFS is making quite a comeback in Thailand. This IMO has been thanks to the Thai government. Walking along Sukhimvit I see lots of advertisements on the big LED boards from the Ministry of Health touting PrEP meds and HPV vaccinations. Now Thai girls have affordable and easy access to multiple tools to deal with STDs and pregnancy.

(1) 3-5 year birth control implants are available for FREE to Thai citizens at government hospitals. I have seen many girls point to their arm or upper butt to show they have gotten a birth control implant.

(2) HIV PrEP to prevent HIV transmission is also available for FREE to Thai citizens at government hospitals.

(3) The HPV vaccine is available for free (or low cost) to prevent cancer and genital warts from many high risk variants.

(4) Other bacterial and fungal driven issues can be dealt with over the counter antibiotics and antifungals.

(5) The greatest risk to both provider and punter with no prevention or cure is genital herpes, which is why girls at venues like massage parlors will make a close inspection of your junk (disguised as a careful washing) in the pre-session shower to ensure there are no blisters or sores. I also closely inspect the girl before penetration as well.

(6) Lastly, there are still some girls who are behind the curve on pregnancy protection. After delivering a creampie, I always offer them a morning after pill, which I always carry with my silicone lubricant (which helps to reduce excessive friction, lowering some risk of STD transmission). Pills like the Maple or Tansy One brand are available at Southeast Pharmacy for around USD2 per pill, which is much appreciated by the girls. Enjoy, AR.[/QUOTE]Use this form online you can print out to or save it to your phone Test Result Form.

PDF Editor 07.

PDFRun [URL]https://share.google/iwWY6M3Qi6LjNabUC[/URL].

[QUOTE=HarryReams;3050939]Use this form online you can print out to or save it to your phone Test Result Form.

PDF Editor 07.

PDFRun [URL]https://share.google/iwWY6M3Qi6LjNabUC[/URL].[/QUOTE]So, you are recommending that punters create a bogus HIV test report to prove to hookers that they are HIV free. Do I understand that correctly? Why not just get tested?

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3050999]So, you are recommending that punters create a bogus HIV test report to prove to hookers that they are HIV free. Do I understand that correctly? Why not just get tested?[/QUOTE]This is exactly why I'm amazed any girls ever believe someone showing them a document.

Some of the most reprehensible behaviour humanly possible, evil I'd say. And to save 30 minutes? Like seriously Pulse has last minute online booking, I literally book at the last minute, I hop on the BTS to go there, I just get tested all the time if it's just HIV it's very cheap.

[QUOTE=Parasitius;3051074]This is exactly why I'm amazed any girls ever believe someone showing them a document.[/QUOTE]Which is probably why I've had only 1 girl ask to see documentation. That time it paid off to the tune of 4 sessions with a 19 year old cutie including BBFSCIP.

Last night there was a Rainbow girl who flat out refused BBFS and gave me a lecture on safety. She didn't even want to look at my phone, which had the test reports from the Thai Red Cross, it is even written in both Thai and English. That is more typical.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3051104]Which is probably why I've had only 1 girl ask to see documentation. That time it paid off to the tune of 4 sessions with a 19 year old cutie including BBFSCIP.

Last night there was a Rainbow girl who flat out refused BBFS and gave me a lecture on safety. She didn't even want to look at my phone, which had the test reports from the Thai Red Cross, it is even written in both Thai and English. That is more typical.[/QUOTE]Which ones do you test for? And do you ever ask the girl to show hers?

[QUOTE=Parasitius;3051074]This is exactly why I'm amazed any girls ever believe someone showing them a document.

Some of the most reprehensible behaviour humanly possible, evil I'd say. And to save 30 minutes? Like seriously Pulse has last minute online booking, I literally book at the last minute, I hop on the BTS to go there, I just get tested all the time if it's just HIV it's very cheap.[/QUOTE]Y'all are making this way complicated. In the past month zero chicks have asked to use a condom. In the last 20 years zero chicks have asked to see any paperwork.

It is the same as people insisting you should copy your passport and keep it with you. Only once in any country have I ever been asked for a passport while out and about. It was in Medellin Colombia, immigration was going around the city doing checks. We did not have a passport on us, so immigration called our hotel the verify we had valid stamps when we checked in. Other than that, it would only make it easier to identify you if you are dead. But if you are dead, I do not think you would be in any hurry.

[QUOTE=DicedForm;3051152]Which ones do you test for? And do you ever ask the girl to show hers?[/QUOTE]I don't ask girls to show theirs, remember they like condoms. I don't always get the same testing, but as a minimum I get tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. At least annually, I get tested for many others.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3050999]So, you are recommending that punters create a bogus HIV test report to prove to hookers that they are HIV free. Do I understand that correctly? Why not just get tested?[/QUOTE]What people choose to disclose is their business, it's non of my business what mongers choose to disclose to their ladies / partners. There is another online form that asks how many STIs & sexually transmitted virus you had in the past 5 years and to list timeframe of the 10 escorts you had BBBJ or BBFS sex with. Would you tell your next escort all of this? Or it this non of anyone's Business? If you disagree, please share (:

[QUOTE=HarryReams;3051540]What people choose to disclose is their business, it's non of my business what mongers choose to disclose to their ladies / partners. There is another online form that asks how many STIs & sexually transmitted virus you had in the past 5 years and to list timeframe of the 10 escorts you had BBBJ or BBFS sex with. Would you tell your next escort all of this? Or it this non of anyone's Business? If you disagree, please share (:[/QUOTE]Refusing to answer a question is fine. Telling a lie is low life. Giving a hooker your bogus negative HIV test report to achieve BB services is pond scum.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3051541]Refusing to answer a question is fine. Telling a lie is low life. Giving a hooker your bogus negative HIV test report to achieve BB services is pond scum.[/QUOTE]Totally agree.

[QUOTE=DicedForm;3051152]Which ones do you test for? And do you ever ask the girl to show hers?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3051211]I don't ask girls to show theirs, remember they like condoms. I don't always get the same testing, but as a minimum I get tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. At least annually, I get tested for many others.[/QUOTE]It seems every time I make a statement, something changes. Last night in the room, my girl asked to see my negative HIV test report, while I was fumbling through my phone to find my Red Cross report, she found a picture of her negative HIV test stick. It was one of those tests where one bar is control and the second bar is test result. "HIV" was molded into the test stick. She says she tests monthly.

Do not watch this video if you're anti-tipping or not too generous.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZVf8PDPoP8[/URL]

Hello,

Two of my posts were arbitrarily removed from a well-known Pattaya forum because "bad truths" aren't good for their business. It's well known that those who run this website and their entire entourage have a lot of business interests. So, of course, they are bars, but many other things as well. Therefore, they don't like bad publicit about the city or the country, and they ended up banning me for speaking the truth, but especially for wanting to inform, warn, and help.

I'm not going to give the exact name of the forum. I think everyone knows it; I'm not going to give publicity to these malicious, dishonest people who endanger their community for selfish financial reasons.

It is with the aim of protecting my citizens; they need to know where they are going and what kind of people are around them.

I was robbed for the first time last year after spending 10 years in Thailand by a 20 years old girl. (I am into 18-23 yo girl).

Over the past two or three years in Thailand I have experienced a very recurring and very exponential problem, a problem I knew well back home.

The most recurring problem isn't being robbed, but the deplorable service, because you shouldn't expect good service from these people. And of course, there are health reasons involved.

The root of the problem.

# The Synthetic Drug Crisis Among Thai Youth: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Your field observations after 10 years of stays are confirmed and documented by a solid body of scientific literature. What you describe is not a subjective impression: it is a public health crisis recognized at the international level, with staggering figures.

## 1. The Scale of the Phenomenon: Raw Numbers.

To start with perhaps the most striking figure: among the Thai population aged 15 to 24,39% are involved in illicit drug use (amphetamines, crystal meth, marijuana, heroin, ketamine), representing approximately 2. 7 million young users.

On the seizure side, the volumes are astronomical and give a sense of the available supply. In a single year, Thai authorities recorded 266,726 drug offenders and seized 504.61 million yaba tablets, 12,561 kg of crystal ice, 604 kg of heroin, and 1,206 kg of ketamine. More recently, in 2024, according to the UNODC, a record 236 tonnes of methamphetamine were seized across East and Southeast Asia a 24% increase on the previous year with Thai authorities alone intercepting 139 million yaba pills.

## 2. Yaba: History, Chemistry and Spread.

Understanding where this drug comes from is essential to grasping why it is so deeply rooted in Thai society. Methamphetamine first appeared in Thailand in the 1960's, used primarily by workers to enhance performance in physically demanding professions such as fishing and truck driving. It was then called *ya-khayan*, "the diligence drug. " With the rapid economic expansion of the 1990's, its use spread among young people, and it was renamed *yaba*, meaning "the crazy drug. "

Yaba is a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, mainly produced in Myanmar, and very popular in Thailand and several other Southeast Asian countries. Thai youth use it to improve academic performance, make leisure activities more enjoyable, and escape the loneliness and isolation associated with city life.

This point deserves emphasis: we are not talking solely about a party drug or a street drug. Yaba is perceived by a portion of young people as an academic performance tool, which considerably normalises its initial use.

Thailand is now one of the largest per capita consumers of methamphetamine pills in the world, with young people comprising the majority of consumers.

## 3. The Collapse in Prices: The Multiplying Factor.

Your observation about the "exponential" growth in consumption is largely explained by a brutal economic mechanism. In 2026, a single methamphetamine pill now costs between 30 and 50 baht ($0. 80 $1. 40 USD) cheaper than a plate of pad kaprao at a local street stall. This financial accessibility has moved meth from precarious working-class environments directly into the hands of students.

Massive industrial production from the Golden Triangle region has increased the purity of methamphetamine while notoriously driving down its price, making it more affordable for young people. In 2021, more than one billion methamphetamine tablets were seized in East and Southeast Asia.

## 4. The Age of First Use: An Alarming Reality.

You mentioned initiation as early as age 1314. The scientific data confirms this. Almost 15% of methamphetamine users enrolled in rehabilitation programmes are under the age of 18. More specifically, data shows that 16.5% of Thai teenagers aged 10 to 18 report having used at least one illicit substance.

Among young people aged 15 to 19, approximately 300,000 have identified needs for drug treatment. The Thai youth most involved in drug use are vocational school students, whose consumption is almost double that of regular secondary school students.

An aggravating sociological mechanism must also be noted: children and teenagers are used as couriers by trafficking networks because they face lighter penalties than adults and are less likely to be arrested. They thus participate in transporting and selling drugs in order to earn money for their own consumption.

## 5. Crystal Ice and Ketamine: The Two Other Pillars of the Crisis.

You are right to distinguish the three main substances, as they do not function in the same way or in the same social circles.

Crystal ice is the crystalline, smoked form of methamphetamine purer and more potent than yaba in pill form. Yaba, ice and heroin are the main drugs prevalent in Thailand, but designer drugs such as Happy Water, coffee sachets containing ecstasy, ketamine and LSD have been increasingly found, notably among teenagers who mistakenly believed these substances were harmless and enhanced their enjoyment.

Ketamine follows its own trajectory, more closely associated with nightlife environments (clubs, festivals). It is most commonly insufflated nasally, as you mentioned. Its presence in seizure statistics 1,206 kg in a single year attests to its significant spread.

## 6. The Neurological and Psychiatric Impact: A Documented Disaster.

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that releases high levels of dopamine, enhancing mood in the short term. But in the long term, it causes a reduction in available dopamine, leading to severe mood disorders, paranoia, violent behaviour, depression, psychosis and cardiopulmonary damage.

The consequences for the mental health of Thai youth are now systemic. According to recent data from the ThaiHealth Foundation, nearly 77% of youth mental health complaints are now linked to drug use. Prolonged consumption is driving an explosion of "meth-induced psychosis," where young users experience violent hallucinations and extreme paranoia. In 2024,4. 4 million people sought psychiatric treatment, and waiting times in public hospitals have reached six months.

## 7. The Root Causes: Beyond Simple Availability.

The Thai crisis cannot be explained solely by the abundance of supply. The structural factors are multiple.

On the geographical front, the Golden Triangle the mountainous border region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge once synonymous with opium, has been transformed into a global hub for synthetic drug production. Industrial-scale laboratories in Myanmar's conflict-ridden Shan State, operating in areas beyond government control, churn out pills with near impunity.

On the sociological front, the growing appeal of yaba among Thai youth is linked to its local image as a modern, fashionable consumer commodity an image that stands in striking contrast to its negative portrayal in government and media discourse. The drug's utility is perceived as a means of "keeping up with the demands and expectations of a modern capitalist society. "

On the psychosocial front, initiation stories reveal difficult family dynamics divorce, violence and young users explain that the drug allows them to "stop worrying. " Peer influence is the dominant initiating factor: decisions to try methamphetamine occur in a context where the drug is completely ubiquitous in the immediate social environment.

## 8. The State's Response: Between Repression and Evolution.

The Thai government declared a "War on Drugs" for the 20252026 fiscal year, but with a new approach: the focus is shifting slowly from pure punishment toward a public health-centred model. Rather than sending every user to prison, the government is funding local recovery networks within villages to reduce stigma and allow young people to remain in school while receiving help.

A significant legislative turning point came in 2022, following a tragedy: a police officer suspended for methamphetamine possession carried out a mass shooting at a daycare centre, killing 37 people including 24 children. This event pushed the Ministry of Health to tighten regulations, now classifying possession of more than one pill as drug trafficking.

In summary, what you have been observing for 10 years corresponds precisely to what the international scientific literature documents: a multidimensional crisis, fueled by near-unlimited industrial production in Myanmar, enabled by plummeting prices, rooted in social and economic vulnerabilities, and reaching young people at an ever earlier age. The institutional response, for a long time purely repressive, is only now beginning to integrate a public health dimension but against a backdrop of an already saturated mental health system and six-month waiting times.

# The Social Repercussions of the Drug Crisis in Thailand.

What you observe on the ground notably the increase in crimes and attacks against foreigners is unfortunately consistent with available data. Mass drug addiction, particularly to methamphetamine, never remains an individual phenomenon: it ripples through the entire social fabric with cascading effects.

## 1. The Explosion of Drug-Related Crime: The Numbers.

The correlation between drugs and crime is directly measurable in Thai judicial statistics. Drug cases brought before courts of first instance surged by 25%, rising from 303,884 in 2023 to 382,800 in 2024. That is a brutal indicator of the scale of the phenomenon.

The direct consequence is an unprecedented prison overcrowding crisis. More than 73% of Thailand's prison population is incarcerated for drug-related offences, meaning 210,851 detainees out of 287,050. Prisons designed to hold 110,000 people are operating at nearly 300% capacity. That figure alone summarizes the failure of a system that treats the symptom the prisoner without addressing the root causes.

Thailand's murder rate, after years of decline, has been climbing again: 1. 84 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, then 1.9 in 2022, 2.2 in 2023, and 2. 6 in 2024. This steady progression coincides precisely with the surge in methamphetamine consumption.

## 2. Meth-Induced Psychosis: The Central Crime-Generating Mechanism.

To understand why methamphetamine addicts so often become dangerous, one must understand the neurology of the substance. Meth-induced psychosis is not a rare side effect it is a predictable consequence of prolonged use. The paranoid hallucinations, disorientation, and violent, impulsive behavior it produces transform a young user into a potentially unpredictable and threatening individual. Nearly 77% of youth mental health complaints are now linked to drug use, and meth-induced psychosis characterized by violent hallucinations and extreme paranoia is exploding. An individual in the grip of a methamphetamine psychosis no longer abides by normal social rules, and that is precisely where the danger lies for bystanders, and especially for foreigners who represent a visible and perceived wealthy target.

## 3. Foreigners as Targets: A Documented Reality.

Your observation about attacks on foreigners is confirmed by several converging mechanisms. Crime in Thailand has infiltrated all components of society, and thefts, burglaries and robberies have seen significant increases, with more than 75,000 property offences recorded in a single fiscal year a rise of 10.5% compared to the previous year.

Foreigners make for a prime target for several practical reasons from an addict's perspective: they are often perceived as wealthier, they are less familiar with the local environment and therefore less able to react effectively, and they are more likely to hesitate before filing a complaint, out of unfamiliarity with the Thai police system or fear of being caught up in lengthy legal proceedings. Tourist areas such as Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, and certain Bangkok neighbourhoods concentrate these risks disproportionately.

The island of Koh Tao recorded at least seven murders of foreign nationals between 2014 and 2017, with serious doubts raised about the quality of the police investigations, which were widely criticized.

## 4. The Disintegration of the Family Unit.

Mass drug addiction does not only destroy individuals it devastates families, which form the basic building block of Thai society. In 2024,1. 5 million individuals between the ages of 12 and 65 were recorded as methamphetamine users, of whom 300,000 required medical treatment and 220,000 suffer from documented mental health problems. Behind each of these figures lies a destabilized family often financially ruined by a loved one's drug spending, exposed to domestic violence, and forced to manage a member whose behavior has become entirely unpredictable.

## 5. The Saturation of the Health and Justice Systems.

The mental health system is today on the verge of collapse, with waiting times for a psychiatric consultation reaching six months in public hospitals. In parallel, the justice system is overwhelmed: prison overcrowding remains primarily driven by the criminalization of drugs, which accounts for 70% of the total prison population. Thailand holds the highest incarceration rate in Southeast Asia and the second-highest rate of female imprisonment in the world.

## 6. Corruption as a Systemic Aggravating Factor.

It is impossible to separate the drug crisis from the structural corruption that enables production, trafficking and impunity alike. Criminal networks remain active in human trafficking, money laundering and drug trafficking across Thailand, with members often involved in multiple areas of transnational crime, and state-embedded corruption facilitates trafficking while undermining anti-trafficking efforts. Corrupt police officers, bribed customs officials, compliant local authorities this chain of complicity explains why, despite record seizures, the drug supply does not diminish.

Corruption has even reached Buddhist institutions: several monks have been arrested in possession of methamphetamine, some for selling it, and cases of murders involving clergy have been reported with increasing frequency. When corruption gnaws away at monasteries the moral institutions at the heart of Thai identity it is the entire social bond that is being eroded.

## 7. A State Policy in Contradiction with Itself.

Faced with all of this, the Thai state's response has long been schizophrenic. Reducing the threshold for personal-use methamphetamine possession from 15 pills to 5, then to just 1 risks dramatically escalating targeted police arrests and preventing users from seeking medical help out of fear of being criminalized. In other words, toughening the law without investing in prevention and treatment can paradoxically worsen the security situation, pushing users into the shadows rather than toward care.

In summary, what you have been observing in Thailand over the past 10 years is the visible manifestation of an ongoing social collapse, fueled by a neurologically devastating drug available at a derisory price, within a context of systemic corruption and an undersized healthcare system. Attacks on foreigners are not isolated incidents: they are the predictable symptom of a society in which hundreds of thousands of young people in a state of chronic psychosis circulate without a safety net or adequate support.

Let me be the one to answer your post since your have taken the time to write it. I've not against anything you have written it is all true and more I've seen it up front and live as they say living here going on 20 plus 99.9% of the time with local Thais and it doesn't mean I know everything and I'm right. It is still early you might get some more feedback?

If not it might be because you are on a ISG judging when everyone is here to break the law be immoral and talk about how to go about doing everything the Pope tells us we can't. No more wants to know how fuck up the Thai culture is so most likely others are silently shaking their head WTF is up with this guy! If nothing others are basically censoring you aren't worth their time of the day thinking why are you even here in Thailand. Is it the Temples?

Next, I do know the site you refer you must remember these sites are being monitor by the Thai government like others to make sure first and foremost you not talk about the K the man! I'm not making any excuses for the site they are as you note a bunch of A holes, they must have moderated you and place you with the ladyboy Jenny! This is their stupid child est way of making you beg to stay in their website. I had a good friend who told them including Flowers to go fuck himself that his day is coming and it has. The guy and his group is in so my deep shit soon he going to hang himself along with his buddy Colov!

There is also first and foremost a law here that is very loosely applied " Defamation " writing a small bad review in a hotel expressing freedom of speech as we know doesn't exist here. Even if your comments weren't censor you think it is going to change anything! There are lots of things I would like to change because I have something at stake here unlike many but it isn't happening you wrote wanted to vent that is as far as it goes. It changes nothing otherwise nice writing.

[I]The cabinet on Tuesday decided to end the 60-day visa-free programme for foreign visitors to Thailand, with the timeline for enforcement still being worked out.

The decision meant that the rules for all countries covered by the scheme would revert to the immigration regulations in place before the 60-day programme took effect, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.

Thai authorities for months have been signalling that 60-day stays, introduced to help spur the post-Covid tourism recovery, had brought unintended consequences. Chief among them was the rise in foreigners putting down roots to run businesses or engage in criminal activity.

Mr Surasak did not give an effective date for the change, saying only that the cabinet decision would be relayed to all agencies responsible for the issue.

Foreign visitors already in Thailand or arriving before the new measures take effect will still be allowed to remain under their existing visa conditions until their permitted stay expires.

[b]Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, director-general of the Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a subsequent briefing that the changes would come into effect 15 days after an official announcement is published in the Royal Gazette.[/b]

He said the updated framework would limit each country or territory to a single visa exemption category and revoke the 60 day exemption for all 93 countries or territories.

Eligibility for the 30-day visa exemption will be reduced from 57 countries to 54, he said, declining to name the three to be excluded.

As well, he said, there will be a 15‑day visa exemption for certain countries, along with a streamlined visa‑on‑arrival scheme.[/I]

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: [URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3257580/thailand-ends-60day-visafree-stay.[/URL] View our policies at [URL]http://goo.gl/9HgTd[/URL] and [URL]http://goo.gl/ou6Ip.[/URL] Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

[B]The cancellation of Thailand's 60-day visa-free entry has not yet officially taken effect as of today, May 26, 2026.[/B]

The Thai Cabinet approved the decision to scrap the 60-day scheme on May 19,2026. However, the new rules, which revert most travelers to a 30-day visa exemption, will only come into force 15 days after the official announcement is published in the Royal Gazette.

As of now, the publication date in the Royal Gazette has not been announced, meaning the 60-day visa-free entry is still technically in effect for new arrivals.

[QUOTE=BlackPantherXX;3067579]Thailand finally did what needed to be done, and I'm all for it. Always rooting for the countries that want to protect their legacies and image. I myself Called out the attitude and behavior of western foreigners overseas on this forum and based off what I saw when I go there,. LOL. Now governments are reacting.

Lets go Thailand, lets go Colombia,. Next stop Parque Lleras- Medellin. #All money ain't good money#.[/QUOTE]This is an opinion that is not based on facts and information I am aware of. Here is the reason an official with the Thai Government gave for the change:

[I]Thai authorities for months have been signalling that 60-day stays, introduced to help spur the post-Covid tourism recovery, had brought unintended consequences. Chief among them was the rise in foreigners putting down roots to run businesses or engage in criminal activity.[/I]

For me it's above my pay grade and I have no dog in the fight. My immigration situation in Thailand is handled. I got people for that!

My LINE was registered on my India number. Suddenly I am getting a message on LINE that India number is no longer supported. Does anyone have a solution for this? My account is not linked to any email or apple ID.

Alternatively, I bought a tourist esim from True, the Thai carrier. The esim is not getting activated outside Thailand since the carrier is not sending an OTP for login into the app. Any alternate solution to having a active Thai number for the purpose of LINE account?

On various forums, some people are getting too worked up, claiming Thailand is kicking tourists to the curb and everyone's fleeing to Vietnam. Vietnam is a good place to visit, but it's a completely different vibe—it's not Thailand.

Roughly 95% of visitors to Thailand stay under 15 days. So, that new 60-day visa exemption rolled out in 2024? It's overkill for the vast majority. Even the old 30-day rule worked fine for almost everyone. Thailand's peak tourism year was 2019, back when the 30-day exemption was the standard. The panic is mostly unfounded.

As for me, I've been spending winters in Thailand for 14 years. My routine hasn't changed much. Before 2024 and still today, I just apply for the 60-day tourist visa at the Royal Thai Consulate in LOS Angeles. It's all online now, requires a bit of planning and a small fee, but it's straightforward. Once I'm in the Kingdom, I add a 30-day extension. That's the process, and it works every time.

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;3067685]On various forums, some people are getting too worked up, claiming Thailand is kicking tourists to the curb and everyone's fleeing to Vietnam. Vietnam is a good place to visit, but it's a completely different vibeit's not Thailand.

Roughly 95% of visitors to Thailand stay under 15 days. So, that new 60-day visa exemption rolled out in 2024? It's overkill for the vast majority. Even the old 30-day rule worked fine for almost everyone. Thailand's peak tourism year was 2019, back when the 30-day exemption was the standard. The panic is mostly unfounded.

As for me, I've been spending winters in Thailand for 14 years. My routine hasn't changed much. Before 2024 and still today, I just apply for the 60-day tourist visa at the Royal Thai Consulate in LOS Angeles. It's all online now, requires a bit of planning and a small fee, but it's straightforward. Once I'm in the Kingdom, I add a 30-day extension. That's the process, and it works every time.[/QUOTE][B]Vietnam[/B] would not even make my relocation list a Plan b if I needed one.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3067643]The decision meant that the rules for all countries covered by the scheme would revert to the immigration regulations in place before the 60-day programme took effect,[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=BeachDrone;3067685]Before 2024 and still today, I just apply for the 60-day tourist visa at the Royal Thai Consulate in LOS Angeles. It's all online now, requires a bit of planning and a small fee, but it's straightforward. Once I'm in the Kingdom, I add a 30-day extension. That's the process, and it works every time.[/QUOTE]I hope that "revert to the immigration regulations in place before the 60-day programme took effect" means the E-Visa system and not the system where they paste the visa inside your passport. My last paste-in visa was 2020, which was a pain in the ass. My first E-Visa was early 2022, which was much easier. I've never stayed longer than 50 days, but I make multiple visits per year, hope that is still allowed.

[QUOTE]Yes but it's better to let the riff raff know somehow they're not welcome.[/QUOTE]They are still welcome. The requirements for entry are not being tighten except for one country that I am aware of. I posted an article from the [U]Bangkok Post[/U] below that detailed the official reason for the change. Individuals who are using the current immigration allowances to commit illegal acts are the individuals being addressed by the changes. Most pure tourists stay for less than 30 days. So, tourism is not going be affected at all. Long stay tourists will have a little more hassle. But the system is only returning to the same one I had to deal with when I needed a tourist VISA to stay.

[QUOTE]You can still [b]lie[/b] that you practice muay Thai and get your extension indeed.[/QUOTE]I don't know where this information comes from or if it is valid. I welcome anyone who has more details to expand on it.

[B]I have no dog in the fight![/B]

My VISA details are handled by professionals who deal with immigration issues all the time. I will say that anyone who think Pattaya is Thailand is sadly mistaken. Get outside of the tourist / entertainment districts and you will find a very different vibe. It's funny, after I posted up here individuals challenged me to see other parts of Thailand. I did. They were right! It's different out there.

[QUOTE=TempStories;3067681]My LINE was registered on my India number. Suddenly I am getting a message on LINE that India number is no longer supported. Does anyone have a solution for this? My account is not linked to any email or apple ID.

Alternatively, I bought a tourist esim from True, the Thai carrier. The esim is not getting activated outside Thailand since the carrier is not sending an OTP for login into the app. Any alternate solution to having a active Thai number for the purpose of LINE account?[/QUOTE]How about using a VPN that says you are in Thailand?

[QUOTE=Pokler;3070510]Cash. How easy is it to find legit ATM's? I've gotten ripped off by small ATMs so prefer ones in bank lobby. Easy to find? If I want to pull out say 15 k baht can I or do they limit amounts for a single withdrawal. Should I bring a lot of baht with me by buying at a NY bank?[/QUOTE]Thailand is a modern country with a mature banking system. The only way you won't be able to find a ATM is if you are blind.

Krungsri bank (yellow) ATMs allow up to 30,000 THB withdrawals per transaction. There will be a fee. Make sure to decline conversion during your transaction to avoid a unfavorable exchange rate.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3051541]Refusing to answer a question is fine. Telling a lie is low life. Giving a hooker your bogus negative HIV test report to achieve BB services is pond scum.[/QUOTE]A monger infecting a hooker is not something other mongers will take kindly to.

If a place where you are partying gets raided you need to have valid ID in Thailand.

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3273804/76-test-positive-for-drugs-at-nakhon-pathom-pub[/URL]

[B]Pro Tip[/B]: Get your photo page copied (front) and the page that has your current valid visa stamp (back). Have it laminated same size as your passport or wallet size. Carry that with you. No reason to be on vacation and get hassled over violating an administrative law when it is so easy to avoid it.

Just saying.

[U]One Stop Visa & Drivers License[/U] - located on [B]Soi 6[/B].

[U]April 2026[/U]

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/16-foreign-women-arrested-in-pattaya-for-prostitution-activities[/URL]

[I]Police detained 16 foreign women, primarily from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uganda, for allegedly breaching Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act (1996), which prohibits contacting, soliciting, or approaching individuals in public places for the purpose of prostitution.[/I]

[U]December 2025[/U]

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/16-foreign-women-arrested-in-pattaya-for-prostitution-activities[/URL]

[U]December 2025[/U]

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/12/31/8-foreign-women-arrested-for-prostitution-in-pattaya-police-fined-them-and-held-them-for-deportation/[/URL]

[U]December 2024[/U]

[URL]https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/2928260/20-foreigners-arrested-for-prostitution-in-pattaya[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3076693][U]April 2026[/U]

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/16-foreign-women-arrested-in-pattaya-for-prostitution-activities[/URL]

[I]Police detained 16 foreign women, primarily from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uganda, for allegedly breaching Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act (1996), which prohibits contacting, soliciting, or approaching individuals in public places for the purpose of prostitution.[/I]

[U]December 2025[/U]

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/16-foreign-women-arrested-in-pattaya-for-prostitution-activities[/URL].[/QUOTE]Despite the occasional typically lazy and culturally preferred simple news headline that arrests or round ups were made "For Prostitution", and actually one of those headline writers did put in the extra work by describing it as "Prodtitution Activity", every one of those cases is for the usual addendum and qualifiers clearly cited in the Thai Penal Code, that ACT, by me and others here and not For Prostitution.

Foreign workers with possible visa violations.

Conducting it as a business openly and publicly.

Your last link provides the "tell".

[QUOTE]The arrests followed [b]complaints made by locals and tourists about a group of foreign women standing at various spots along the beach and offering sex for money,[/b] police said.[/QUOTE]By the way, did you know that the term "solicitation" as it pertains to a crime and specifically to Prostitution is actually fairly specific about it being done "in a public space" where casual passers-by or observers can tell exactly what is being said and offered and not about a discrete conversaion? That is obviously the way Thailand sees it too. Otherwise, there would be sting operations set up all over the country with plain clothes officers waiting for the magic words to be whispered by a consenting adult into the microphone hidden in their shirt pocket.

But there are not any of those kind of sting operations going on anywhere in Thailand. They don't even care about pursuing a reasonably presumed private conversation about it digitally / online. Instead, they have to wait until there are public complaints about prostitutes crowding the sidewalks, blocking entrances to nearby businesses, saying the words loud enough for the Anderson Family to know what is being offered as they stroll by to have dinner at Hooters and so on.

[B]Solicitation meaning[/B]

[URL]https://share.google/aimode/3VRX9CXKdNxwQnU43[/URL]

[QUOTE]Legal and Criminal Meanings

Prostitution: Offering sex for money [b]in a public space.[/b]

Solicitation for prostitution.
How the Offense Occurs:
In-Person: Approaching someone [b]on a street or in a public place[/b] to propose a trade.
Digital: Using text messages, dating apps, or websites to arrange a paid sexual meeting.
Sting Operations: Police officers posing online or on the street as buyers or sellers to catch individuals making an offer.[/QUOTE]

The arrests are not being made for independent violations. They are being made because the law has specific language about the conditions that make Prostitution Illegal.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3076808]Despite the occasional typically lazy and culturally preferred simple news headline that arrests or round ups were made "For Prostitution", and actually one of those headline writers did put in the extra work by describing it as "Prodtitution Activity", every one of those cases is for the usual addendum and qualifiers clearly cited in the Thai Penal Code, that ACT, by me and others here and not For Prostitution.

Foreign workers with possible visa violations.

Conducting it as a business openly and publicly.

Your last link provides the "tell".

By the way, did you know that the term "solicitation" as it pertains to a crime and specifically to Prostitution is actually fairly specific about it being done "in a public space" where casual passers-by or observers can tell exactly what is being said and offered and not about a discrete conversaion? That is obviously the way Thailand sees it too.[/QUOTE]

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]

When will the individuals claiming that prostitution is legal explain to me the framework being used to arrest foreign nationals for prostitution in Thailand? I guess a plain reading of the law by lay people and ivory tower observations do not stand up at the street level.

Then we have this:

[I][b]Sex Worker Protection Act[/b] The draft would repeal Thailands prostitution law and recognise sex workers as employees with labour and social security protections.[/I]

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/11/procedural-move-in-parliament-may-well-stall-the-sex-workers-act-making-prostitution-in-thailand-legal/[/URL]

Thailand wants to make something that is already legal, legal?

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3077225]The arrests are not being made for independent violations. They are being made because the law has specific language about the conditions that make Prostitution Illegal.[/QUOTE]Those conditions don't "make Prostitution Illegal" any more than speeding makes driving a car illegal, as was brilliantly explained by another poster previously. It's the conditions that are illegal. None of your linked reports cite a section of any law or ACT that state prostitution to be illegal or a crime but only for the tangential, independent conditions that are illegal and crimes.

From your April 2026 report link:

[QUOTE]Police detained 16 foreign women, primarily from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uganda, for allegedly breaching [b]Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996, which prohibits contacting, soliciting, or approaching individuals in public places for the purpose of prostitution.[/b]
..........
One woman was found to have [b]overstayed her visa [/b]and was handed over to Pattaya City Police Station to face additional immigration charges. The remaining three women are in the process of having their visas revoked and are being held ahead of deportation to their home countries.
[/QUOTE]Your first December 2025 link appears to be the same report as your April 2026 link.

From your second December 2025 link:

[QUOTE]Eight foreign women were arrested early Wednesday along Pattaya Beach Road for [b]soliciting sex in public.[/b] The operation targeted the entrance to Soi 13-13.4, [b]following multiple complaints from local residents and tourists.[/b] Chon Buri Immigration officers led the crackdown, citing concerns over [b]public nuisance [/b]and violations of Thai law.
..........
A total of eight women were apprehended during the operation. Among them were five Ugandans, two Uzbeks, and one Madagascan. Subsequently, the suspects were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning and formal charges. [B]Authorities charged all eight under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996.
The statute criminalises contacting, soliciting, or pestering individuals in public spaces for prostitution. Furthermore, it includes provisions for public nuisance caused by such acts. [/b]Each woman was fined ฿1,000 immediately following the arrest.[/QUOTE]Your December 2024 report linked is very brief and vague, does not cite the section in any law or ACT for which the foreign ladies were arrested but all indications are they were arrested for the exact same tangential, independent reasons the foreign ladies in the above linked reports were arrested for and not "for Prostitution", for which there is no citation in any of your linked reports for which section in any Thai law or ACT that could possibly be applied to it.

[QUOTE]The arrests followed [b]complaints made by locals and tourists [/b]about a group of foreign women standing at various spots along the beach and offering sex for money, police said.

Police[b] monitored the women's behaviour until they confirmed that they were offering sex for money. [/b]The officers arrested 20 suspects, nine Ugandans, eight Uzbeks, two Madagascans and one Rwandan aged between 26 and 51.[/QUOTE]Note that no locals or tourists complained, was pestered by or felt victimized by a public nuisance of any Thai ladies soliciting sex in a public place, only by foreign ladies. And in none of your links is there a report of so much as one customer, potential customer or any man anywhere near or engaged in conversation with those foreign ladies arrested "for Prostitution".

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3077291][URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]

When will the individuals claiming that prostitution is legal explain to me the framework being used to arrest foreign nationals for prostitution in Thailand? I guess a plain reading of the law by lay people and ivory tower observations do not stand up at the street level.

Then we have this:

[I][b]Sex Worker Protection Act[/b] The draft would repeal Thailands prostitution law and recognise sex workers as employees with labour and social security protections.[/I]

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/11/procedural-move-in-parliament-may-well-stall-the-sex-workers-act-making-prostitution-in-thailand-legal/[/URL]

Thailand wants to make something that is already legal, legal?

[B]ROTFLMAO![/B][/QUOTE]If you actually read these reports you link, you'll see the first one is the same old same old about foreign prostitutes apparently making a spectacle if their solicitation for prostitution in a public place and Immigration Police arresting them for visa violations:

[QUOTE]Bangkok police swooped on Sukhumvit Soi 4 after viral videos exposed street prostitution, arresting five foreign women now facing prosecution, deportation and lifetime bans. The raid also exposed [b]legal limits on police powers under Thailands prostitution laws.[/b]
..........
[B]They were charged with soliciting, offering, following or harassing people in public for prostitution. The charge also covers conduct carried out in a manner considered public, shameful or a public nuisance under Thai law.[/b]

Investigators said the alleged offences occurred in full public view on one of Bangkoks best-known entertainment streets. Notably, the investigation relied on both public complaints and evidence circulating online.[/QUOTE]Why weren't they charged with "committing the crime of Prostitution" instead of the same tangential, independent violations for which Thai law and the ACT clearly state are illegal and crimes while mysteriously omitting the simple words that would make Prostitution between consenting adults illegal and a crime?

Oh, and again, why do the police always have to wait until neighbors complain about being able to tell what the solicitations are about shamefully and openly and then they have to observe it from afar themselves before the realize, yep, those foreign ladies sure are shamefully and openly soliciting for prostitution alright?

If the crime was soliciting or offering sex for money anywhere and under any conditions because Prostitution is, according to you, illegal and a crime, why don't plainclothes police just attach a hidden audio / video device, walk up to those ladies up close and personal and record what the ladies say to them? Why bring all this "shamefully and openly" bit into it? LOL. Of course, it is because if the prostitute is discretely offering sex for money one-on-one up close and personal, the police have no case against them.

Can you come up with another reason why they never, never, never do a sting operation like that rather than this "shamefully and openly" stuff?

Your second link specifically spells out what "legalizing" Prostitution rather than simply not citing it as illegal or a crime would pro-actively do on behalf of Prostitutes, which Thailand now considers a legitimate "occupation" if need be, as alluded to in your first link above as well and was the topic Attorney Ben Hart referenced in his blog.

[QUOTE]Thailands bid to [b]legalise and protect sex workers[/b] has been thrown into doubt after Parliament voted 17-6 to classify the landmark reform as a financial bill. The move hands Prime Minister Anutin the power to decide whether the [b]legislation[/b] lives or dies.[/QUOTE]See, you have also inadvertently, apparently, proven my prediction and assessment correct in that the new law proposed for what they repeatedly refer to as "sex workers" in that article is all about "legalizing" Prostitution in Thailand rather than "de-criminalizing" Prostitution in Thailand.

Why aren't they debating about whether or not to "de-criminalize" a behavior you claim is illegal or a crime, contrary to The Thai Penal Code and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, instead of all this talk about "legalizing" it so the state can set regulations, safety measures and collect taxes on the income of it, which is the only thing the state means when they say "make legal" a transaction that already isn't illegal or a crime?

Until now, the entire topic of Prostitution is only referenced in The Thai Penal Code, that ACT and possibly in Immigration rules that forbid foreigners from working at any occupation for money without a Work Visa if not outright forbidding them from "sex work. " The proponent of the proposed law want to move it to the area of business licenses, benefits, insurance, safety regulations, oversight and taxable income. That's "legalization", not "de-criminalization".

I read the entire article. I don't just cherry pick in order to make an argument. I have no need to save face.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]

[QUOTE]Five foreign women have been arrested in a late-night police raid on Bangkoks Sukhumvit Soi 4 after complaints and viral videos [b]exposed alleged street prostitution[/b] in one of the capitals busiest nightlife districts.

All five now face prosecution under [b]Thailands Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Ac[/b]t. Immigration authorities have also begun action to revoke their permission to stay before deporting them and placing them on a permanent blacklist.[/QUOTE]Only in the minds of the delusional do the police make arrests for something that is legal in Thailand.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3077404]I read the entire article. I don't just cherry pick in order to make an argument. I have no need to save face.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]
[Quote]Five foreign women have been arrested in a late-night police raid on Bangkoks Sukhumvit Soi 4 after complaints and viral videos[b] exposed alleged street prostitution[/b] in one of the capitals busiest nightlife districts.[/quote]
Only in the minds of the delusional do the police make arrests for something that is legal in Thailand.[/QUOTE]Yep, alleged [B]street[/B] prostitution. There's the kind of magic word, qualifier and addendum that the Thai Penal Code and Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act specify is when prostitution activity becomes a crime even though Prostitution itself is not a crime. Can you think of any other reason they would include the word [B]street[/B] in the report of those arrests?

Add your quote from the reports you linked to my quotes from them and there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that those arrests were for the tangential and independent "shamefully and openly" "in public places" activity related to prostitution and not "for Prostitution. "

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3077404]I read the entire article. I don't just cherry pick in order to make an argument. I have no need to save face.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]

Only in the minds of the delusional do the police make arrests for something that is legal in Thailand.[/QUOTE]I have no dog in this fight but I have a question. Why did they arrest 5 when there over a 100 prostitues on the same Soi 4 every night?

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;3077452]I have no dog in this fight but I have a question. Why did they arrest 5 when there over a 100 prostitues on the same Soi 4 every night?[/QUOTE]Of all the reported such arrests, I cannot remember any of the prostitutes being Thai.

"The group comprised three Vietnamese women, one Tanzanian woman and one Filipino transgender woman. ".

This is not Law School. I am not in class. I will not be subjected to the Socratic method of teaching of Thai Law by a individual who is not a member of the bar in Thailand.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/07/25/five-foreign-women-arrested-on-saturday-working-as-prostitutes-on-sukhumvit-in-bangkok-to-be-deported/[/URL]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]If you actually read these reports you link, you'll see the first one is the same old same old about foreign prostitutes apparently making a spectacle if their solicitation for prostitution in a public place and Immigration Police arresting them for visa violations[/QUOTE]I am blind and cannot see. But my assistant reads the news stories to me. I understood the arrests to be for Prostitution. [I]Bangkok police swooped on Sukhumvit Soi 4 after viral videos exposed street prostitution[/I]. They only find out about visa violations after the arrests for prostitution.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Why weren't they charged with "committing the crime of Prostitution" instead of the same tangential, independent violations for which Thai law and the ACT clearly state are illegal and crimes.[/QUOTE]I don't know and you don't know either. Perhaps if you were a member of the bar you could call up the prosecutor and ask for some professional courtesy. You could ask them why? Then you could explain it to us. But you are not a member of the bar in Thailand are you. It is a restricted occupation even if you had a work permit. That is why the guy in the video is a managing director instead of an attorney in Thailand. He has a work permit that allows him to be in the office. But he is not allowed to practice law in Thailand.

[B]How do I know this?[/B] It helps me to have an attorney on retainer when dealing with the laws in Thailand. I am a farmer. Farming is a restricted occupation in Thailand. As a foreigner I cannot own land in Thailand. But if I formed a corporation and hired 4 Thai workers I could buy land and farm. Wait, Wait, I couldn't farm but I could get a work permit, my title would be managing director and therefore I could be in the field directing my workers who are actually doing the farming.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Oh, and again, why do the police always have to wait until neighbors complain about being able to tell what the solicitations are about shamefully and openly and then they have to observe it from afar themselves before the realize, yep, those foreign ladies sure are shamefully and openly soliciting for prostitution alright?[/QUOTE][B]Once again you are asking the wrong person.[/B] I am not a law enforcement officer or a member of the bar in Thailand. The police have their Standard Operating Procedures. Perhaps since you speak Thai and I don't you can ask the police and explain it to all of us.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]If the crime was soliciting or offering sex for money anywhere and under any conditions because Prostitution is, according to you, illegal and a crime, [/QUOTE]I never said that. [B]I said prostitution is not legal.[/B]. That has been my position during this entire discussion. You are the one that says [I]under these specific conditions[/I] prostitution has no criminal penalties. That does not make it legal. If it was legal ti would be allowed under all circumstances instead of just [I]under these specific conditions[/I]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]why don't plainclothes police just attach a hidden audio / video device, walk up to those ladies up close and personal and record what the ladies say to them? Why bring all this "shamefully and openly" bit into it? LOL.

Of course, it is because if the prostitute is discretely offering sex for money one-on-one up close and personal, the police have no case against them.[/QUOTE]Objection, Councilor asked and answered his own question incorrectly.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Can you come up with another reason why they never, never, never do a sting operation like that rather than this "shamefully and openly" stuff?[/QUOTE][B]Once again you are asking the wrong person.[/B]

I am not a law enforcement officer or a member of the bar in Thailand. The police have their Standard Operating Procedures. Perhaps since you speak Thai and I don't you can ask the police and explain it to all of us.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Your second link specifically spells out what "legalizing" Prostitution rather than simply not citing it as illegal or a crime would pro-actively do on behalf of Prostitutes, which Thailand now considers a legitimate "occupation" if need be, as alluded to in your first link above as well and was the topic Attorney Ben Hart referenced in his blog.[/QUOTE]That is a correct reading of the article as I understand it.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]See, you have also inadvertently, apparently, proven my prediction and assessment correct in that the new law proposed for what they repeatedly refer to as "sex workers" in that article is all about "legalizing" Prostitution in Thailand rather than "de-criminalizing" Prostitution in Thailand.[/QUOTE]Actually no! I have proven that Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. That is why they propose:

[QUOTE]The draft would repeal Thailands prostitution law and recognise sex workers as employees with labour and social security protections.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Why aren't they debating about whether or not to "de-criminalize" a behavior you claim is illegal or a crime, contrary to The Thai Penal Code and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, instead of all this talk about "legalizing" it so the state can set regulations, safety measures and collect taxes on the income of it, which is the only thing the state means when they say "make legal" a transaction that already isn't illegal or a crime?[/QUOTE]Objection: Speculation [B]Sustained[/B].

[B]Once again you are asking the wrong person.[/B] Perhaps you should ask a member parliament here in Thailand.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]Until now, the entire topic of Prostitution is only referenced in The Thai Penal Code, that ACT and possibly in Immigration rules that forbid foreigners from working at any occupation for money without a Work Visa if not outright forbidding them from "sex work. " [/QUOTE]It is not possible for a foreigner from getting a work permit for [I]sex work[/I]. It is a restricted occupation for Thais.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3077383]The proponent of the proposed law want to move it to the area of business licenses, benefits, insurance, safety regulations, oversight and taxable income. That's "legalization", not de-criminalization".[/QUOTE]This is correct. Why? Because if prostitution was legal in Thailand there would not be a faction of individuals who wanted to make it legal.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B]

[QUOTE=HoustonPlayer;3077452]I have no dog in this fight but I have a question. Why did they arrest 5 when there over a 100 prostitues on the same Soi 4 every night?[/QUOTE]Not a fight brother, a intellectual discussion.

For those that do not understand, street enforcement of the law is not done from Ivory Towers by lay people reading the law and given their interpretation of it. Those who make the best arguments are the ones that call the Police when things go [I]bump in the night[/I]. They have never strapped on iron and confronted a armed suspect in protection of their fellow citizen.

What you are witnessing is called selective enforcement. When crime is being committed there are limited enforcement resources. Those resources are directed by the managers of the Police guided by the Prosecutors of the crimes.

[B]All Law Enforcement is selective Law Enforcement[/B]

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3077468]Of all the reported such arrests, I cannot remember any of the prostitutes being Thai.

"The group comprised three Vietnamese women, one Tanzanian woman and one Filipino transgender woman."[/QUOTE]Right off the bat there is the issue of foreign prostitutes working at a job and earning money with Prostitution who very likely do not have a Work Visa. So that's when Immigration Police have a reason to take over. And along the way they might discover an overstay as well.

But on the issue of the illegal and criminal practice of "shamefully and openly" soliciting for Prostitution "in a public place" and all the usual "pestering", "disturbing the peace", "creating a public nuisance" type of addendum and qualifiers that are the actual crimes committed regarding Prostitution in Thailand under those circumstances, I can only say my experience walking down Soi 4, Soi 7/1, Soi 11 and on Sukhumvit in Bangkok has been that the African girls and yes, the Vietnamese girls, and certainly many Ladyboys of any ethnicity are the ones most grabby and insistent and vocal about wanting me to take them for a Short Time or Long Time. Many times I have had to struggle to extricate myself from an African lady who not only will maintain a grip on my wrist until I have dragged them skidding on the soles of their shoes practically from the Novotel Hotel to Charlie's Kitchen while they're asking if they can kiss me the whole way or a Vietnamese lady who will grab my wrist, not for as long as some African ladies but will still walk along next to me after I have said No Thanks from the front of Maison Hotel to past Fitsgeralds Pub and Restaurant. And we all know about Ladyboy pestering.

Now, I couldn't care less about that kind of pestering. I think its fun and funny. But I am still struggling to loosen their grip or shoo them away so I can go on to my destination.

But I am guessing there are many men from around the world who are not charmed by the behavior, don't think it is funny, are concerned about what the wife and kids might think if the happen to arrive onnthe scene after picking up a chicken skewer down the soi or, these days, definitely don't want the folks back home to see them dragging along a lady or Ladyboy on a YouTube video that might make it look like something it isn't. Or might be repulsed by the physical contact and attention. Whatever.

However, it is very rare that a actual female Thai Prostitute freelancer on the street behaves so aggressively. And especially not when the street is packed with other Thais and tourists to see them doing it so boldly.

But crowds of tourists don't stop some of the African ladies, Vietnamese ladies and Ladyboys I have been grabbed by on those streets.

I think even the police are trying to draw as broad and wide a line as possible between what is illegal and a crime with regard to the way Prostitution is being sold "shamefully and openly" in a public place and the basic exchange of money for sex between consenting adults which is obviously not illegal or a crime in Thailand, for the sake of any ladies who need the money. It just happens that Thai prostitutes don't take giant steps over that broad and wide line and into what is unavoidably obviously illegal and a crime as other Prostitutes do. In my experience at least.

The arrests are being made for Prostitution. If they were selling candy the Police would have no case. It is not possible for a foreign girl to get a work permit for sex work in Thailand.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3078007]The arrests are being made for Prostitution. If they were selling candy the Police would have no case. It is not possible for a foreign girl to get a work permit for sex work in Thailand.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B][/QUOTE]If crowds of African and Vietnamese ladies were confronting tourists on the street, grabbing their hands and insisting the tourist buy their box of World Famous Chocolate or Girl Scout Cookies, I have no doubt the police would arrest them for disturbing the peace, creating a public nuisance, loitering or some such charge.

And check out their visa status along the way.

When they are behaving that way to sell sex, there is a specific charge in the law for that kind of "behavior. " It is stated quite clearly in the Code and the Act and it is the "bahavior" while soliciting for prostitution that is the crime.

What is not stated as a crime or anything illegal is the discrete selling of sex between consenting adults in Thailand. Which is why nobody is arrested, charged, tried, convicted, sentenced or penalized in any way for it in Thailand.

Buying, selling and eating candy and cookies is also neither illegal nor a crime in Thailand.

Or will you now try to unnecessarily spook international tricks, curious P4P girls, anyone else for whom English is not their first language as well as most other casual readers and visitors of this International Sex Guide website over how they'd better stay on the run as fugitives of justice if they dare to eat candy or a cookie in Thailand by posting disingenuous big bold statements on your posts' subject lines such as:

[B]Eating candy and cookies is NOT legal in Thailand![/B]

Can anyone dispute the plain language examples given by the following poster?

[QUOTE=EverythingThai;2981434]If prostitution in Thailand is legal, why is there a whole written law about prostitution describing all the specific situations?

PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF PROSTITUTION ACT be. E. 2539 (1996).

Prevention= the action of stopping something from happening or arising. Suppression / suppress= prevent the development, action, or expression of (a feeling, impulse, idea, etc.); restrain Prostitution= the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. Is there really a whole written law about this, but it is actually legal? I think not. The point of the law is to prevent and suppress prostitution. [b]If it was legal, why does it need to be prevented and suppressed?[/b]

Read the name of the Act. Common sense guys. Now let's exam the specific clauses.

Section 5. Any person who, for the purpose of prostitution, solicits, induces, introduces herself or himself to, follows or importunes a person in a street, public place or any other place, which is committed openly and shamelessly or causes nuisance to the public, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand Baht.

Example foreign man walks up to a lady on beach road or walking street or soi Bukao and asks how much for sex ST. The Thai girl replies with 1000ST. They agree. Even if no one is considered a nuisance, it's considered shameless in Thai culture. The fact this happened and someone may have witnessed it makes it shameless. They both consented. Boom! Section 5 law is broken.

Section 6. Any person who associates with another person in a prostitution establishment for the purpose of prostitution of oneself or another person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding one thousand Baht or to both..[/QUOTE]Would anyone care to dispute the examples given using the plain language of the law? Then explain to me how Prostitution is legal in Thailand.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3078097]What is not stated as a crime or anything illegal is the discrete selling of sex between consenting adults in Thailand. Which is why nobody is arrested, charged, tried, convicted, sentenced or penalized in any way for it in Thailand.[/QUOTE]I will stipulate that the law in Thailand does not address this specific example in a very specific situation, under very specific conditions that you have provided. Give an example (just one) of exactly how these situations occur in Thailand?

Read the code. Prostitution IS ILLEGAL in Thailand but it brings in sex tourists and billions $ of revenue a year to the economy, so the government conveniently looks the other way and lets it happens. Prostitution has always been there. It just became outrageous in public since the 60's with America's rowdy GIs on are and are.

What charges did the gevernment file against the people behind FIWFANS and what happened to them since? May be they did not pay their bribes in time?

The news said they were charged with promoting prostitution, pimping, trafficking ect, anything the government can conveniently throw at them.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3078245]Can anyone dispute the plain language examples given by the following poster?

Would anyone care to dispute the examples given using the plain language of the law? Then explain to me how Prostitution is legal in Thailand.

I will stipulate that the law in Thailand does not address this specific example in a very specific situation, under very specific conditions that you have provided. Give an example (just one) of exactly how these situations occur in Thailand?[/QUOTE]Quoted by you in your post:

[QUOTE]Section 5. Any person who, for the purpose of prostitution, solicits, induces, introduces herself or himself to, follows or importunes a person in a street, public place or any other place, [b]which is committed openly and shamelessly or causes nuisance to the public[/b], shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand Baht.

Example foreign man walks up to a lady on beach road or walking street or soi Bukao and asks how much for sex ST. The Thai girl replies with 1000ST. They agree. Even if no one is considered a nuisance, it's considered shameless in Thai culture. The fact this happened and someone may have witnessed it makes it shameless. They both consented. Boom! Section 5 law is broken.

Section 6. Any person who associates with another person[b] in a prostitution establishment for the purpose of prostitution of oneself or another person[/b] shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding one thousand Baht or to both.[/QUOTE]Ok, see the highlighted qualifiers as cited by that poster who inexplicably tried as persistently as you have to scare International punters on this International Sex Guide website out of the market and curious Thai P4 P providers out of the business by insisting that Prostitution is NOT legal in Thailand and therefore must be illegal and a crime? Well, as it was then and is now successfully refuted, using that Plain Language:

1. Don't solicit for Prostitution [B]openly and shamelessly.[/B].

1 a. Regarding his example, in their heart of hearts those two might feel shameless about it. But maybe not. What if we had every reason to believe both of them felt shame for what they were up to? Then it's not illegal, right? LOL. But I digress. The Code or Act he cited says "openly and shamelessly". Not just one of those ways. Both of those ways. Regardless how they feel about it in their heart of hearts, if two or more people cannot manage to have a conversation or negotiation about Prostitution on Beach Road in Pattaya or on Soi 4, Soi 11, Sukhumvit Road etc in Bangkok without making it "openly" clear to all around what they are saying, then it's time for them to conduct those conversations elsewhere. Probably next to the ice dispenser machine at the back of the nearest 7-11 would be fine. And, hey, it turns out the only ones who do get arrested for that particular Prostitution-related activity, all females and practically all foreigners, are the ones who apparently cannot manage to do it discreetly and privately.

Never heard of anyone getting busted for that particular Prostitution-related activity next to the ice dispenser at the back of a 7-11, have you? Now, don't tell me negotiations have never been conducted there in all of Thailand or on the steps leading up to a bts station or inside a gogo bar. Or are we now to believe Prostitution is only illegal and a crime in Thailand if the negotiations for it are conducted on Beach Road in Pattaya, on Soi 4 and Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok?

Can anyone imagine the law forbidding murder while qualifying that it's illegal, a crime and carries a heavy penalty if it is performed "openly and shamelessly, causes a public nuisance" and so on but otherwise the state has no opinion and nothing to say about it? Oh, also don't do it in a Murder Establishment. And imagine if they also just couldn't form the Plain Language to mention the penalty for good old fashioned hidden and shameful murder by Colonel Mustard, in the parlor, with a candlestick? Ridiculous.

2. Don't solicit for Prostitution in a manner that [B]causes nuisance to the public.[/B].

3. As has been stated over and over again, [B]Prostitution establishments[/B] are illegal in Thailand and operating one, being "employed" as a Prostitute in one or patronizing one for the purpose of Prostitution is forbidden by that Act. I would suggest you go into establishments for the purpose of getting a massage, having a drink, watching exotic dancing, meeting new people and making friends and then see what happens.

Who knows, you might meet a consenting adult in there who makes a discrete and personal decision to exchange sex for money with you. For which there is zero Section in either The Thai Penal Code or the Prevention and Suppresion of Prostitution Act as well as zero Plain Language sentence in either one that cites that behavior as well as the actual act of having sex in exchange for money as illegal, a crime or subject to a fine, imprisonment or any other penalty whatsoever.

Until someone can produce and quote the Plain Language statement in any Thai Penal Code or Act that states thr penalty for consenting adults engaging in Prostitution, sex for money or money for sex, or any credible news report of consenting adults getting arrested just for that with no qualifiers about where and how openly and shamelessly the solicitation for it was in a public place causing a nuisance, then I have no choice but to firmly conclude that Prostitution between consenting adults is neither illegal nor a crime in Thailand whether or not the state decides to "legalize" it for the purposes of allowing those aforementioned currently illegal Prostitution Establishments to be set up, regulated and taxed.

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;3078296]Read the code. Prostitution IS ILLEGAL in Thailand but it brings in sex tourists and billions $ of revenue a year to the economy, so the government conveniently looks the other way and lets it happens. Prostitution has always been there. It just became outrageous in public since the 60's with America's rowdy GIs on are and are.

What charges did the gevernment file against the people behind FIWFANS and what happened to them since? May be they did not pay their bribes in time?

The news said they were charged with promoting prostitution, pimping, trafficking ect, anything the government can conveniently throw at them.[/QUOTE]Yep, promoting, pimping and trafficking prostitution are cited in The Thai Penal Code as crimes with specific penalties set for them. The same with age restrictions, forcing someone to do it, living off the proceeds that a Prostitute earns if you are over the age of 16, etc.

The Plain Language for those qualifiers and addendum that make certain Prostitution-related activities illegal have been quoted many times on this website, the result always being showing where those qualifiers and addendum are the crimes but not the Prostitution part of it.

There is no Section in Title IX of the Code, where laws related to sex are explained, that cites a crime or a penalty for the simple act of Prostitution between consenting adults.

[URL]https://www.thailandlawonline.com/table-of-contents/criminal-law-translation-thailand-penal-code[/URL]

If you have read The Thai Penal Code and discovered in it a sentence or two that convinces you that consenting adults exchanging sex for money is illegal, please quote those sentences in full here so the rest of us can read them and agree with you.

You will be the first one in the history of ISG to find and quote such a thing.

Now, on a related matter, over the years of living in Thailand I have known owners and operators of a Massage / Spa / Blow Job Bar and a Happy Ending Massage Shop quite well. The Farang and Thai owners of them. Right in ground zero for P4 P in Bangkok, minutes walks from BTS Nana and Sukhumvit / Asoke. I have asked them about these "bribes" they supposedly must surely pay the police or the government in order to stay open and run their businesses where, coincidently, despite their businesses offering therapeutic massage to the public, it turns out some of their staff make discreet and private agreements to exchange various forms of sex for money.

Both of them said they have never paid anyone a bribe to stay open and run their little therapeutic massage shops. And they have never been approached by anyone in authority asking for or demanding such a "bribe". But those are only two examples.

I have also known hundreds of street, club and online Freelancers. In no case has one ever mentioned even in passing a "bribe" they have had to pay in order to ply their trade without getting arrested and charged with a crime. Apparently they have no problem doing what they do for a living without committing a crime as long as they don't commit specifically qualified Prostitution-activity clearly spelled out in The Thai Penal Code. And since they were consenting adults merely exchanging sex for money there was no crime for which to arrest and charge them. The same for me, the one paying the money for sex.

But back to the bottom line point here, please be the first in the history of ISG to quote the sentences in The Thai Penal Code linked above that have convinced you that the consenting adult women who gave me sex for money and / or I, the one paying the money for sex, have engaged in something illegal and committed a crime in Thailand and what is the penalty for it.

Thank you.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3078245]Can anyone dispute the plain language examples given by the following poster?

Would anyone care to dispute the examples given using the plain language of the law? Then explain to me how Prostitution is legal in Thailand.

I will stipulate that the law in Thailand does not address this specific example in a very specific situation, under very specific conditions that you have provided. Give an example (just one) of exactly how these situations occur in Thailand?[/QUOTE]I should have mentioned this about that poster's example in my previous response as well:

[QUOTE]Example foreign man walks up to a lady on beach road or walking street or soi Bukao and asks how much for sex ST. The Thai girl replies with 1000ST. They agree. Even if no one is considered a nuisance, it's considered shameless in Thai culture. The fact this happened and someone may have witnessed it makes it shameless. They both consented. Boom! Section 5 law is broken.[/QUOTE]Spinning and twisting the Plain Language in Section 5 of Title IX of The Thai Penal Code has long been a favorite method of the "Prostitution is not legal in Thailand" or "Prostitution is illegal in Thailand" crowd to make their unsubstantiated claims and that Section is indeed almost the only Section ever cited in a report of Prostitutes getting arrested or rounded up, invariably in crowded public places.

So this would be a good time to point out how often those news reports include the fact that the police responded to a complaint but first had to observe the scene for a while themselves in order to come to the conclusion by their judgement that solicitation for Prostitution was indeed taking place openly and shamelessly or causing a public nuisance. Hell, at some time they might have been standing in the distance watching one of those African ladies dragging behind me with a death grip on my wrist for more than 200 meters on Soi 4 for all I know.

But that sequence of events in those reports makes it clear that Thai police can not and do not make an arrest based on Section 5 of Title IX of the Code simply on the say-so of someone who claims they were personally made to feel uncomfortable or annoyed by it. The police must first observe the activities themselves for a while so they can justify an arrest based on their own lawfully backed observation and judgement and not on the personal opinion of any Thai person in the vicinity who claims the solicitation was being done "shamelessly".

The same way an arrest for "reckless driving" under certain circumstances absent any other specific violation such as driving over the posted speed limit, during a rain storm for instance, can be made based on the police observation and judgement that someone was driving recklessly while the opinion of someone else who might have complained about it is irrelevant.

Oh, and a reminder here that a specific "reckless driving" violation in the observed judgement of a police officer does not magically make driving a car Illegal and a crime any more than violating the clear and specific qualifying details and Plain Language of Section 5 of Title IX in The Thai Penal Code magically makes Prostitution between consenting adults illegal and a crime in Thailand. The police arrest you for "reckless driving", not for "driving".

I might as well post this now that the discussion of this topic has continued. And I should correct myself for referring to a previous poster's citing of Secion 5 as coming from The Thai Penal Code. It turns out the Section 5 that was quoted stating that soliciting for prostitution "openly and shamelessly in a public place, creating a nuisance for the public" etc is illegal and subject to whatever penalty comes from The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996. The Thai Penal Code makes no mention of such a Prostitution-related activity being illegal.

In fact, The Thai Penal Code barely mentions anything at all about prostitution as it relates to a prostitute and a customer. There is only a punishment spelled out for pimps, recruiters and traffickers as in "Whoever, in order to gratify the sexual desire of another person, procures, seduces or takes away for indecent act the man or woman with his or her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years and fined of two thousand to twenty thousand Baht" in Section 282. And then there is the stuff about it being illegal for someone over the age of 16 to "subsist on the earnings of a prostitute" with an elaboration of when and how exceptions are made for that law as well as for someone who "habitually" subsists on a prostitute's earnings, taking his or her money, getting involved in her job as though he / she is her business partner and so on. See Section 286.

Other than that, The Thai Penal Code has virtually nothing to say about what happens between consenting adults as it relates to sexuality, paid or not.

[B]Thai Penal Code.
Thai Criminal Law.
TITLE IX
Offenses Relating to Sexuality[/B]

[URL]https://www.thailandlawonline.com/table-of-contents/criminal-law-translation-thailand-penal-code[/URL]

[QUOTE].........
Section 277 Whoever, has sexual intercourse with a girl not yet over fifteen years of age and not being his own wife, whether such girl shall consent or not, shall be punished with imprisonment of four to twenty years and fined of eight thousand to forty thousand Baht. If the commission of the offence according to the first paragraph is committed against a girl not yet over thirteen years of age, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of seven to twenty years and fined of fourteen thousand to forty thousand Baht, or imprisonment for life.
..........
Section 282 Whoever, in order to gratify the sexual desire of another person, procures, seduces or takes away for indecent act the man or woman with his or her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment of one to ten years and fined of two thousand to twenty thousand Baht.

If the commission of the offence according to the first paragraph is occurred to the person over fifteen years but not yet over eighteen years of age, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years and fined of six thousand to thirty thousand Baht.
..........
Section 286 Any person, being over sixteen years of age, subsists on the earning of a prostitute, even it is some part of her incomes, shall be punished with imprisonment of seven to twenty years and fined of fourteen thousand to forty thousand Baht, or imprisonment for life.

Any person has no other apparent or sufficient means of subsistence, and:

Is found residing or habitually associating with one or more prostitutes;
Takes board and lodging, or receives money or any other benefit arranged for by a prostitute; or
Take part in order to help any prostitute in her quarrel with her customer,
The provisions of this Section shall not be applied to any person who receives maintenance from a prostitute who is bound to give maintenance according to law or morality.[/QUOTE]It's easy to quote from and examine every sentence of The Thai Penal Code to discover that there is not one sentence in it stating that it is illegal, a crime or subject to any punishment at all for consenting adults who have attained age 18 to engage in prostitution.

However, the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act is trickier. It's not trickier to read and clearly see that it also does not state that it is illegal, a crime or subject to any punishment at all for consenting adults who have attained age 18 to engage in prostitution. That is consistent for both documents. What is trickier is unless I have just not found an alternative it is either only available as a pdf file download, from which I have not been able to select, copy and paste individual sections or sentences for examination or, as in the format I included here; not a pdf file but in online accessible print form from which I still can't select, copy and paste individual sections and sentences.

If anyone here knows of a source or way that can be done, let us know.

Anyway, here is a link to that online-accessible English translation of it. And, for the hell of it, I did capture three screenshots of the pertinent Sections from the pdf file version and have added them as photo attachments below. Not a great solution. But better than nothing I suppose. So get a magnifying glass, zoom in and enjoy.

[B]Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. [/B]

Sections 1 thru 13 are the ones that address questions of punishable crimes in Thailand related to Prostitution:

[URL]https://www.dwf.go.th/uploads/Downloads/2b8e484a-1e24-4a1f-bd1e-cda334334b77Prevention%20and%20Suppression%20of%20Prostitution%20Act%20BE%202539.pdf[/URL]

As is the case with the Thai Penal Code, the "procures" part obviously refers to pimps, recruiters and traffickers and not ordinary customers, as becomes clear if you read everything related to "procuring, seducing or taking away" someone for the purpose of prostitution even if the pimp or procurer becomes one of that trafficked prostitutes customers.

Otherwise, as is also the case in the Thai Penal Code, there is no mention of criminal activity or punishment for having sex for any reason, including in exchange for money, with any consenting adult over the age of 18.

If you see a sentence or two in either one of them that states otherwise, please cite it so we can all read it become enlightened.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3078493]However, the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act is trickier. It's not trickier to read and clearly see that it also does not state that it is illegal, a crime or subject to any punishment at all for consenting adults who have attained age 18 to engage in prostitution. That is consistent for both documents. What is trickier is unless I have just not found an alternative it is either only available as a pdf file download, from which I have not been able to select, copy and paste individual sections or sentences for examination or, as in the format I included here; not a pdf file but in online accessible print form from which I still can't select, copy and paste individual sections and sentences.

If anyone here knows of a source or way that can be done, let us know.

Anyway, here is a link to that online-accessible English translation of it. And, for the hell of it, I did capture three screenshots of the pertinent Sections from the pdf file version and have added them as photo attachments below. Not a great solution. But better than nothing I suppose.[/QUOTE]Using Safari on iOS / iPadOS / MacOS you can open the pdf and then export to the Preview app for full find / copy / paste capability.

[QUOTE=Zumer;3078510]Using Safari on iOS / iPadOS / MacOS you can open the pdf and then export to the Preview app for full find / copy / paste capability.[/QUOTE]Would that also work with an Android device? Android devices are the only devices I currently use.

Well, anyway, what I did post that included a link to and the pertinent excerpts from the Thai Penal Code, a link to the version of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996 that does not require downloading a file to read it as well as screenshots of the pertinent pages from that Act ought to be enough for anyone who thinks they see a phrase, a sentence or two in the Code and / or the Act that states the exchange of money for sex between consenting adults to be illegal, a crime and punishable by whatever penalty to reference and point out where exactly they think that is stated.

Spoiler Alert: that is not stated anywhere in the Code or the Act.

Let's see if this sticks for a couple of months until some other posters come along to grandly declare that prostitution is illegal and a crime in Thailand and, oh look, 5 more rowdy and boisterous African ladies and 3 more grabby and stubbornly determined Vietnamese ladies got busted "for prostitution" on Beach Road in Pattaya and Soi 4 in Bangkok in the middle of a crowded Mother's Day Celebration! LOL.

Thanks again.

[U]I posted the following in November of 2023[/U]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032]I was on the street today and saw: Sell 32700 Buy 32600 a Bhat. That is a 100 THB spread between buying and selling. That is an immediate loss. But I cannot buy a shirt for 100 THB. Well that is a lie, I actually I could, just not one I would want to wear.[/QUOTE]The price of 1 Baht of Gold today: [B]69206[/B]. I am still holding!

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3078547]Would that also work with an Android device? Android devices are the only devices I currently use.[/QUOTE]Preview is Apple's built-in PDF Editor app. For Android, you could probably accomplish the same thing with a PDF editing app like Xodo or PDFgear. There are tons of other apps available as well, but I'm not that familiar with the Android space any longer.

Does not sound like it was a very pleasant experience for some swimmers.

[URL]https://thepattayanews.com/2026/08/09/oil-like-material-washes-ashore-on-koh-larn-beaches-coating-some-swimmers/[/URL]

Feb 2025 25 women were arrested on Soi 4 for prostitution, including 6 Thai nationals. Additionally, there were 7 Vietnamese, 11 women from Tanzania, and one from Kenya.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/02/12/nana-street-hookers-arrested-in-police-crackdown-on-prostitution-and-drugs-in-favourite-tourist-haunt/[/URL]

Police arrested six foreign women for prostitution in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok on May 7.

Pic shows sidewalk in front of hotel La Maison on Soi 4.

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/6-foreign-women-detained-for-prostitution-in-bangkok[/URL]

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;3079445]Feb 2025 25 women were arrested on Soi 4 for prostitution, including 6 Thai nationals. Additionally, there were 7 Vietnamese, 11 women from Tanzania, and one from Kenya.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2025/02/12/nana-street-hookers-arrested-in-police-crackdown-on-prostitution-and-drugs-in-favourite-tourist-haunt/[/URL][/QUOTE]From the report, that you didn't quote:

[QUOTE]Those arrested in the crackdown were linked with [b]prostitution activities.[/b] Some of those taken into custody were transgender women.

Later, police revealed that some of the women were charged with[b] public order offenses, such as causing a nuisance in a public place[/b]. However, four of the women were charged with[b] illegally being in the kingdom.[/b]

Finally, one was charged with [b]possession of goods which have not been taxed.[/b][/QUOTE]Prostitution "activities" that are clearly stated as crimes in the Thai Penal Code and Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act while actual prostitution between consenting adults is nowhere to be found?

Causing a nuisance in a public place?

Illegally being in the Kingdom?

Possession of goods that have not been taxed? Would that be their 2-3 physical money-makers, the commercial use of which the government is considering to "make legal" and "legalize" so they can be taxed?

I wonder why no Prostitution customers were arrested and none of the prostitutes were arrested for, you know, exchanging sex for money or even discussing and agreeing to exchange sex for money.

Do you have any idea why they weren't arrested for those things?

I do. LOL.

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;3079456]Police arrested six foreign women for prostitution in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok on May 7.

Pic shows sidewalk in front of hotel La Maison on Soi 4.

[URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/6-foreign-women-detained-for-prostitution-in-bangkok[/URL][/QUOTE]From the report, that you didn't quote:

[QUOTE]The arrests took place in Soi Sukhumvit 4 after officers launched an investigation into suspected [b]prostitution activities[/b] in the neighbourhood. According to reports, several residents complained that groups of foreign women were [b]soliciting clients in public areas and negatively affecting the areas image among tourists.[/b]

During the operation, police[b] observed [/b]a group of foreign women standing along the roadside and allegedly approaching passersby, particularly foreign men, to promote sex services. Officers arrested six women at the scene, including five Vietnamese nationals and one Uzbek national.[/QUOTE]Yep. More arrests for the same old same old Section 5 violations in the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act and similar citations in the Thai Penal Code that have been examined and discussed at length for years while nobody can find the words, phrase or sentence buried deep in any paragraph of either that makes, you know, exchanging sex for money or money for sex between consenting adults a crime or punishable by any penalty whatsoever.

Again, do you have any idea why no prostitution customers were arrested in those cases and none of the prostitutes were arrested for exchanging sex for money or even for agreeing to exchange sex for money?

I do. LOL.

[QUOTE]Again, do you have any idea why no prostitution customers were arrested in those cases and none of the prostitutes were arrested for exchanging sex for money or even for agreeing to exchange sex for money?[/QUOTE]Yes I do. I've already covered before it is called Selective Enforcement of the law.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3077565]For those that do not understand, street enforcement of the law is not done from Ivory Towers by lay people reading the law and given their interpretation of it. Those who make the best arguments are the ones that call the Police when things go [I]bump in the night[/I]. They have never strapped on iron and confronted a armed suspect in protection of their fellow citizen.

What you are witnessing is called selective enforcement. When crime is being committed there are limited enforcement resources. Those resources are directed by the managers of the Police guided by the Prosecutors of the crimes.

[B]All Law Enforcement is selective Law Enforcement[/B][/QUOTE]I shall now expand on my original thought.

[U]Follow the money[/U]

Significant revenue is generated from sex tourism. This creates a vested interest in tolerating the industry rather than eradication. Crackdowns are rare because permanent closure would harm local economies and tax revenues. Have you ever met a girl working in the Entertainment industry who was not from ISAN?

[U]Incentives[/U]

Incentives may be in place to cause the controlling legal authorities to focus enforcement efforts on other areas of the law other than strict enforcement of prostitution violations.

[U]Politics[/U]

There may be no incentives (or many incentives) for the directors of law enforcement resources to enforce (or not enforce) the law in a certain manner.

[URL]https://bangkokafterdark.com/is-prostitution-legal-in-thailand-laws-explained/[/URL]

It's all in the article. I am surprised how much information that has been written in plain language about this issue that goes ignored by the strongest advocates that prostitution is legal in Thailand.

If prostitution is legal in Thailand why hasn't anyone been able to produce a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that says so?

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3079636]Yes I do. I've already covered before it is called Selective Enforcement of the law.

I shall now expand on my original thought.

[U]Follow the money[/U]

Significant revenue is generated from sex tourism. This creates a vested interest in tolerating the industry rather than eradication. Crackdowns are rare because permanent closure would harm local economies and tax revenues. Have you ever met a girl working in the Entertainment industry who was not from ISAN?

[U]Incentives[/U]

Incentives may be in place to cause the controlling legal authorities to focus enforcement efforts on other areas of the law other than strict enforcement of prostitution violations.[/QUOTE]What exactly is the punishment for the crime of prostitution in Thailand? What is the punishment for the crime of agreeing to pay a woman (or man) for their sexual services in Thailand? Produce those punishments as written in the law code and we'll all know that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, rather than illegal in name only.

[QUOTE=HSendatsu;3079693]What exactly is the punishment for the crime of prostitution in Thailand? What is the punishment for the crime of agreeing to pay a woman (or man) for their sexual services in Thailand? Produce those punishments as written in the law code and we'll all know that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, rather than illegal in name only.[/QUOTE]Here you go!

[QUOTE]Every now and then I kind of reiterate this: [b]yes prostitution is illegal in Thailand[/b].

Again I am an American Attorney, I am not a Thai lawyer, I am not a Thai Attorney. I am the Managing Director of the firm but we do provide these videos for sort of informational purposes only. I discussed with the Thai lawyers in our office, the analysis of this I am going to do right here and they have said, "[u]yeah this is basically the situation in Thailand.[/u]"

[b]So the thing to take away from this video and to understand is Yes prostitution is illegal in Thailand[/b] but No in Thailand they are not going out of their way to regulate or in any way really scrutinize the goings-on of what happens between consenting adults behind closed doors; that is not the main thrust of law enforcement's endeavours here in Thailand.[/QUOTE][URL]https://legal.co.th/resources/thailand-criminal-law/criminal-jurisprudence-thailand/prostitution-legal-or-illegal-thailand/[/URL]

Now each and every [B]International Trick[/B] Thailand can make their own decisions as to how to conduct their affairs. But remember, [I]So and So said it was legal[/I] is not going to be allowed as a defense if a situation arises with you personally. Ignorance of the law will never be allowed as a defense.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3079851]Here you go!

[URL]https://legal.co.th/resources/thailand-criminal-law/criminal-jurisprudence-thailand/prostitution-legal-or-illegal-thailand/[/URL]

Now each and every [B]International Trick[/B] Thailand can make their own decisions as to how to conduct their affairs. But remember, [I]So and So said it was legal[/I] is not going to be allowed as a defense if a situation arises with you personally. Ignorance of the law will never be allowed as a defense.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B][/QUOTE]So, they go after you if you engage in a notorious way, like some other posters said and as is written in the penal code.

Still, prostitution in a covert way (as in private conversation between consenting adults) is not prosecuted by law (it has no punishment in the Thai legal code). So, is prostitution legal in Thailand? No, it is not. Is it illegal? In some cases (the ones in the law code). The rest of cases are neither legal nor illegal (technically they are illegal, but there are no fines or prison time for them).

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3079851]Here you go!

[URL]https://legal.co.th/resources/thailand-criminal-law/criminal-jurisprudence-thailand/prostitution-legal-or-illegal-thailand/[/URL]

Now each and every [B]International Trick[/B] Thailand can make their own decisions as to how to conduct their affairs. But remember, [I]So and So said it was legal[/I] is not going to be allowed as a defense if a situation arises with you personally. Ignorance of the law will never be allowed as a defense.

[B]The Defense Rests![/B][/QUOTE]Let's quote his entire point:

[QUOTE]So the thing to take away from this video and to understand is Yes prostitution is illegal in Thailand but No in Thailand they are not going out of their way to regulate or in any way really scrutinize the goings-on of what happens between consenting adults behind closed doors; that is not the main thrust of law enforcement's endeavours here in Thailand. That being said, don't push it basically. I mean don't go making [b]internet websites[/b] dedicated to this illicit activity. [B]Again, what consenting adults do is one thing behind closed doors but again this sort of open and notorious side of things, that's where you can see some real problems and that is where I think the analysis at least in my mind that's where the analysis flows when I look at this article or when I was reading this article and that's why I decided to go ahead and make this video.[/b][/QUOTE]See, you omitted the critical part that the bust he was referring to was the closure of a Thai-based website [B]openly and shamelessly [/B], "open and notorious", as he puts it, advertising actual sex acts in exchange for money.

And to actually answer the very good question you were supposedly answering here about what the punishment is in Thailand for exchanging money for sex, prostitution, between consenting adults; the answer is none. In fact, Thailand goes so far in "not going out of their way to regulate or in any way really scrutinize the goings-on of what happens between consenting adults behind closed doors" they have not even created a law forbidding it, making it a crime or punishing anyone in any way for doing it as long as it occurs between consenting adults.

He should ask the Thai attorneys in his office if they think Smiling While Driving is illegal / NOT legal in Thailand. Applying their same definition if it regarding regulations and scrutinization of prostitution, they have no choice but to declare they think Smiling While Driving is illegal / NOT legal in Thailand either.

[B]Has the jury reached a verdict?

Yes, Your Honor. The jury finds the defendants Not Guilty due to lack of a crime cited by any of the authorities and witnesses or presented by the Prosecution.[/B]

Sold some gold at 68,550.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;2867032][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I was on the street today and saw: Sell 32700 Buy 32600 a Bhat. That is a 100 THB spread between buying and selling. That is an immediate loss. But I cannot buy a shirt for 100 THB. Well that is a lie, I actually I could, just not one I would want to wear.[/QUOTE]Brief review of posts from others about gold will reveal some interesting comments. It will also become obvious why I don't take financial or legal advice from [B]International Tricks[/B].

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3080398]Sold some gold at 68,550.

Brief review of posts from others about gold will reveal some interesting comments. It will also become obvious why I don't take financial or legal advice from [B]International Tricks[/B].[/QUOTE]Just saw that in the quoted comment there must be a typo. Otherwise you could just buy all the gold you can and immediately sell it turning a profit (100 baht per purchase).

Yes, but is prostitution legal in Thailand?

[QUOTE=HSendatsu;3080422]Just saw that in the quoted comment there must be a typo. Otherwise you could just buy all the gold you can and immediately sell it turning a profit (100 baht per purchase).[/QUOTE]On 16/08/2569 in Pattaya, Thailand Gold was 68550 Buy 68750 Sell.

Wrote the following on 11/09/23:

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;286703][B]I see gold as a store of value.[/B] I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I was on the street today and saw: Sell 32700 Buy 32600 a Bhat. That is a 100 THB spread between buying and selling. That is an immediate loss. But I cannot buy a shirt for 100 THB. Well that is a lie, I actually I could, just not one I would want to wear.

I don't need luck. Like you said, I am smart. That means I am smart enough to understand how the gold system in Thailand works. Then use it for my purposes and goals. They may not be your purposes and goals. But that is ok.[/QUOTE]The gold shop is willing to buy from you at the buy price and sell to you at the sell price.

[B]I hope this helps[/B]

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3080476]Yes, but is prostitution legal in Thailand?[/QUOTE]The discreet negotiation, agreement and exchange of money for sex between consenting adults is every bit as "illegal", "not legal" or a "crime" subject to arrest, indictment, trial, sentence and punishment by fine and / or imprisonment in Thailand as is drinking water through a straw.

Don't take my word for it. Anyone can read the Thai Penal Code and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996 and it is guaranteed you will find exactly as many Citations, Sections and Plain Language statements explicitly forbidding and the stated punishment for the simple discreet agreement and act of prostitution between consenting adults as there are for drinking water through a straw.

There are also as many cases on the Thai ledgers of consenting adults being arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced for discreetly agreeing to and engaging in prostitution as there are for drinking water through a straw. That's a fact.

Scary, huh?

Not only that but all indications are we could find Thai attorneys who believe drinking water through a straw is "illegal" or "not legal" as well since, you know, there is no Plain Language statement in the Code or the Act that outright says drinking water through a straw is "legal" and the government has not "legalized" it for the purposes of permitting ads, issuing a business license to officially allow a commercial drinking water through a straw service and then to collect taxes on the transaction.

So that might be worth serious consideration, too.

Of course, as always, YMMV.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3080476]Yes, but is prostitution legal in Thailand?[/QUOTE]I don't know but it would be nice to have some discussion about it on these forums.

Thai minister rejects 'Israeli territory' claim during Phuket inspection.

[QUOTE]Thai officials inspecting the Chabad House in Patong, Phuket, were met with an unusual exchange on July 23 when a man allegedly claimed the premises were Israeli territory.

This is Thailand. Everyone on Thai soil must comply with Thai law. No one has the right to claim sovereignty over Thailand.[/QUOTE][URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/chabad-house-phuket-inspection-israeli-territory-claim[/URL]

This is what happens when individuals think they know more than the Thai people that live and work here.

[B]Thai Police Crackdown on Foreign Property[/B]

[URL]https://youtu.be/RnTpMZXaOdg[/URL]

This is an example of why I say Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. When the controlling legal authorities decide to look at an issue it is the totality of the circumstance that come into play. In the entire history of ISG no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the Bar in Thailand that says Prostitution is Legal. But if you are using the color of law to avoid a specific prohibition in Thailand, then you subject yourself having a civil or criminal complain brought against you.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/08/16/campaign-against-foreign-owned-property-and-business-on-koh-samui-and-koh-phangan-now-targets-leases/[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081054][B]Thai Police Crackdown on Foreign Property[/B]

[URL]https://youtu.be/RnTpMZXaOdg[/URL]

This is an example of why I say Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. When the controlling legal authorities decide to look at an issue it is the totality of the circumstance that come into play. In the entire history of ISG no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the Bar in Thailand that says Prostitution is Legal. But if you are using the color of law to avoid a specific prohibition in Thailand, then you subject yourself having a civil or criminal complain brought against you.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/08/16/campaign-against-foreign-owned-property-and-business-on-koh-samui-and-koh-phangan-now-targets-leases/[/URL][/QUOTE]The laws and regulations regarding Thai nominees for foreign property or business ownership have been clear and on the books for a long, long time.

This isn't a matter of Thai Police Officer Fred selectively enforcing a law that isn't in any Code or Act because someone failed to gift him with rice money last week or because it simply bugs him to see a farang business operating without a proper Thai nominee involved.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081104][b]The laws and regulations regarding Thai nominees for foreign property or business ownership have been clear and on the books for a long, long time.[/b][/QUOTE]The laws that specifically describe behaviors relating to prostitution that make it illegal have been on the books for a long time. But they are selectively enforced as all laws are in all nations because law enforcement resources are limited.

I also appreciated the fact that you demonstrated how there is selective enforcement of the law. Unless you are trying to tell me that this is the first time in the history of ISG that someone has pointed out that laws are selectively enforced. Or is it that this the first time the laws referenced in the OPs comments are being broken in Thailand.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081104]This isn't a matter of Thai Police Officer Fred selectively enforcing a law that isn't in any Code or Act because someone failed to gift him with rice money last week or because it simply bugs him to see a farang business operating without a proper Thai nominee involved.[/QUOTE]So, what exactly is your point? I already made mine. That is the totality of the circumstances determine selective enforcement of the law.

[QUOTE]As an example, he cited the recent assault of a Japanese national in Bangkok. Police arrested and prosecuted five Thai suspects involved in that case. His point was that police operations cut both ways. Foreigners breaking Thai laws face action, while foreign visitors also receive police protection.[/QUOTE]Those who break Thai Laws face actions. Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. In the history of ISG not a single individual has produced a statement from a member of the bar in Thailand that will say [I]Prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand. That is and always will remain a fact.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081054][B]Thai Police Crackdown on Foreign Property[/B]

[URL]https://youtu.be/RnTpMZXaOdg[/URL]

This is an example of why I say Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. When the controlling legal authorities decide to look at an issue it is the totality of the circumstance that come into play. In the entire history of ISG no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the Bar in Thailand that says Prostitution is Legal. But if you are using the color of law to avoid a specific prohibition in Thailand, then you subject yourself having a civil or criminal complain brought against you.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/08/16/campaign-against-foreign-owned-property-and-business-on-koh-samui-and-koh-phangan-now-targets-leases/[/URL][/QUOTE]I would like to add an additional point (and encourage everyone to read the article for themselves) found in the article.

[QUOTE]On another front, police are examining the advisers behind suspect company structures. Pol Gen Samran said enforcement would cover those assisting, advising or supporting offenders. That includes law firms and accounting businesses where evidence establishes involvement. The investigation consequently extends beyond foreign investors and their Thai shareholders.[/QUOTE]In other words the law will hold you accountable and those who gave you advice. If you get bad advice, that will not be a defense on your behalf.

Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Relying on what so and so said about this law or that law is not a defense. Your only defense is to follow the law. Or choose advisors who know the law and give you good advice about it. I still have not found a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]Prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand. If the laws are so clear, why are so many people being investigated in the property cases? Clearly it seems the law is being enforced in a manner that is different how many people here in Thailand are interpreting it. If it is true in a case where the law is clear on the subject, wouldn't be possible for the same sort of enforcement actions to be taken when it comes to laws that are not so clear?

The property crackdown happening around Thailand is a wake-up call, these investors were no doubt advised by thai lawyers this was legal and the way things are done. Conversely, prostitution is ingrained in the culture. Go into any thai city and you'll find brothels catering exclusively to the thai market. Prostitution has de facto legal status.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]The property crackdown happening around Thailand is a wake-up call, these investors were no doubt advised by thai lawyers this was legal and the way things are done.[/QUOTE]It is a wake up call only for those asleep at the wheel or choosing to believe what they want to hear. Anyone with half a brain knows that when you are going around the spirit of the law you are putting yourself in legal danger. I was offered one of those deals within months of arriving in Thailand. I was also advised by an attorney working for the real estate company that the structure was legal. But I could tell from the git it was not. I did not pursue the deal. Later I hired member of the bar in Thailand to advise me on further property deals. Not once was I told that the kinds of deals described in the article were legal. There are legal ways for non-Thais to own real property and operating business. I frequent those all the time. I also have availed myself of the legal process available to own real property in Thailand.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]Conversely, prostitution is ingrained in the culture. Go into any thai city and you'll find brothels catering exclusively to the thai market. Prostitution has de facto legal status.[/QUOTE]I have been unable to find a single individual who is a member of the bar who will tell me [I]prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand. If you have, please refer them to me or share a copy of the legal opinion you received on the subject. Feel free to post it here.

Laws in all nations are enforced on a selective basis because law enforcement resources are scarce. The managers of those law enforcement resources decide how the law is going to enforced at the direction of their political leaders. If you actually read the article you would see that there are many high level political figures here in Thailand backing the investigation into possible illegal control of real property and businesses here in Thailand.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081191]The laws that specifically describe behaviors relating to prostitution [b]that make it illegal[/b] have been on the books for a long time. But they are selectively enforced as all laws are in all nations because law enforcement resources are limited.

I also appreciated the fact that you demonstrated how there is selective enforcement of the law. Unless you are trying to tell me that this is the first time in the history of ISG that someone has pointed out that laws are selectively enforced. Or is it that this the first time the laws referenced in the OPs comments are being broken in Thailand.

So, what exactly is your point? I already made mine. That is the totality of the circumstances determine selective enforcement of the law.

Those who break Thai Laws face actions. Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. In the history of ISG not a single individual has produced a statement from a member of the bar in Thailand that will say [I]Prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand. That is and always will remain a fact.[/QUOTE]There are no laws on the books that [B]make prostitution a crime[/B] in Thailand. Whatever word games a lawyer or anyone else wants to play with the terms "legal", "illegal", "not legal" or "not legalized", there is not one word, phrase or sentence in the Thai Penal Code, the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act or any other legally-enforceable legislation or document that cites prostitution between consenting adults to be forbidden, a crime, a behavior subject to arrest or any punishment whatsoever. Nor that the clearly stated in Plain Language crime of, say, openly and shamelessly soliciting for prostitution in a public place that causes a public nuisance miraculously turns the exchange of money for sex, prostitution, between consenting adults into an additional crime.

Just as driving over the speed limit is a crime but that does not miraculously turn driving a car into an additional crime.

If you or anyone else has discovered a heretofore totally undiscovered missing "gotcha" for where and how that happens in the Code or the Act, please post a link and a quote of the entire sentence and / or paragraph that you think does it so we can all know what you think you know.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]Prostitution has de facto legal status.[/QUOTE]In Thailand, the act of paying for sex between consenting adults, i.e, prostitution, has a de jure legal status.

Massage parlors, etc, usually have a de facto legal status, depending on what does on in and around them.

[QUOTE]While go-go bars, massage parlors, and bathing clubs are not illegal, the sale of sexual services are illegal. Title IX of the Thai Criminal Code outlines a series of sex related crimes that may place those who commits the offenses in Thai jail.

The [b]Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996[/b] defines prostitution as any act in order to gratify the sexual desire of another person in a promiscuous manner in return for money or other benefit. Any person who for the purpose of prostitution, solicits, induces, or introduces themselves in a public place shall be liable for a fine of up to one thousand baht. Any person who associates with another person in a prostitution establishment shall be liable for imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to one thousand baht.

Any person who advertises or solicits through documents or printed material for prostitution shall be liable for imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of ten thousand to forty thousand baht. If someone gratifies their sexual desire with a person over the age of 15 but not over 18 years of age shall be liable for imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of twenty to sixty thousand baht. A person who is the owner, supervisor, or manager of a prostitution business is liable for imprisonment from a range of three to twenty years and a fine of eighty thousand to four hundred thousand baht.[/QUOTE][URL]https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/sex-crimes-in-thailand/[/URL]

[QUOTE]Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996. Engaging in or profiting from prostitution, including providing sexual services in massage establishments, can result in legal penalties for both the service provider and the customer. Despite this, enforcement of the law varies by location and circumstances, and in some tourist-heavy areas, illicit activities occur with varying degrees of discretion.[/QUOTE][URL]https://thaimassagekhaolak.com/happy-ending-massages-in-khao-lak-legal-ethical-and-tourism-impact/[/URL]

In the history of ISG no one has provided a legal opinion from a individual who is a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]The property crackdown happening around Thailand is a wake-up call, these investors were no doubt advised by thai lawyers this was legal and the way things are done. Conversely, prostitution is ingrained in the culture. Go into any thai city and you'll find brothels catering exclusively to the thai market. Prostitution has de facto legal status.[/QUOTE]Also, as far as the Thai mindset on the issue of prostitution goes, one does not need to have dated several Thai ladies in the USA, married one that I dated for over a decade, was married to her for over a decade, lived with and knew her English-fluent immediate family very well, including successful Bangkok business owners and uniformed law enforcement officers, resided and mongered in Thailand for well over a decade as I have.

No, one ought to be able to figure this out after only a week or two of hanging around Thai people. And the conclusion about it becomes crystal clear by asking oneself the most obvious question regarding the issue and answering that question the only way imaginable.

[B]Question:[/B]

Would anyone in authority in Thailand, elected or unelected, from the highest level to an entry-level clerk in the Thai government ever propose and get passed a law making it a crime subject to arrest and punishment for an 18 year old uneducated Thai farm girl from Isaan to give her consent to and earn in an hour of sexual activity, without 1 baht of initial investment or inventory expense, more money to feed, clothe and shelter herself, her babies and her family than she could earn in two weeks standing knee deep in a rice paddy under the blazing sun while also threatening her potential consenting adult benefactors with that same fate?

[B]Answer:[/B]

No.

If you can't answer that question with precisely that same answer then you are not paying much attention to the Thai people and whatever Thai culture and mindset is all around you.

Once you know that is the only answer imaginable to that question, then when you read the Thai Penal Code and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act it becomes abundantly clear that every word, phrase, sentence and paragraph in them pertaining to prostitution is designed to forbid behavior that might cause a loss of Face not just for the Thai people in a given public place but also and more importantly the loss of Face to the Thai girl herself who might find herself having to stand around on Beach Road in Pattaya or Soi 4 in Bangkok to meet her best prospects and even more importantly to walk wide circles around and avoid any and all Plain Language words that might mislead the girl or her potential customers into thinking they are committing a crime for the simple act of consenting adults exchanging sex for money or money for sex.

Those addendum and qualifiers sprinkled all over and around every citation and section in those documents that do indeed forbid activities that might cause a Thai person to lose Face in public or from pressuring or tricking the girl into the behavior are also there to make sure neither the girl nor her customer will read it as meaning she is forbidden to earn her money that way even to the point of forbidding any deadbeat third party who didn't perform the deed from raking off any of her earnings from it.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]The property crackdown happening around Thailand is a wake-up call, these investors were no doubt advised by thai lawyers this was legal and the way things are done. [/QUOTE]Legal? Sure, if it was done how the government prescribes. The way things are done to get around the law, more likely. The problem is they lied on the applications saying Thais who are not involved, would be involved, which would totally be illegal.

Only 2 women held during late-night prostitution investigation in Pathum Thani.

[QUOTE]Police later found two women sitting together near the railway station and questioned them. Both reportedly confessed that they regularly came to the area to wait for customers for prostitution.
One of the women said she had moved to Pathum Thani from another province and earned a living mainly by collecting and selling recyclable items. She said she came to the area at night to solicit sex, charging 400 baht or 300 baht per customer. She said there were also days when she found no customers. She attributed her circumstances to financial hardship, saying she had separated from her husband and had children to support.

Police accompanied the two women to a police station for a record and said they would proceed with relevant fines.[/QUOTE]Read the original article at: [URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/central-thailand/only-2-women-held-during-late-night-prostitution-investigation-in-pathum-thani[/URL]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081283]There are no laws on the books that [B]make prostitution a crime[/B] in Thailand. [b]Whatever word games a lawyer or anyone else wants to play with the terms "legal", "illegal", "not legal" or "not legalized"[/b], there is not one word, phrase or sentence in the Thai Penal Code, the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act or any other legally-enforceable legislation or document that cites prostitution between consenting adults to be forbidden, a crime, a behavior subject to arrest or any punishment whatsoever. Nor that the clearly stated in Plain Language crime of, say, openly and shamelessly soliciting for prostitution in a public place that causes a public nuisance miraculously turns the exchange of money for sex, prostitution, between consenting adults into an additional crime.

Just as driving over the speed limit is a crime but that does not miraculously turn driving a car into an additional crime.

If you or anyone else has discovered a heretofore totally undiscovered missing "gotcha" for where and how that happens in the Code or the Act, please post a link and a quote of the entire sentence and / or paragraph that you think does it so we can all know what you think you know.[/QUOTE]Are the following facts correct? You are not a citizen of Thailand. You are not a member of the bar in Thailand. But you cannot produce a single legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I]. In other words, you are smarter than every individual that is a member of the bar that I have produced that says [I]Prostitution is not legal Thailand[/I]

[B]I get it![/B]

You are right because you say you are right. But if someone gets arrested under prostitution law that has read your opinion of it, they are not going be able to use your advice as defense. Are you saying no one will ever get arrested for violating The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act? Reference is made to the article at the beginning of this post.

[QUOTE=RhinoTusk;3081261]Go into any thai city and you'll find brothels catering exclusively to the thai market. Prostitution has de facto legal status.[/QUOTE]Do those brothels exist because prostitution is legal in Thailand or is it that there is selective enforcement of the Law?

In the history of ISG, no one has ever produced a legal opinion from a individual who is a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I]. That is and remains a fact!

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081289][URL]https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/sex-crimes-in-thailand/[/URL]

[URL]https://thaimassagekhaolak.com/happy-ending-massages-in-khao-lak-legal-ethical-and-tourism-impact/[/URL]

In the history of ISG no one has provided a legal opinion from a individual who is a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand.[/QUOTE]Siam Legal is a law firm.

Thai Massage Khao Lak is a godknowswhat.

Neither one is the Thai Penal Code or the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act.

Even Siam Legal can't get past the brick wall everyone inevitably hits when they cannot find and quote a single Plain Language sentence in either document that makes Prostitution between consenting adults a crime punishable by any penalty at all.

From your quote of Siam Legal:

[QUOTE]While [b]go-go bars, massage parlors, and bathing clubs are not illegal, the sale of sexual services[/b] are illegal. Title IX of the Thai Criminal Code outlines a series of [b]sex related crimes that may place those who commits the offenses [/b]in Thai jail.

The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996 defines prostitution as any act in order to gratify the sexual desire of another person[b] in a promiscuous manner[/b] in return for money or other benefit. Any person who for the purpose of prostitution, solicits, induces, or introduces themselves [b]in a public place[/b] shall be liable for a fine of up to one thousand baht. Any person who associates with another person in a [b]prostitution establishment [/b]shall be liable for imprisonment for up to blah blah blah.[/QUOTE]1. Don't sell sexual services in your go-go bar, massage parlor or bathing club.

2. We all know very well that series of [B]sex-related[/B] crimes cited in Plan Language in the Code, such as soliciting for prostitution promiscuously, openly and shamelessly in a public place blah blah blah. The discrete agreement and engagement in prostitution between consenting adults isn't one of them. If there is such a law then Siam Legal and that Massage godknowswhat site ought to be able to pool their time, money and man hours together and come up with a quote in either the Code or the Act that says THAT is the behavior that is forbidden without any mention whatsoever about it needing to be done "promiscuously" or that go-go bars, massage shops and bathing clubs can't run ads, hang signs and sell it commercially the way "legalized" weed shops sell weed. But they obviously can't.

3. There is no such thing as a legal "prostitution establishment" in Thailand as there are now "weed purchasing establishments. ".

Yeah, yeah, we know all about those addendum and qualifiers that make certain prostitution-related activites a crime already. Where is the citation or section that makes a personal agreement between consenting adults to engage in prostitution and their engaging in prostitution a crime?

Sorry. There is no "gotcha" there for you to frighten 18 year old farm girls from Isaan and their customers into the false belief that merely exchanging sex for money or money for sex as a private matter between consenting adults is a crime. You'll just have to continue doing that by repeatedly announcing here that "Prostitution is not legal in Thailand!" and hope they don't do any research on where it is stated as a crime punishable by any penalty at all. Which they will never find the same as Siam Legal and Massage godknowswhat couldn't find and quote such a thing.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081326]Only 2 women held during late-night prostitution investigation in Pathum Thani.

Read the original article at: [URL]https://thethaiger.com/news/central-thailand/only-2-women-held-during-late-night-prostitution-investigation-in-pathum-thani[/URL]

Are the following facts correct? You are not a citizen of Thailand. You are not a member of the bar in Thailand. But you cannot produce a single legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that says [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I]. In other words, you are smarter than every individual that is a member of the bar that I have produced that says [I]Prostitution is not legal Thailand[/I]

[B]I get it![/B]

You are right because you say you are right. But if someone gets arrested under prostitution law that has read your opinion of it, they are not going be able to use your advice as defense. Are you saying no one will ever get arrested for violating The Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act? Reference is made to the article at the beginning of this post.[/QUOTE]From your linked report:

[QUOTE]Residents of the Rangsit neighbourhood in Pathum Thani urged police to investigate prostitution after a group of women was seen gathering on the roadside and [b]waving at passersby.[/b] Acting on a tip-off, officers arrested two sex workers yesterday, August 20.[/QUOTE]Well, I guess we know what those "relevant" fines will be for and, guess what, the private agreement to engage in prostitution between consenting adults and them engaging in prostitution isn't one of them.

And how about that? I didn't even need to be a Thai citizen or a member of the Thai bar to understand what the words "waving at passersby" means as related to openly and shamelessly soliciting for prostitution in a public place. Pretty good, huh?

You might have only unnecessarily frightened one or two 18 year old Isaan farm girls out of the P4 P option and back to the knee-deep rice paddy with that post. Could have been worse, I suppose. But they might have been really cute and their babies needing the food and shelter money badly. Oh well.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081349]Sorry. [u]There is no "gotcha" there for you to frighten 18 year old farm girls from Isaan[/u] and their customers into the false belief that merely exchanging sex for money or money for sex as a private matter between consenting adults is a crime.[/QUOTE]My opinion holds no dominion over a individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered an adult.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081357][u]You might have only unnecessarily frightened one or two 18 year old Isaan farm girls out of the P4 P option and back to the knee-deep rice paddy with that post[/u]. Could have been worse, I suppose. But they might have been really cute and their babies needing the food and shelter money badly. Oh well.[/QUOTE]My opinion holds no dominion over a individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered an adult.

[QUOTE]The 25 June 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbs, signed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, restricts cannabis flower to medical use. Purchase requires presenting a Thai ID or passport at a licensed outlet and a PT33 prescription valid up to 30 days. Rules effective January 2026 require a registered medical or traditional-medicine practitioner on site at every dispensary.*[/QUOTE][URL]https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/country-legality/thailand-marijuana[/URL]

Plain reading of the law: In other words you can no longer legally walk into a dispensary and buy cannabis flower without a prescription. I am not a member of the bar in Thailand. Does that make weed legal or illegal?

[B]Proof Prostitution is not legal in Thailand[/B]

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081349]1. Don't sell sexual services in your go-go bar, massage parlor or bathing club.

2. We all know very well that series of*sex-related*crimes cited in Plan Language in the Code, such as soliciting for prostitution promiscuously, openly and shamelessly in a public place blah blah blah. The discrete agreement and engagement in prostitution between consenting adults isn't one of them. If there is such a law then Siam Legal and that Massage godknowswhat site ought to be able to pool their time, money and man hours together and come up with a quote in either the Code or the Act that says THAT is the behavior that is forbidden without any mention whatsoever about it needing to be done "promiscuously" or that go-go bars, massage shops and bathing clubs can't run ads, hang signs and sell it commercially the way "legalized" weed shops sell weed. But they obviously can't.

3. There is no such thing as a legal "prostitution establishment" in Thailand as there are now "weed purchasing establishments. "..[/QUOTE][U]Wait, Wait[/U]

You finally admit that I am right. [I]Prostitution is not legal in Thailand[/I] Activities related to prostitution are a crime is that what you are saying? But prostitution itself is legal. If prostitution itself was legal, there would not be all of these requirements that specifically address when it is not legal.

You say prostitution is legal in Thailand. It is not. Produce the legal opinion from a member of the bar that confirms your assertions. You won't, because you can't. Because you are simply a lay person giving your opinion and do not have the legal right to advise anyone on the law in Thailand. That also means I have a right to my opinion and that yours is no more valid than mine.

End the end it is up to each International Trick to make up their mind and act in their own interests.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/03/24/16-street-hookers-mostly-african-sent-to-immigration-detention-centre-on-friday-awaiting-deportation/[/URL]

From the article above:

[QUOTE]The raid is part of ongoing operations in Bangkok targeting public prostitution. Authorities confirmed that complaints from residents and tourists are the primary triggers for enforcement. In addition, surveillance and social media monitoring were used to locate and confirm suspects before the operation.

Police emphasised that Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act applies to solicitation in public and semi-public areas. The law aims to prevent public nuisance and maintain urban order.[/QUOTE]In the history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I]

Driving a car while smiling is not legal in Thailand either. Unless you have a valid drivers license. If you have a valid license to drive I suppose you could drive while engaging in endless mental masturbation (like this [I]Prostitution is not legal in Thailand discussion[/I]) as long as you were not distracted while driving. Walking while smiling is legal. As is running while smiling. Along with engaging in mental masturbation while smiling. None of which have anything to do with if [I]prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand.

[B]In the entire history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I].[/B]

Don't ask for quotes and links and then attack the source. Make the logical argument. Produce a [I]legal opinion[/I] from a member of the bar in Thailand that backs up what you have to say. If you cannot, feel free to explain to us why you cannot or will not do that.

Check Ball!

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081611]My opinion holds no dominion over a individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered an adult.

My opinion holds no dominion over a individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered an adult.

[URL]https://www.cannabisregulations.ai/country-legality/thailand-marijuana[/URL]

Plain reading of the law: In other words you can no longer legally walk into a dispensary and buy cannabis flower without a prescription. I am not a member of the bar in Thailand. Does that make weed legal or illegal?

[B]Proof Prostitution is not legal in Thailand[/B]

[U]Wait, Wait[/U]

You finally admit that I am right. [I]Prostitution is not legal in Thailand[/I] Activities related to prostitution are a crime is that what you are saying? But prostitution itself is legal. If prostitution itself was legal, there would not be all of these requirements that specifically address when it is not legal.

[B]You say prostitution is legal in Thailand.[/b] It is not. Produce the legal opinion from a member of the bar that confirms your assertions. You won't, because you can't. Because you are simply a lay person giving your opinion and do not have the legal right to advise anyone on the law in Thailand. That also means I have a right to my opinion and that yours is no more valid than mine.

End the end it is up to each International Trick to make up their mind and act in their own interests.

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/03/24/16-street-hookers-mostly-african-sent-to-immigration-detention-centre-on-friday-awaiting-deportation/[/URL]

From the article above:

In the history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I]

Driving a car while smiling is not legal in Thailand either. Unless you have a valid drivers license. If you have a valid license to drive I suppose you could drive while engaging in endless mental masturbation (like this [I]Prostitution is not legal in Thailand discussion[/I]) as long as you were not distracted while driving. Walking while smiling is legal. As is running while smiling. Along with engaging in mental masturbation while smiling. None of which have anything to do with if [I]prostitution is legal[/I] in Thailand.

[B]In the entire history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I].[/B]

Don't ask for quotes and links and then attack the source. Make the logical argument. Produce a [I]legal opinion[/I] from a member of the bar in Thailand that backs up what you have to say. If you cannot, feel free to explain to us why you cannot or will not do that.

Check Ball![/QUOTE]No, I say and point out with links to every legally enforceable legislation that exists that prostitution between consenting adults 18 years old and older is not a crime in Thailand, nor is it punishable by any penalty at all.

Your one-man mission to Prevent and Suppress the perfectly non criminal act of 18 year old and older girls in Thailand to consent to the exchange of sex for money isn't supported by any criminal citation or section in any legally-enforceable Code or Act anywhere. Obviously.

I do think it odd that a respected member of International Sex Guide would work so hard to try to make 18 year old or older Thai girls who might hear about or even be directed to read your repeated assertions on this site that "prostitution is not legal in Thailand", probably miss the supposedly clever word game you're playing with the issue and consequently abandon the idea of earning much needed higher income that way and to instead stay in their rice paddy job in their province. I would have thought that is antithetical to the purpose of ISG. But, hey, you do you.

Why not just quote in full the citation or section in the Code or the Act that you think would be most effective in convincing 18 year old or older Thai girls to abandon the P4 P option in Pattaya, Bangkok and elsewhere and race back to their rice paddy work in their province or simply never arrive in Pattaya or Bangkok at all for utterly misunderstood and non-existent legal reasons? Then the rest of us can see what it is that so motivates you to repeatedly try to do that here on ISG.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081611][B]In the entire history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I].[/B][/QUOTE]This remains a undisputed fact!

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081628]No, I say and point out with links to every legally enforceable legislation that exists that prostitution between consenting adults 18 years old and older is not a crime in Thailand, nor is it punishable by any penalty at all. Your one-man mission to Prevent and Suppress the perfectly non criminal act of 18 year old and older girls in Thailand to consent to the exchange of sex for money isn't supported by any criminal citation or section in any legally-enforceable Code or Act anywhere. Obviously.[/QUOTE]You comment on me playing clever word games while engaging in them yourself.

[B]Why don't you just admit things can be legal and illegal at the exact same time?[/B]

I could provided many examples of this and already have. I think everyone one reading our exchange understands exactly what you and I are both saying. Produce a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that supports your position. Ask any of your Thai High Society friends what they think of prostitution? Ask the police why they enforce laws that are related to prostitution activities? Ask them if they want their 18 year old daughters to enter the entertainment industry? I cannot say here what I think of your personal assertions in this particular forum. But let me tell you that plain talk description would not present a very good image you should it become public among them. Finally, show your Thai Friends our exchange? I would be interested to know what the reaction would be. Given the number of profiles highlighted in blue that say [I]new[/I] with the age listed at 18 that appear everyday on [U]Thai Friendly[/U]. I would say that your worry about our exchanges discouraging them are misplaced.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081628]I do think it odd that a respected member of International Sex Guide would work so hard to try to make 18 year old or older Thai girls who might hear about or even be directed to read your repeated assertions on this site that "prostitution is not legal in Thailand", probably miss the supposedly clever word game you're playing with the issue and consequently abandon the idea of earning much needed higher income that way and to instead stay in their rice paddy job in their province. I would have thought that is antithetical to the purpose of ISG. But, hey, you do you.[/QUOTE]I disagree with your characterization of my comments. But it is your opinion. I do not have a laser like focus on girls that are barely legal entering the entertainment industry. But hey we all have our preference and desires.

Engaging in [B]Ad hominem[/B] attacks is a logical fallacy and in no way makes your opinion superior to mine. In no way am I trying to influence anyone's decision (male or female) to participate or abstain from the entertainment industry in Thailand. I stick to the facts. You may continue with your personal attacks. That is the final sign that you have lost the intellectual argument. Since you have shown that you are intellectually bankrupt. Be assured, I will not be meeting you in court.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081628]Why not just quote in full the citation or section in the Code or the Act that you think would be most effective in convincing 18 year old or older Thai girls to abandon the P4 P option in Pattaya, Bangkok and elsewhere and race back to their rice paddy work in their province or simply never arrive in Pattaya or Bangkok at all for utterly misunderstood and non-existent legal reasons?[/QUOTE]I don't need to do that because the motivations you assign to my portion of the conversation that we are having do not apply.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081611]My opinion holds no dominion over an individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered an adult.[/QUOTE]My motivations are clear. I am not focused on 18 year old girls. I am sharing information with my fellow International Tricks for them to be fully informed.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;3081628]Then the rest of us can see what it is that so motivates you to repeatedly try to do that here on ISG.[/QUOTE]I choose to stick to the facts and the truth.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3081611][B]In the entire history of ISG, no one has produced a legal opinion from a member of the bar in Thailand that [I]prostitution is legal in Thailand[/I].[/B][/QUOTE]

Is anyone else besides EihTooms and SubCmdr still reading this never ending debate about the legitimacy of prostitution in TH?

[QUOTE]Island raids become a nationwide foreign business crackdown as 112 Koh Phangan firms face land probes and 30-year leases come under scrutiny. Yet Thailand grants billion-baht investors faster approvals while actual foreign investment fell 19.5% in the first quarter of 2026. The drive follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling voiding prepaid extensions beyond the first registered 30-year term. Yet, Thailand is simultaneously handing billion-baht industrial projects tax holidays and accelerated approvals to such investors.

https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2026/08/26/crackdown-on-smaller-foreign-investors-across-thailand-has-wider-implications-for-external-investment/[/QUOTE]This is an example of how [I]what people may think of the law[/I] does not matter. What matters in the end is how the controlling legal authorities enforce the law.

To stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you must either apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) before arrival or extend your current visa-exempt stamp at a local immigration office.

[B]Option 1[/B]: Tourist Visa (TR).

Apply for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy or via the e-Visa portal before traveling.

Grants an initial stay of 60 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB.

Total potential stay: 90 days without leaving the country.

[B]Option 2[/B]: Extend Visa-Exempt Stamp.

If you entered under the visa exemption program you can apply for a 30-day extension at any immigration office.

Requires a passport photo, completed TM. 7 form, and the 1,900 THB fee.

This allows a total stay of 60 days.

I have done [B]Option 2[/B] twice without a problem.

Option 3: 6-month, multiple entry E-Visa. I've been informally told that this still exists, which will be my choice.

There are other longer term options, but these are the 3 quick and easy options of which I am aware.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3082052]To stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you must either apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) before arrival or extend your current visa-exempt stamp at a local immigration office.

[B]Option 1[/B]: Tourist Visa (TR).

Apply for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy or via the e-Visa portal before traveling.

Grants an initial stay of 60 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB.

Total potential stay: 90 days without leaving the country.

[B]Option 2[/B]: Extend Visa-Exempt Stamp.

If you entered under the visa exemption program you can apply for a 30-day extension at any immigration office.

Requires a passport photo, completed TM. 7 form, and the 1,900 THB fee.

This allows a total stay of 60 days.

I have done [B]Option 2[/B] twice without a problem.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3082057]Option 3: 6-month, multiple entry E-Visa.[/QUOTE]True.

But some details were left out.

The METV is good for 6 months. Allows multiple entries. The length of each visit is capped at 60 day.

Official Website of the Thailand Embassy in WashingtonDC.

[URL]https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/index[/URL]

Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa.

[URL]https://www.thaievisa.go.th/[/URL]

Legal, Financial, Tax and Immigration information about Thailand provided by [B]International Tricks[/B] should not be relied upon and should always be verified at the source or a Thai professional in the field in question.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3082057]Option 3: 6-month, multiple entry E-Visa. I've been informally told that this still exists, which will be my choice.
[/QUOTE]As long as you keep in mind you can still only stay in Thailand for 180 days per year on a METV. You also need to leave Thailand every 60 days unless you pay another 1900 baht to extend 30 days. You can only make 2 land border runs per year now so you may need to take a flight out of Thailand over a year. Initial cost of METV is 5000 baht so depending on your plans it may be cheaper to opt for Option 1 or 2 to get your 180 days per year in Thailand.

For those who want to stay over 180 days per year or want a 5 year Visa DTV likely your best bet.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082084]Initial cost of METV is 5000 baht so depending on your plans it may be cheaper to opt for Option 1 or 2 to get your 180 days per year in Thailand.[/QUOTE]Options 1 and 2 are probably cheaper for almost everybody. For me, the appeal of option 3 is that one visa covers multiple trips of 30 to 60 days without ever setting foot inside an immigration office.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082084]As long as you keep in mind you can still only stay in Thailand for 180 days per year on a METV. You also need to leave Thailand every 60 days unless you pay another 1900 baht to extend 30 days. You can only make 2 land border runs per year now so you may need to take a flight out of Thailand over a year. Initial cost of METV is 5000 baht so depending on your plans it may be cheaper to opt for Option 1 or 2 to get your 180 days per year in Thailand.

For those who want to stay over 180 days per year or want a 5 year Visa DTV likely your best bet.[/QUOTE]I am for whatever is easiest. I plan to visit LOS in 2027. My total time in country will be 32 days interspersed with a side trip to CGK. After that I do not know when or if I will return as it will depend on how good a time I have. But let's say I have a great time, and I decide to return 6 months after the first visit for around a 40-day visit. If the DTV is good for 5 years, it might be the way to go and not have to deal with the entry issue again for that entire length of time.

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;3082169]I am for whatever is easiest. I plan to visit LOS in 2027. My total time in country will be 32 days interspersed with a side trip to CGK. After that I do not know when or if I will return as it will depend on how good a time I have. But let's say I have a great time, and I decide to return 6 months after the first visit for around a 40-day visit. If the DTV is good for 5 years, it might be the way to go and not have to deal with the entry issue again for that entire length of time.[/QUOTE]Effective 31 August, all new DTV applications now require criminal background check in home country and application must be done in country of legal residence. Thailand keeps tightening the screws on immigration. 60 days visa exempt going back to 30 days from the middle of this month. Anutin is going to get rid of dirty foreigners one by one. AR.

[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b29uJR9WKo[/URL]

Mexico has significantly tightened visa and residency requirements in 2026, implementing stricter criteria for employment, specialized professionals, and long-term stays while introducing higher fees.

Portugal's immigration and nationality laws have undergone significant reforms effective 20252026, shifting from an open-entry model to a controlled, visa-based system focused on highly qualified talent and sustainable integration.

Japan has implemented significant tightening of immigration regulations under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, balancing expanded labor recruitment with stricter long-term residency controls.

Colombia's immigration law has undergone significant restructuring under Resolution 5477 of 2022, effective October 22,2022, introducing new visa categories and stricter compliance requirements.

USA Immigration law has undergone significant changes under the current administration, focusing on stricter enforcement, reduced humanitarian protections, and major shifts in application procedures.

[QUOTE=AsianRain;3082184]Thailand keeps tightening the screws on immigration. 60 days visa exempt going back to 30 days from the middle of this month. Anutin is going to get rid of dirty foreigners one by one. AR.[/QUOTE]There are a lot of different countries in the world to post in. There is always another country to post up in if Thailand does not want me to post up here anymore. That is life until you get permanent residence in the country of your choice.

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;3082169]If the DTV is good for 5 years, it might be the way to go and not have to deal with the entry issue again for that entire length of time.[/QUOTE]You need to to qualify for a DTV by taking extended courses in things like Muay Thai and cooking, or undergo extended medical procedures, or be a digital nomad.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082267]You need to to qualify for a DTV by taking extended courses in things like Muay Thai and cooking, or undergo extended medical procedures, or be a digital nomad.[/QUOTE]OK, Eu entendo. I would have been interested in getting something like 5 to 10 year visa if one were available, but the bottom line is forget about all that and just enter Thailand (BKK) with a Visa Exemption (good for 60 days + a 30 day extension) and a TDAC or Thim app notification and be happy.

So how many times per year is this Visa Exemption plan allowed? As long as the answer is at least 3 or 4 times, I have absolutely nothing to worry about since only 2 entries would cover my booked travel plans IE GRU-BKK-CGK-BKK and 3 would allow a 2nd side trip to PNH in case I get bored or fed up with the LOS. The old visa on arrival program was good for only 30 days. I once stayed over for 31 days (actually 30.5 days if you count hours) and I was flagged, interviewed by a nice female Thai official, and then let go without a fine or penalty. I intend to never do that again.

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;3082274]So how many times per year is this Visa Exemption plan allowed? [/QUOTE]Wrong question.

Two (2) land entries allowed for individuals from countries with visa exempt status.

[QUOTE]Land border entries limited to twice per calendar year
The new 30-day regulation also reintroduces an important rule for travelers entering Thailand through land borders.

Travelers using the visa exemption will generally be permitted to enter Thailand through a land border checkpoint no more than twice per calendar year, as specified in the regulation establishing the new 30-day visa exemption.

This restriction will not apply to nationals of:

Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Thailands Minister of Interior may also decide to exempt additional nationalities from this restriction in the future.

The rule applies specifically to land border crossings and does not impose a general two-entry-per-year limit on international arrivals by air.[/QUOTE][URL]https://visasnews.com/en/thailand-to-officially-cut-visa-free-stay-to-30-days-on-september-15-2026/[/URL]

[QUOTE=AxelHeyst;3082274]So how many times per year is this Visa Exemption plan allowed? As long as the answer is at least 3 or 4 times,[/QUOTE]As Sub said, the new law makes it clear that only 2 land border entries are allowed per year. No stated maximum entries if you arrive by air. But we need to be reasonable and not push our luck with 10+ entries per year for those who may use BKK as a hub. An uptight IO may deny entry. Of course, the unwritten rule is 180 days per year. My understanding is they've been cracking down on the 20,000 Thai baht (or equivalent?) on entry thing too.

[QUOTE=Axel Heyst;3082274]Visa Exemption (good for 60 days + a 30 day extension) [/QUOTE]

Visa exemption is 30 days (+extension) effective September 15.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082416]No stated maximum entries if you arrive by air. But we need to be reasonable and not push our luck with 10+ entries per year for those who may use BKK as a hub. An uptight IO may deny entry. Of course, the unwritten rule is 180 days per year. My understanding is they've been cracking down on the 20,000 Thai baht (or equivalent?) on entry thing too.[/QUOTE]I agree with everything [B]Banana Boi[/B] said. If I understand correctly they are looking for abuses of the visa exemption rules. So, if you are visiting in such a way where another type of visa would fit your visiting patterns that will indeed draw increased scrutiny.

20000 THB = 515 Euros (more or less). That should be pocket change for most International Tricks. Just carry the cash my brothers. It isn't like you aren't going to spend it on prostitutes (amongst other things) during your visit.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082416]As Sub said, the new law makes it clear that only 2 land border entries are allowed per year. [/QUOTE]But you will get access for 30 days, if I understand the new law right. In the past you got access for only 15 days, if you made a land border entry.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082416]My understanding is they've been cracking down on the 20,000 Thai baht (or equivalent?) on entry thing too.[/QUOTE]In cash? It would be something new if they are doing this on a large scale now. In over 20 years of visiting Thailand, I have never been asked to prove that I have enough money.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;3082416]As Sub said, the new law makes it clear that only 2 land border entries are allowed per year. No stated maximum entries if you arrive by air. But we need to be reasonable and not push our luck with 10+ entries per year for those who may use BKK as a hub. An uptight IO may deny entry. Of course, the unwritten rule is 180 days per year. My understanding is they've been cracking down on the 20,000 Thai baht (or equivalent?) on entry thing too..[/QUOTE]They only use the 20,000 baht cash requirement when they want an excuse to deny entry to someone they think is undesirable.

[QUOTE=Explorer8939;3082472]They only use the 20,000 baht cash requirement when they want an excuse to deny entry to someone they think is undesirable.[/QUOTE]My understanding is a lot more people are recently getting caught for this so according to you I guess there has been a sudden increase or undesirables trying to get in to Thailand.

I think this is a non factor anyways. Who's not carrying at least the equivalence of 20,000 baht when they enter Thailand anyways.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3082452]But you will get access for 30 days, if I understand the new law right. In the past you got access for only 15 days, if you made a land border entry.[/QUOTE]I often wonder if people are writing from a perspective of personal experience. When I first came to Thailand I did all of my immigration work myself. I have actually made land border runs. Each time I did one, when I returned I received 30 day stay under a visa exemption when I returned.

[QUOTE=Mogwai;3082452]In cash? It would be something new if they are doing this on a large scale now. In over 20 years of visiting Thailand, I have never been asked to prove that I have enough money.[/QUOTE]Yes, in cash! Just because you are a International Trick that has visited Thailand for 20 years and have never been asked to do something does not mean that you won't ever will. It's [I]up to you[/I] if you want to fuck around and find out if they are serious about it or not.

Gold price as I write this is: 4403 USD / Ounce.

I'm still holding. Picture below was taken this morning.

The Cmdr is ballin like a (compound profanity redacted) pro!

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3083215]Gold price as I write this is: 4403 USD / Ounce.

I'm still holding. Picture below was taken this morning.

The Cmdr is ballin like a (compound profanity redacted) pro![/QUOTE]There are a very few things that I share with Warren Buffet. Old age, drive old cars, and share the same investment philosophy: "Only sell if you must or have something that promises a better return". Everybody's needs and reasons for buying / selling are different. I divested all of my gold and silver bullion months ago (when gold was still at over 5000). Since I had bought it at 2200, I cashed out. Put most into a handful of different stocks. I never look down the horse's throat. (However, I do look down a ho's throat to see if she really swallowed. LOL).

Sam.

Thai Gold keeps the Thai Baht honest!

Gold could go way past it's ATH at 5589.38 next year. This current dip is a correction. Central Banks are still buying gold at record levels. I don't sell hard assets for worthless fiat paper. Never seen Warren Buffet brag about the price he sold something on a forum for International Tricks in my entire life.

ROTFLMAO!

In the Dominican Republic Threads I made a post that suggested that the Dominican Government needs to add SMRs. I was clowned for it by the so called [I]respected members[/I] posting there (some of whom no longer post). Now it is my turn to address the issue for Thailand. Today in the Bangkok Post there was an article about SMR's.

I quote:

[I]The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has outlined a five-phase roadmap to develop the countrys first small modular reactor (SMR), with a 300-megawatt unit scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2037 under the new power development plan (PDP).[/I]

[B]Go Thailand![/B]

[URL]https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40070067[/URL]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3083768]In the Dominican Republic Threads I made a post that suggested that the Dominican Government needs to add SMRs. I was clowned for it by the so called [I]respected members[/I] posting there (some of whom no longer post). Now it is my turn to address the issue for Thailand. Today in the Bangkok Post there was an article about SMR's.

I quote:

[I]The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has outlined a five-phase roadmap to develop the countrys first small modular reactor (SMR), with a 300-megawatt unit scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2037 under the new power development plan (PDP).[/I]

[B]Go Thailand![/B]

[URL]https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40070067[/URL][/QUOTE]Any project with a development period of more than 10 years is dead in the water. For examples, see:

Pattaya tram.

Suvarnabhumi- Utapao high speed rail.

Chinese tourism influx set to generate B11.5 bn according to the TAT.

I decided to close my long position on Gold Spot and Silver Spot until the Fed makes it decision.

Still long in physical Thai Gold and Silver.

Last night after the Fed announced the 25 basis point interest rate hike (the cost of short term money) DXY was a beast. 1 hour straight up. Peaked at 100.361. The effects were immediately seen in gold and silver. Both took a tumble. I went long on the dip.

The USD has grown stronger against the THB moving up to 1 USD to 33.33 THB (Xe Rate). Even the retail rate has moved over 33 THB to 1 USD.

Thai Gold is at Sell 68100 Buy 67900.

We all know and love Pattaya as well as Bangkok as the heavy hitters for mongering in Thailand. But for my next trip, I'm thinking of spending time in a smaller less chaotic but still decent secondary market. I did Chiang Mai last trip and was pleased with two different massage / nuru places I visited in that town. Walked through the beer bar complex with the Thai boxing ring but did not pull from there. So next trip I'm wondering among Hua Hin, Udon Thani and Koh Samui, which one of these three would you guys consider to be the best secondary mongering scene?

[QUOTE=Exoticspirit;3084991]We all know and love Pattaya as well as Bangkok as the heavy hitters for mongering in Thailand. But for my next trip, I'm thinking of spending time in a smaller less chaotic but still decent secondary market. I did Chiang Mai last trip and was pleased with two different massage / nuru places I visited in that town. Walked through the beer bar complex with the Thai boxing ring but did not pull from there. So next trip I'm wondering among Hua Hin, Udon Thani and Koh Samui, which one of these three would you guys consider to be the best secondary mongering scene?[/QUOTE]What's wrong with Phuket? I liked it as a middle ground between Bangkok (big and dirty) and Pattaya (ground zero).

[QUOTE=Exoticspirit;3084991]We all know and love Pattaya as well as Bangkok as the heavy hitters for mongering in Thailand. But for my next trip, I'm thinking of spending time in a smaller less chaotic but still decent secondary market. I did Chiang Mai last trip and was pleased with two different massage / nuru places I visited in that town. Walked through the beer bar complex with the Thai boxing ring but did not pull from there. So next trip I'm wondering among Hua Hin, Udon Thani and Koh Samui, which one of these three would you guys consider to be the best secondary mongering scene?[/QUOTE]Hua Hin has a bigger scene than Udon Thani or Koh Samui. I f you don't like it than a short trip to Koh Samui.

[QUOTE=AggieDad1;3084994]Hua Hin has a bigger scene than Udon Thani or Koh Samui. I f you don't like it than a short trip to Koh Samui.[/QUOTE]I'm not sure that I agree about Hua Hin having bigger scene than Koh Samui. Remember that Koh Samui has 5 separate areas, 2 in Chaweng and 3 in Lamai. Neither place has quality girls to match the top Bangkok places. Quality wise, I put Samui, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai all about equal. Not many stunners in any of those places.

I cannot compare to Udon Thani, I've never been there.

Traveling between Hua Hin and Koh Samui is a pain in the neck. No direct flights and land options are a combination of bus routes, ferry, and taxi. Is there a direct ferry between Hua Hin and Samui? I think it existed at one time but was discontinued some time ago.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3085001]Traveling between Hua Hin and Koh Samui is a pain in the neck. No direct flights and land options are a combination of bus routes, ferry, and taxi. Is there a direct ferry between Hua Hin and Samui? I think it existed at one time but was discontinued some time ago.[/QUOTE]I must correct myself. There is a ferry between Hua Hin and Koh Samui.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;3085025]I must correct myself. There is a ferry between Hua Hin and Koh Samui.[/QUOTE]This is good to know.

[QUOTE=TheCane;3084993]What's wrong with Phuket? I liked it as a middle ground between Bangkok (big and dirty) and Pattaya (ground zero).[/QUOTE]I'll be going to Phuket first to scuba dive on my next trip so I'll have 1-2 nights there. I heard Patong is rather pricey for girls and there are no onsite rooms to play which I prefer rather than bringing them to my hotel. I might check out massage nuru shops in old town Phuket for actual sessions instead but do a walk through of Patong just to take in the scene.

Anyone used the new E-gates at arrival at BKK that started last week? Are there any glitches or is it running smoothly? Have the queues in the main hall reduced as a result?

[QUOTE=LondonBird;3085309]Anyone used the new E-gates at arrival at BKK that started last week? Are there any glitches or is it running smoothly? Have the queues in the main hall reduced as a result?[/QUOTE]I've been in and out of BKK three times in the past week. It's never been quicker in my experience.

To all [B]International Tricks[/B] visiting Thailand that think inflation does not exist here.

The Cmdr went to the grocery store he normally shops in and found that the price of 10 eggs that he usually buys has gone up 4.65%.

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3086818]It just hit The Cmdr. The Cmdr went to breakfast at The Cmdr's favorite restaurant to eat breakfast. Found out prices up across the board 8%. That is why CPI numbers produced by governments is pure [B]male bovine excrement[/B]. CPI measurements are completely unrelated to the real costs of good at the producer and consumer levels.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SubCmdr;3087410]To all [B]International Tricks[/B] visiting Thailand that think inflation does not exist here.

The Cmdr went to the grocery store he normally shops in and found that the price of 10 eggs that he usually buys has gone up 4.65%.[/QUOTE]Don't let the 15 cents destroy your budget LOL.

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[QUOTE=Nyezhov;3087475]Don't let the 15 cents destroy your budget LOL.[/QUOTE]It should be noted that the currency of Thailand is the Baht. Those who have actually visited Thailand know this. I have never used dollars or cents since I first stepped off the plane as was called a [I]visitor[/I] by a certain member.

At the current exchange rate 0.15 USD = 5.04 THB.

[U]Jomtien[/U]

All massage shops on Jomtien Road raised prices by 16.67% for a one hour oil massage on the same day along Jomtien Beach Road.

[B]Thailand's Queen Suthida flies Saab Gripen solo with just 4 weeks training[/B]

[QUOTE]For 41 minutes, Thailands Queen Suthida was alone in the cockpit of a supersonic fighter jet. Waiting for her on the ground was her husband, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who had watched her take off and would soon welcome her back with a bouquet of flowers and a gold-embroidered aviation insignia.[/QUOTE][URL]https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/queen-suthida-thailand-gripen-fighter-jet-solo-flight/[/URL]

That's what I'm talking about. All hail the Queen!

Mixue and Auntie Anne's are two places where prices have not changed the entire time I have been posted up here in Pattaya. There are many locations all over Pattaya. But my favorite location is in Central Mall. Neither location serve what I would consider [I]health foods[/I]. But [B]The Cmdr[/B] still enjoys their offerings.

[QUOTE=HSendatsu;3080422]Just saw that in the quoted comment there must be a typo. Otherwise you could just buy all the gold you can and immediately sell it turning a profit (100 baht per purchase).[/QUOTE]Incorrect. You must not have ever been to Thailand before. I have attached a photo to help you learn. Buy is top number. That is what the [U]Gold Shop[/U] will buy your gold for. Sell Bottom number. That is what the [U]Gold Shop[/U] will sell gold for.

Someone was asking last week if the e-gates at the airport were speeding the immigration process coming in or not.

While I got in quickly last week unfortunately my experience with the new e-gates was not great at all, clearly they are still have teething issues.

As any regular visitor knows the passport control queues can be long and a nightmare even at so called off peak times but since September citizens of 33 different countries who have 1) visited Thailand before 2) has a e-passport and 3) completed the TDAC online are supposed to be able to breeze through passport control using the e-gates.

Problem number one is not even the e-gates themselves but it's the clear lack of training of the staff themselves.

When you arrive at the famous bottom of the 'hill' up to the passport control booths there is no signage for the e-gates.

I knew in advance that they are located on the right hand side at the top of the hill, so I tried to enter the right hand channel lane to go up towards them. But a loud Thai immigration female officer was just shouting at everyone 'Thai passports only, foreigners over there' pushing everyone into the other queues.

So halfway up the hill when you get into the roped off snaking queue you suddenly realize they are being taking away from the e-gates and over to the manned booths only.

Next problem is you cannot get back down the hill because of the crowds nor can you get into the lines for the e-gates because the area is roped off.

After a while quite a few people realizing we had been given bum information at the bottom by the immigration staff took evasive action and jumped the rope barrier when the Immigration police looked the other way.

Now in the e-gate area, it was clear there is general bad communications about the whole process from staff as the area was almost completely empty.

Over half the e-gates had no queues at all, there was actually more people in the "customer service" queue who were experiencing problems with their e-gate!

Problem three was with the e-gate itself: So I went up to the gate, the first one I just keep getting a "scanning passport" message on the screen. So I tried a different gate and then it said 'arrivals card not submitted' which was not true. Sure, I had a copy of it with me.

So a grumpy immigration officer came over (with shit English) asked me the basic questions, I showed him my Digital arrival card receipt and everything. But he just said, 'not eligible' and tried to push me back down the hill.

Luckily another officer (female and friendly) observed this and asked me if I was ok. I explained it, she asked the questions, looked at my arrival card and then brought me to another e-gate to try again but still would not work. So, She then brought me to the top of a queue at an actual manned booth.

So in the end I had to go through a manned booth and I got a physical stamp. But the process was all still extremely quick (maybe 10-15 minutes max) as I didn't queue in the standard line.

To maybe explain best how quick e-gates will be, even with all the trouble as explained above, I went through, then went to the toilet, then went and exchanged some currency and then walked all the way down to the last baggage carousel and still had to wait a further 10 minutes for the first bags off the flight to arrive on the carousel.

My advice, if you are visa free and meet all the criteria to be allowed use the e-gates, stand your ground with the Immigration Police and do not let them make you join the standard long queues for the booths.

[QUOTE=PgReal;3089327]While I got in quickly last week unfortunately my experience with the new e-gates was not great at all, clearly they are still have teething issues. . . My advice, if you are visa free and meet all the criteria to be allowed use the e-gates, stand your ground with the Immigration Police and do not let them make you join the standard long queues for the booths.[/QUOTE]Many thanks to Khun Real for his helpful and informative report.

It's too bad the staff seem determined to force travelers to wait in long lines for manual screening. A cynic might suspect they know the e-gates threaten to break, or at least damage, their iron rice bowls.

[QUOTE=PgReal;3089327]Someone was asking last week if the e-gates at the airport were speeding the immigration process coming in or not.

While I got in quickly last week unfortunately my experience with the new e-gates was not great at all, clearly they are still have teething issues..[/QUOTE]If you want to see a royal cluster fuck go in and out of Frankfurt. Two weeks ago, 4 hours to get to passport control.

[QUOTE=Nyezhov;3089432]If you want to see a royal cluster fuck go in and out of Frankfurt. Two weeks ago, 4 hours to get to passport control.[/QUOTE]Yep I'm avoiding Schipol AMS and FRA Main until the EES border control is fixed or removed.

[QUOTE=Nyezhov;3089432]If you want to see a royal cluster fuck go in and out of Frankfurt. Two weeks ago, 4 hours to get to passport control.[/QUOTE]Yeah, it was the same thing in Portugal earlier this year. Was so bad they finally shut that bullshit down! Meanwhile in Monterrey, Mexico their system was painless and smooth.