Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=GinAndTonic555;2494006]It wasn't about the sum of money it was the principle of being scammed. She will think twice about scamming out on a deal on her next customer. The back pictures have nothing to do with anything she actually said "pictures in room only". I think the bar girl told the staff I took pictures of her in the gogo or something which is actually against the rules its 100% allowed to take pictures of a girl outside the agogo.

IRT "you in their territory" A regular customer is worth more then the bar girl in covid times. Many bar girls few customers. It's a buyers market and a good customer should be treated with respect hence why when I returned I was giving my money no problem.[/QUOTE]So she was a scammer because she couldn't be trusted with your BBFS negotiation.

You really want to trust your health to BBFS with someone like that?

Opening up your own blood supply and mucous membranes to someone who isn't reputable seems like Russian Roulette. For all you know, she could have gone along with BBFS and you'd discover an infection that could be fatal. You wouldn't have gotten your $20 barfine back, plus expensive and painful medical situations and potentially death. Worth it? Scary to me.

[QUOTE=BPalacio;2495275]I have read that there has been a continued crackdown on African working women in BKK. Can boots on the ground confirm? If there are any left, where would one go to find them in BKK?[/QUOTE]I still see 4-5 of them congregating on Soi 4, from the closed Dynasty Inn to the Soi 6 intersection, usually from 8pm until bars close, 1am-2am, maybe later.

Or at least I did as recently as a few nights ago.

For a while there was a new tallish slim one that actually looked well proportioned and fairly doable. She showed up on Sukhumvit every now and then too. But I don't recall seeing her around for a couple of weeks at least.

Just a quick update on Thermae tonight, Friday night. There were more girls there at 9pm than I have seen at that hour for a while. I counted 30 girls, maybe 6 of them definite lookers and about 10 Asian customers, most sitting at the bar without a girl. And me.

Most of the girls seemed receptive, smiled at me and nodded slightly. Even most of the lookers. Until the occasional group if 35ish y.o. Asian guys came in every few minutes over the course of 30 minutes or so.

I did not approach a girl there tonight because I had just been drained by a very cute 23 year old sweet faced, pony-tailed, girl-next-door type with a full and complete BBBJ+CIM+Swallow With a Smile finish at 4pm. 1,500 baht including travel to and from my room. I have repeated her many times for that or fucking. A favorite.

On top of which, there is a pretty cute little mid-20's cherub bed warmer coming over to spend the night in about 30 minutes after her regular job is finished in a few minutes. Haven't seen her in over a year. Money or no money, up to me.

That is why I had a few minutes to update on Thermae as I saw it about an hour ago.

[QUOTE=Sunlover2;2495619]I have done this calculation at least a dozen times, and always end up in the same place. In summary:

The apartment rent you settle on x 2 + companionship (ladies) = a reasonable monthly budget.

This does not include health insurance or excessive nightly drinking at pubs and clubs. Companionship costs vary by individual depending on frequency and price point.

SL.[/QUOTE]Sounds like a good equation. As BB mentioned I'm probably out of luck as they want chinese tourists and being from the states no one wants us.

I can't wait to get out of here even if I pay a premium but we'll see what they say.

[QUOTE=Sunlover2;2495619]I have done this calculation at least a dozen times, and always end up in the same place. In summary:

The apartment rent you settle on x 2 + companionship (ladies) = a reasonable monthly budget.

This does not include health insurance or excessive nightly drinking at pubs and clubs. Companionship costs vary by individual depending on frequency and price point.

SL.[/QUOTE]An interesting hypothesis Sunlover and one that seemingly works for you.

Like everything its relative. A basic studio in Lower Sukhumvit will set you back 20k to 25k including utilities but if it's a one bed serviced apartment then you're at 50 k up. Outside of rent it's how well you eat. A basic noodles and rice guy can get by on 500 a day but if you like lobster or wagyu once or twice a week there goes your weekly budget in an evening.

The elephant in the room is entertainment. Here there are no rules of thumb. Some members on the forum seem to have no problem getting laid on a daily basis for less than a 1000 while others mainly go go habitués will spend 5000 plus.

For what it's worth my own recommendation for an enjoyable 3 month stay including entertainment would be a budget of 350 K to 450K.

[QUOTE=Franciscass;2495889]An interesting hypothesis Sunlover and one that seemingly works for you.

Like everything its relative. A basic studio in Lower Sukhumvit will set you back 20k to 25k including utilities but if it's a one bed serviced apartment then you're at 50 k up. Outside of rent it's how well you eat. A basic noodles and rice guy can get by on 500 a day but if you like lobster or wagyu once or twice a week there goes your weekly budget in an evening.

The elephant in the room is entertainment. Here there are no rules of thumb. Some members on the forum seem to have no problem getting laid on a daily basis for less than a 1000 while others mainly go go habitus will spend 5000 plus.

For what it's worth my own recommendation for an enjoyable 3 month stay including entertainment would be a budget of 350 K to 450K.[/QUOTE]My budget would come in a little higher than yours. The main reason for this difference is in the girl category in which I forecast accounts for no holds barred, maximum expenditures. The reason I use the max figure is because the last thing I want is to under forecast my expenses and be forced to cut back while in country. So, I plan large and if you spend less; great. So here is my budget for a 3 months stay in BKK:

Apartment: $1000 max / month (31,000 tbt / month) For an upscale 1 br apartment on upper Sukhumvit with a pool, 24-hour security, and maid service.

Food: $50/ day or $1500 / month (46,000 tbt / month). This amount includes restaurants, groceries (booze, juice, fruit, personal hygiene products) and dinners with my girls.

Girls: $150 average / day or $4500 / month (140,000 tbt / month). I know this figure might seem high to some BM's, but in covers my average of 1.5 girls per day or one girl every night and 2 girls every other day. I really do not want to be caught short on this estimate because running out of cash for girls would be about the worst thing that could happen in BKK. LOL. And again, if my estimate turns out to be high and I end up spending less through working out special arrangements with my favorite girls; all the better. I would also add that this estimate includes all girly drinks and there for I think it is all inclusive and contains no comprises on quality. You can do same quantity / less quality and save money, but trying saving money is not why I visit Thailand.

So, adding it all up, my estimate for a monthly good time in BKK is $6,944 / month or 217,000 tbt / month all inclusive: condo, food, girls, and misc. It does not include air transport. I did say I was going to come in a little higher that your estimate Franciscass. Yours was 450 k for 3 months. Mine is 615 k for 3 months. I think we are in the same ballpark.

I stay in a small apartment building with a one bedroom apartment in lower Suk. 4 minute walk to the Nana Station and very central. It's been my go to place for the last several years during the winter months. The lady who owns the building speaks good English and is friendly though does not live on site. Very private with a key card to enter. The rent, plus a-see and cable, is at 27 k bt per month. I generally spend an additional 55-60 k bt Per month for the rest of my expenses, which includes mongering activities. The key for me to keep my budget in line is avoiding the go go bars. I don't like this scene, the loud and bad music, smoky air, largely insincere girls, bar fines, short time prices, etc. And the general hustle and rip offs prevalent. Instead I stick to small bars, sometimes hit the street scene, and on occasion certain discos and night clubs. I used to enjoy the now defunct Bangkok Beat and though no place similar has replaced it, I do like Hilary2 on Soi 4. No barfine, you get to chat with the ladies a bit more to sift through the posers, and most girls there are highly motivated to negotiate and performance overall is pretty good, though stay away from the Vietnamese girls. Some of the news bars on Soi 7 have potential but alas Covid has got in the way to see how that area will turn out.

Some years during the winter months, I have joined the Marriot athletic club on Soi 2. They offer 3 month membership and have a nice pool one would expect from a four star hotel. This past winter, I stumbled across a small hotel on Lai Nert, which had an inexpensive lunch and you could use their pool for free too. Generally, I was the only one at the pool and having lunch unless I brought company.

I usually get a two month visa in my home country for 1200 bt, and then either extend for an additional 30 days at immigration or leave the country for several days before returning for the remainder of my stay. By doing the latter, you save 1800 bt as when you return, if by air, Thailand has a free entry. There are inexpensive flights on Air Asia to Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia So you can easily check out the scene and scenery in another neighboring Country and though drastically different from Bangkok always has interesting aspects to break up my visit.

Having returned four times over the last six years, it makes it easier to find good deals for food and restaurants. Margaritaville in Soi 13 and Suk has good and inexpensive breakfast. Kiwis used to be good too but they have closed. But, there are a multitude of choices and easy to keep food costs under control. I also don't take dates to dinner or lunch. Just find it a waste of time and money. Most girls I meet don't speak English well enough so it's tough to have any kind of meaningful conversation with them in the end.

Anyway, I am retired so you guys who are still working or enjoy fat pensions may be able to spend more freely but for me, it's def cheaper, warmer, and more fun than spending my winters in a cold and inhospitable climate (in more ways than one). But with Covid potentially rearing it's ugly head for many more years, my lifestyle has grounded to an abrupt halt.

[QUOTE=Franciscass;2495889]An interesting hypothesis Sunlover and one that seemingly works for you.

Like everything its relative. A basic studio in Lower Sukhumvit will set you back 20k to 25k including utilities but if it's a one bed serviced apartment then you're at 50 k up. Outside of rent it's how well you eat. A basic noodles and rice guy can get by on 500 a day but if you like lobster or wagyu once or twice a week there goes your weekly budget in an evening.

The elephant in the room is entertainment. Here there are no rules of thumb. Some members on the forum seem to have no problem getting laid on a daily basis for less than a 1000 while others mainly go go habitus will spend 5000 plus.

For what it's worth my own recommendation for an enjoyable 3 month stay including entertainment would be a budget of 350 K to 450K.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tomasb;2496075]Kiwis used to be good too but they have closed. [/QUOTE]When did Kiwi's close? They moved around the corner a few years ago. I was there about a year ago but like most others I haven't been able to return this year.

Right, they moved to the side Soi off 8. However, they closed around late March this year due to Covid and it appears they decided not to re-open. Given the economic conditions in Bangkok now, it appears to be the right move. Also, a bummer was the closure of the ArtBox on Suk. Someone thinks it's a good idea to build a big fancy hotel and mall during the middle of a pandemic, tourists be damned. Just what Bangkok needs!

[QUOTE=Kerrstar;2496124]When did Kiwi's close? They moved around the corner a few years ago. I was there about a year ago but like most others I haven't been able to return this year.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=NattyBumpo;2496064]Girls: $150 average / day or $4500 / month (140,000 tbt / month). I know this figure might seem high to some BM's, but in covers my average of 1.5 girls per day or one girl every night and 2 girls every other day..[/QUOTE]Yup! Three sessions every two days over a 3 month stay, that adds up. Incidentally Natty whatever you are on when you're here can my waning libido have some please.

[QUOTE=Tomasb;2496186]Right, they moved to the side Soi off 8. However, they closed around late March this year due to Covid and it appears they decided not to re-open. Given the economic conditions in Bangkok now, it appears to be the right move. Also, a bummer was the closure of the ArtBox on Suk. Someone thinks it's a good idea to build a big fancy hotel and mall during the middle of a pandemic, tourists be damned. Just what Bangkok needs![/QUOTE]Kiwi Pub on the little sub soi off Soi 8 has been open every day for several weeks now. Still has the 199 baht pick 7 items breakfast. The Sunday carvery is no longer a buffet but a pre ordered single plate.

The only So 8 restaurant that seems to have closed permanently is the Italian restaurant Via Vai (sp?). Well, the spot where Invite was is the new location for Monsoon (same owner) while Monsoon's original location is being renovated.

IMO, the best American style breakfast in that general area for real deal bacon, pancakes, chili omelet, home fried potatoes, etc, is The Tavern on Soi 4 across from Hillary 1.

[QUOTE=EihTooms;2495672]Just a quick update on Thermae tonight, Friday night. There were more girls there at 9pm than I have seen at that hour for a while. I counted 30 girls, maybe 6 of them definite lookers and about 10 Asian customers, most sitting at the bar without a girl. And me.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the Thermae update, ET. 6 lookers and 11 customers seems like pretty good odds if you are looking for a girl. Any new girls or are these the same girls who have been at Thermae for years?

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2496205]Thanks for the Thermae update, ET. 6 lookers and 11 customers seems like pretty good odds if you are looking for a girl. Any new girls or are these the same girls who have been at Thermae for years?[/QUOTE]You're welcome, BB. I remember seeing a couple of the lookers during normal times. But most of the girls there lately do not look familiar to me. It could be they were the ones that kind of blended into the background and were not so noticeable before though.

[QUOTE=Tomasb;2496075]The key for me to keep my budget in line is avoiding the go go bars. I don't like this scene, the loud and bad music, smoky air, largely insincere girls, bar fines, short time prices, etc. And the general hustle and rip offs prevalent. Instead I stick to small bars, sometimes hit the street scene, and on occasion certain discos and night clubs. I used to enjoy the now defunct Bangkok Beat and though no place similar has replaced it, I do like Hilary2 on Soi 4. No barfine, you get to chat with the ladies a bit more to sift through the posers, and most girls there are highly motivated to negotiate and performance overall is pretty good, though stay away from the Vietnamese girls. Some of the news bars on Soi 7 have potential but alas Covid has got in the way to see how that area will turn out.
[/QUOTE]I've also avoided go-go bars for the past few years for the same reasons as you so I'm a bit curious why you think Hillary 2 is better. Last time I went in there I recall the music being loud (but not deafening like in Butterflies and Billboard) and girls nearby blowing smoke all over me so I left. I also found them to be older (25+) hardened hooker types.

A window on Sukhumvit.

Last Saturday night, I went into Bully's for a burger at a little after seven, the first time I'the been in there in over six months. It wasn't very busy, maybe six or eight people in and out during the two hours or so I was there, but that's not what surprised me. The showstopper was that I sat in that front booth by the window looking out at the sidewalk along Sukhumvit and I'the bet you not a total twenty-five people walked past in the almost two hours I was sitting there. Heck, last year you'd see twenty-five people on that sidewalk in a single glance out the window, but now ten minutes or more would pass without a single human-being in sight. Not one. It was bizarre. Almost frightening. Like something bad had happened out there and I was the last to know about it.

When I finished eating, it was a little after nine — this was on a Saturday, remember — and I thought I'the walk down to Nana Plaza and see just how quiet it was over there. That turned out to be one of the strangest experiences of my life. In the walk up Sukhumvit and then right on Soi Nana all the way to the entrance of the Plaza, I saw not one single farang face. Not one. The line of motorcycle taxi boys was in place at the corner, on the other side of the soi the food vendors were set up as always between the police box and the entrance (although there were fewer of them), and a scattering of girls were in their usual slots in the Nana parking lot. But it was if a neutron bomb had wiped out all the visitors and simply left all these people standing around like extras waiting around a movie set. It was downright eerie.

I felt so conspicuous being the only potential customer in sight that I turned around without actually going through the entrance into the Plaza and turned around to head back up the soi. When I did, I walked up Soi Nana all the way from the Plaza to Sukhumvit — not on the sidewalk, but right in the middle of the street — and I didn't encounter a single car or tuk-tuk or even a bike. I was alone in the middle of Soi Nana at 9:30 PM on a Saturday night with the motorcycle taxi boys and the food vendors and the hookers gathered on both sides of the soi just staring vacantly at me. You could have shot a horror movie right there without changing a thing.