Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=CaliGuy33;2778130]It's not an ignorant comment and doesn't affect my self esteem as I don't date and don't plan to marry. It's based on my personal observations and data. You can lookup dating website statistics and you'll find that the majority of Asian women are interested in only white men. Plenty of videos on Youtube cover dating statistics if you would like to educate yourself. The facts are in the stats, not your feelings.[/QUOTE]Obviously, you never took statistics in college. One of the things you learn is if you want to lie bring up statistics. All your points / examples have no merit except in your mind. I am done with this topic.

[QUOTE=Confiable;2779304]Obviously, you never took statistics in college. One of the things you learn is if you want to lie bring up statistics. All your points / examples have no merit except in your mind. I am done with this topic.[/QUOTE]Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779243]I went in once and Pui was pretty good. She seemed like she'd had one too many espressos, but the overall experience was enjoyable. It was definitely less than 40 minutes, but I figured speed keeps girls and rooms available, so their approach makes sense business wise. Not sure about other BJ bars because I'm yet to go.

I'm in love with Sideline. In my limited experience, I've found that almost none of the photos to be indicative of the final product. How old or edited the photos are is difficult to know until you show up or try video chatting. Video chatting is too much work for me and I'm not sure if they have apps that can apply a filter, so I've been gambling. I've gone to 3 girls so far.

- the first was a good 10 kg heavier than her photo, but she was kinda cute and the view of the CIM finish was enough to keep me satisfied.

- the second looked very close to her photo. Fit body and excellent riding and BJ skills! She was very assertive and it's probably the first time I was comfortable not taking the lead at all during the encounter..[/QUOTE]Good report and I find it useful.

I would like try sideline next time I am there. Do you have to always visit them? How is the room? Is it a Massage parlour or they are willing to come to you?

Because when I visited their website, in the profiles of almost all girls, it's mentioned that they don't work outside, which I believe is 'No Outcall'.

[URL]https://www.sidelinethailand.com/a/@tsgsideline[/URL]

I have been to nana and soicowboy and like you I don't have the energy to venture out in the night. I also lack the necessary skills to convert a conversation to an encounter these days. I have managed with a few some years back.

So, every time I am in BKK, I end up in a MP or an escort from Smooci.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779247]Million mile status? Lifetime Red Carpet? Just call me [I]Junior[/I][S]...[/S].

Not to alarm you, but, that is a tight connection and I speak from experience, my own 85 minute connection. Just my last trip, last November, incoming flight late by 30 minutes, and even as the A380 was still taxiing to the gate, the onward flight was boarding (boarding starts about 50 minutes before departure time), AND I was sitting in the last section on the incoming flight. Long time to taxi, LONG time to deplane. I'd given up hope, next flight was 19 hours later, and as I emerged from the jetway, looked at the crowd of other missed connection passengers. BUT to my relief, there was a handwritten sign saying the onward flight was being held for 30 minutes. ALL RIGHT.

Be aware at Incheon, you have to pass through security x-ray in transit (assumed dirty in). It can get backed up, but does move quickly, most of the time. Once you deplane, just follow the signs for transfer, and as you round a corner, there is security. Before I get there, I empty my pockets into my carry-on, and pull out my laptop, keeping only passport and next boarding pass in pocket. Can't remember if I had to remove shoes (no TSA pre-check here).

Note: assuming your INCOMING flight is Asiana, all of Asiana uses terminal 1. If another carrier, it can be terminal 2; there is a train between the two, but it does take time. I've never had to use.

BUT, being familiar with the airport, checked my departing boarding gate on a tote board. I also knew, and was lucky enough, to be right below an Asiana business class lounge. Quick like a bunny, up to the lounge. You can just scan the boarding pass's QR code to open the automatic gate, but of course it'd been so long, I was trying to check-in at the desk, so the NICE girl showed me that it really was automated (duh). Quick to the food line to grab some finger sandwiches and to get a soft drink (no COKE, Pepsi). Enough time to scarf a couple of sandwiches and a couple of Pepsi's before heading to the onward gate. The flight was already boarding, no chance to use my preferred boarding status, but used the FEW minutes to connect to the free wi-fi (very easy) and send a LINE message to Thai friends that my arrival would be delayed.

So, I'd grab a copy of the airport map, listen for my arrival and departure gates (I can never understand, but my ears are shot). Lounges are upstairs, I don't wait for the elevator but take the escalator. It does pay to glance at the airport's own map to see where you are and the lounges are, there are several. Both sets are where the gate [I]arms[/I] join the concourse. Quick Google search for the maps, they LOOK accurate, but won't swear to it. Hell, you're a million mile flyer, they probably hold planes for you; you'll figure it out.

And I've always managed to make a trip to a lounge on every connection, even when 90 minutes (or less). Tight, but doable when you're a Cheap Charlie. I think you really will enjoy the service on Asiana. My one gripe - all the stews look like came from the same cookie-cutter; there are some cute ones.[/QUOTE]Thanks for all the detail info on connecting in Inchon. Both flights are on Asiana, so I am hoping the connections will be close by. As for my mileage status with United, it really boils down to basically nothing now days. United takes care of those revenue generating passengers, not us retired folks. As for the lifetime pass, all that means is that United looks forward to me dropping dead as soon as possible!

Any way, thanks again for all the good info for this novice flyer on Asiana and Inchon airport. Us retired folks need to know where exactly we are going so I don't want to be staying in Inchon for 24 hours! LOLOL!

[QUOTE=ChuchoLoco;2779166]You're not naive but just doing the right thing. Do unto others as they do unto you. Schwab does us right.[/QUOTE]Thanks, confirmed my thoughts.

[QUOTE=StreamFlyer;2779176]Thanks for the intel Bravo! That's good to know. Are any ATM's okay? Or do you go specifically to the ATM's right next to the the Banks?[/QUOTE]I can't say if there are any [I]independent[/I] ATM's as I wouldn't use if there were. Probably an ATM inside Nana but I wouldn't use. Given I pass a Krungsri bank every day on my walk to the BTS station, I use theirs. There are a number of other banks on my route, theirs is just the most convenient and secure IMHO. The ATM's are inside a foyer with another door to the bank office itself. Security guard opens the door to the foyer; it's private but visible if you know what I mean. I've also used the Citi Bank ATM's at Asoke, but they're very public, outside in a busy pedestrian way, though there is a bank employee (at least there used to be) outside with the ATM's. I haven't bothered to check, but I'm sure that every bank charges the maximum allowed for use of their ATM by a [I]stranger[/I], simple business anywhere in the world. I don't care to have any casual observers watching me take the cash and put it away, but I also don't want to be out [I]remotely[/I]. I figure, maybe wishful thinking, that monitored ATM's are less likely to have skimmers, etc. Just use common sense for anywhere in the world, including home.

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779243]Not sure about other BJ bars because I'm yet to go.
[s]...[/s]
I still haven't been to Nana or Cowboy yet. The task has seemed a little daunting for a solo traveller and I'm usually running low on energy later into the night. I think being high energy and sociable is the most conducive state for that scene, so maybe this weekend.[/QUOTE]Both SOL (Star of Light) if reopened, and Meet the World, open, are [B]INSTITUTIONS[/B] WRT BJ bars. Both in Patpong, Patpong 2. Directions in earlier FR's. Both function afternoons for a bit of [I]afternoon delight[/I]. If you're a [I]form over function[/I] type, perhaps not for you as lookers they are not, but [U]skill sets[/U][S]...[/S] Unique experiences and make good war stories. Just mention SOL and watch the ole BKK hands grin.

Being a solo traveler, I always enjoy hunting alone at the bars. You start adding people and it gets exponentially more complicated. I only have to please myself (stay, leave, go where, when, etc), selfish that way. I also find it easier to meet who I'm there to meet, and no disrespect to any member here, it's not you (2nd person plural). Clear to ALL concerned as to why I'm there [S]...[/S].

[QUOTE=ElFlaco172;2779054]Long time lurker. I've learned quite a bit from this forum. I tend to do a lot of research before immersing myself into the mongering scene and it was quite insightful. I've been in Bangkok for 2 weeks and I have to say this is an amazing city. You can never get bored here, there's always something interest around the corner.[/QUOTE]A nod to BOTH [B]TheKaiser[/B] and [B]ElFlaco172[/B] for their entertaining and informative FR's. Understand it takes effort AND TIME to post; yours are appreciated.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2779314]Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.[/QUOTE]Both punting and tourism would grow boring on their own, but when mixed, a week or two doing one, then a week or two doing the other, that's a mix [b]I[/b] like.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779155]I'd say a better rate via Schwab, certainly not worse. MUCH easier to use an ATM and you don't have to worry about unaccepted currency bills. Even though Schwab does refund the fees, I still take a maximum amount from an ATM as the ATM fee is a set fee, NOT based on the withdrawal amount. Call me naive, but I don't want to nickle and dime Schwab to death (though to test a new card, I do take $20 from a local ATM just to ensure all is well). Even if it was a lesser rate, and we're talking fractions of a baht, the convenience is worth it to me.[/QUOTE]Oh wow good point, I forgot the fee is not based on withdrawal amount. Time to take out the max.

Although in my three transactions so far this is what I calculated base off of googled exchange rate at time of withdrawal.

1 - 11 baht per $100 withdrawal.

2 - 9 baht.

3 - 28 baht. Not sure why this one trans fee was a lot more. Maybe schwab doesn't used live exchange rate when doing foreign withdrawals. Possible avg for the day or previous day.

I was taking out 5 k each time, will do max now that you mention its a flat fee. This was all in Pattaya krungsri ATM not sure if it matters. The TT kiosks was at lowest I withdrew got about 21 baht fee per $100. TT seems to be consistently the lowest at Pattaya. My 3 Schwab withdrawal still avg out lower than my kiosks withdrawals. I'll probably do one big withdrawal when I'm back in Bangkok to get my moneys worth.

[QUOTE=Rodwint2;2779507]Thanks for all the detail info on connecting in Inchon. Both flights are on Asiana, so I am hoping the connections will be close by. As for my mileage status with United, it really boils down to basically nothing now days. United takes care of those revenue generating passengers, not us retired folks. As for the lifetime pass, all that means is that United looks forward to me dropping dead as soon as possible!

Any way, thanks again for all the good info for this novice flyer on Asiana and Inchon airport. Us retired folks need to know where exactly we are going so I don't want to be staying in Inchon for 24 hours! LOLOL![/QUOTE]Couple of more memories: in Nov last year, Asiana was a "no mask, no fly" airline, enforced. They ran out of free masks during boarding of the initial leg, and were directing those who didn't have their own to shops at the airport where masks could be bought. Everyone in Incheon was wearing masks. Doesn't bother me, but some [S]...[/S].

I'd usually transit Incheon 4 times a year. The WIDE arrivals corridor to transfer, immigration, baggage claim, has moving walkways. The transfer is a corridor at right angles to the main corridor. Well marked with ceiling signs. My ONLY concern with connections was the in-transit security. The agents are efficient, it's the other passengers you have to worry about ("where did I put my notebook in my carry-on?) Seems they usually run 2-3 out of 4 security lines, with a traffic manager at the head of the single "muliti-switchback" feeder line to the separate lines. Usually works, but I've jumped when I've noticed a herd of [I]confused[/I] ahead of me in the line I was directed to. Once through, no worries. Up an escalator to the departure floor, coming out at the base of one of the arms.

The arms are NOT all that short, especially if you're [I]lucky[/I] enough to have a gate at the end loop, but it is NO BKK "pack a lunch" [I]Swampy[/I] either. Moving walkways along the main connector between the 2 arms, and along the arms themselves. On the incoming flight, they will announce departure gates, but as I said, I can never understand. Tote boards in the main areas, but I find the tote board in the business lounge easier to read. My onward boarding pass did have the gate on it, but always best to double check. Upstairs, besides the lounges, are the other [i]common[/i] areas, such as quiet rooms, tv rooms, etc.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779515]Both SOL (Star of Light) if reopened, and Meet the World, open, are [B]INSTITUTIONS[/B] WRT BJ bars. Both in Patpong, Patpong 2. Directions in earlier FR's. Both function afternoons for a bit of [I]afternoon delight[/I]. If you're a [I]form over function[/I] type, perhaps not for you as lookers they are not, but [U]skill sets[/U][S]...[/S] Unique experiences and make good war stories. Just mention SOL and watch the ole BKK hands grin. [/QUOTE]SOL was on my list already because I had read they do the deed right in the bar and that's something that should be on everyone's bucket list IMO. I do need to have the girls attractive enough in one way or another, so they way you describe it, I might find it challenging to perform.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779515] Being a solo traveler, I always enjoy hunting alone at the bars. You start adding people and it gets exponentially more complicated. I only have to please myself (stay, leave, go where, when, etc), selfish that way. I also find it easier to meet who I'm there to meet, and no disrespect to any member here, it's not you (2nd person plural). Clear to ALL concerned as to why I'm there [S]...[/S].[/QUOTE]I agree with you on this note. The logistics are a lot easier to manage and only depend on my whims and fancies. It's just that my social skills always perform better when I've been able to warm up. I really should just bite the bullet and head out tonight. I'm probably building the whole thing up far too much in my head.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779515]A nod to BOTH [B]TheKaiser[/B] and [B]ElFlaco172[/B] for their entertaining and informative FR's. Understand it takes effort AND TIME to post; yours are appreciated.[/QUOTE]I appreciate it! This forum was invaluable to a guppy like me, but I honestly only posted because these aren't exactly the sort of activities I can discuss with the vast majority of people I know. The anonymity of this forum allows me to process, share and get feedback from veterans, so I'm glad my selfishness in posting is also of some benefit to others.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779515]Both punting and tourism would grow boring on their own, but when mixed, a week or two doing one, then a week or two doing the other, that's a mix [b]I[/b] like.[/QUOTE]That's why I started Muay Thai this week.

Also I should probably type up and share my reports for this week sometime.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2779314]Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.[/QUOTE]What you are saying is there isn't much mongering outside of the specialized mongering sites (Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, etc). In real life, Thai bars do have ladies, but for drinks only. Ladies don't go with Thai customers in the bar. If they want to go, arrangements will be made. Sometimes a bargirl will become a mia noi for a customer, which takes her off the market.

[QUOTE=Lcale1982;2779516]Oh wow good point, I forgot the fee is not based on withdrawal amount. Time to take out the max.

Although in my three transactions so far this is what I calculated base off of googled exchange rate at time of withdrawal.

1 - 11 baht per $100 withdrawal.

2 - 9 baht.

3 - 28 baht. Not sure why this one trans fee was a lot more. Maybe schwab doesn't used live exchange rate when doing foreign withdrawals. Possible avg for the day or previous day.

I was taking out 5 k each time, will do max now that you mention its a flat fee. This was all in Pattaya krungsri ATM not sure if it matters. The TT kiosks was at lowest I withdrew got about 21 baht fee per $100. TT seems to be consistently the lowest at Pattaya. My 3 Schwab withdrawal still avg out lower than my kiosks withdrawals. I'll probably do one big withdrawal when I'm back in Bangkok to get my moneys worth.[/QUOTE]Maybe I'm just not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I do want to pass out a warning to drunk or jet-lagged ATM users in Thailand.

Four trips since 2018, spent over a year in Thailand, and I still leave my ATM card in the machine. Twice, so far. My regular US ATM always gives me my card back before I get the money while it's making a loud beeping noise with flashing lights reminding me to get it.

In Thailand, they give you the money first, the card after you finalize the transaction. In fairness, you get the same loud 'hey don't forget your card idiot' tone after you get the money, but the first time it happened I was way too drunk and had already stumbled down the road and didn't notice the machine screaming at me. Fortunately, I was leaving in a few days and had my backup. I thought I learned my lesson until I did it again my first day in BKK last summer when I was trying to stay awake to adjust to the time difference. Damn! I have to second the Schwab recommendation since they sent me a card in less than a week at no charge. So remember, take your money then wait for the card. Do as I say, not as I do.

Getting a local bank account this time since I'm now spending half my time there.

[QUOTE=Nite_Runner;2776178]

RE: Thai Bank. If I may ask, which do you use and are there any established relationships with US banks?

N_R.[/QUOTE]Only one I've heard of is Bangkok Bank, which has or used to have an US branch.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2779534]Couple of more memories: in Nov last year, Asiana was a "no mask, no fly" airline, enforced. They ran out of free masks during boarding of the initial leg, and were directing those who didn't have their own to shops at the airport where masks could be bought. Everyone in Incheon was wearing masks. Doesn't bother me, but some [S]...[/S].

I'd usually transit Incheon 4 times a year. The WIDE arrivals corridor to transfer, immigration, baggage claim, has moving walkways. The transfer is a corridor at right angles to the main corridor. Well marked with ceiling signs. My ONLY concern with connections was the in-transit security. The agents are efficient, it's the other passengers you have to worry about ("where did I put my notebook in my carry-on?) Seems they usually run 2-3 out of 4 security lines, with a traffic manager at the head of the single "muliti-switchback" feeder line to the separate lines. Usually works, but I've jumped when I've noticed a herd of [I]confused[/I] ahead of me in the line I was directed to. Once through, no worries. Up an escalator to the departure floor, coming out at the base of one of the arms.

The arms are NOT all that short, especially if you're [I]lucky[/I] enough to have a gate at the end loop, but it is NO BKK "pack a lunch" [I]Swampy[/I] either. Moving walkways along the main connector between the 2 arms, and along the arms themselves. On the incoming flight, they will announce departure gates, but as I said, I can never understand. Tote boards in the main areas, but I find the tote board in the business lounge easier to read. My onward boarding pass did have the gate on it, but always best to double check. Upstairs, besides the lounges, are the other [i]common[/i] areas, such as quiet rooms, tv rooms, etc.[/QUOTE]Thanks again for the detailed description of what to expect at Inchon. Changing planes in any new airport with a short connection can give someone old like me a heart attack! Getting stuck at an airport is not something I looked forward to even on the best of times. Now days it's a nightmare.

I even checked my seats again on Asiana because I made the selection on the United website in October. Guess what! The seat selections I had made then were cancelled and trying to make the selection on the United website was impossible. I had to call both Asiana and Thai Air to get seat assignments. As soon as I made the calls, the seat assignments showed up on the United website in minutes! Back in October the flights were pretty much empty, but now the reservation agents I spoke to today said the flights were book solid!

I really appreciate your guidance and assistance on this information.

I have been in BKK for a few days. Of course, it's getting worse and if you're demanding, you have to work a bit, but it's still a place where you can get everything you want. Starting with the perfect teenager 3000/3 min. Suitable only for groping and kicking ass, through slightly older options, but offering perfect GFE, where sometimes a conversation is not worse than sex (old age is not joy and all for very reasonable money, and ending with a pleasant and cuddly candidate for wife, a student from the suburbs, who will still consider the farang a man of a better category.

[QUOTE=Lcale1982;2779516]Oh wow good point, I forgot the fee is not based on withdrawal amount. Time to take out the max.

3 - 28 baht. Not sure why this one trans fee was a lot more. Maybe schwab doesn't used live exchange rate when doing foreign withdrawals. Possible avg for the day or previous day.[/QUOTE]Yes, it's NOT like a bank's ATM card where you get charged a percentage of the amount withdrawn for a foreign transaction fee (years ago, I queried and was told that that was a [I]hedge[/I] against fluctuating exchange rates, [I]yea, right[/I] cue eye roll).

COULD be the last higher rate was due to the DROP of the dollar to the baht. Over the last 3 months, high 38.3 (mid-October), low 32.79 (today). FMTT.

[QUOTE=LuvStJohn;2779643]Maybe I'm just not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I do want to pass out a warning to drunk or jet-lagged ATM users in Thailand.

Four trips since 2018, spent over a year in Thailand, and I still leave my ATM card in the machine. Twice, so far. My regular US ATM always gives me my card back before I get the money while it's making a loud beeping noise with flashing lights reminding me to get it.

In Thailand, they give you the money first, the card after you finalize the transaction. In fairness, you get the same loud 'hey don't forget your card idiot' tone after you get the money, but the first time it happened I was way too drunk and had already stumbled down the road and didn't notice the machine screaming at me. Fortunately, I was leaving in a few days and had my backup. I thought I learned my lesson until I did it again my first day in BKK last summer when I was trying to stay awake to adjust to the time difference. Damn! I have to second the Schwab recommendation since they sent me a card in less than a week at no charge. So remember, take your money then wait for the card. Do as I say, not as I do.

Getting a local bank account this time since I'm now spending half my time there.[/QUOTE]FOR ME, I always take some baht home with me sufficient for next arrival's transportation and initial meal. Say a couple 1000's, including a number of 20's (taxi fare next morning). I never exchange money at airport or before I crash. Likewise, I never use an ATM when drunk. Sufficient funds either in wallet or back at hotel. When you're tired / drunk, too prone to error. I also always get a printed receipt from the ATM (money, receipt, card checklist) just in case Schwab doesn't catch the fee. In Australia it seems that the LAST thing delivered is the money (card ejected, receipt printed, cash drawer opens) which tends to distract me from the card so I've learned to take the card and receipt first, stick in my wallet where they don't belong, then reach for the money just so I don't leave without the card.

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779569]SOL was on my list already because I had read they do the deed right in the bar and that's something that should be on everyone's bucket list IMO. I do need to have the girls attractive enough in one way or another, so they way you describe it, I might find it challenging to perform.[/QUOTE]Maybe it's just me, but the only thing I notice when sitting on the couch getting a BJ is the top of the head bobbing up and down, and tops look the same to me. If it helps, Meet the World dims the lights when the deck is cleared for action [S]...[/S] World also serves BJ's in bar; FS if you choose but I availed myself of the bed in the alcove, curtains drawn for the FS. If you still need some distractions, then ring the bell and be treated to a [I]swarm[/I], you'll have a face full of boobs or more heads bobbing below your chin as they tongue your nipples.

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779569]I agree with you on this note. The logistics are a lot easier to manage and only depend on my whims and fancies. It's just that my social skills always perform better when I've been able to warm up. I really should just bite the bullet and head out tonight. I'm probably building the whole thing up far too much in my head.[/QUOTE]You are. Remember, it's BUSINESS. Yes, you can have fun, a LOT of fun, but the bottom line is, you're looking to sign a contract as is she. If you can agree, fine. If not, as Yul Brynner told Eli Wallach in [I]The Magnificent Seven[/I], [I]"Ride on" [/I].

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779569]I appreciate it! This forum was invaluable to a guppy like me, but I honestly only posted because these aren't exactly the sort of activities I can discuss with the vast majority of people I know. The anonymity of this forum allows me to process, share and get feedback from veterans, so I'm glad my selfishness in posting is also of some benefit to others. [/QUOTE]All benefit, newbees and veterans, different set of eyes, different places visited.

[QUOTE=TheKaiser;2779569]That's why I started Muay Thai this week.[/QUOTE]Crap, I'm happy with a new temple [S]... [/S].