Are Naughty Boys Really Declining?

[SP55]

I don't believe anyone reading this doesn't know that present day Pattaya is a shadow of the way it used to be. Even so, Pattaya is still better than anywhere else in the world.

That summarizes it well

[Dodger]

I don't believe anyone reading this doesn't know that present day Pattaya is a shadow of the way it used to be.

Yes, but even its shadow is still magical and loaded with so many great memories. And I thank the stars every day for the opportunity to live here for that very reason.

Regardless of what happens with the gay tourist numbers - the host bars and other gay venues will always be here, as will the Boys (or that one Boy Special). So life in the shadow suits me just fine.

[Undaunted]

There is no denying it the magic is definitely gone.

[Gaybutton]

even its shadow is still magical and loaded with so many great memories.

That is the problem. For those relatively new to Pattaya, it probably is quite magical. For those of us who have lived in Pattaya for many years, now we can only remember the kind of magic we loved - and that magic is gone.

What moments divine, what rapture serene,
Till clouds came along to disperse the joys we had tasted,
And now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted,
I know but too well what they mean
- Cole Porter, 'Begin the Beguine'

[Dodger]

There is no denying it the magic is definitely gone.

For me, as long as the memories are alive the magic will never really be gone - just out-of-sight, like everything else in life that changes with time.

Yesterday morning I was sitting on my motorbike right next to Corner Bar sipping my ice coffee. I do this routinely. Not sure why. If I sit there long enough Sunee comes alive. I can see the faces and hear the voices of all those who made this place so special (magical).

I always get a sad feeling, there's no denying that, - but I never allow myself to feel sorry for myself, just sorry for friends like Monty, John Booth, John Houlihan, Martin, Jack, and so many others who don't have the same opportunity.

Magic: Now you see it - now you don't.

[Gaybutton]

Magic: Now you see it - now you don't.

Now I don't . . .

[Dodger]

Now I don't . . .

See, I told you...it's magic...

[Jun]

When it comes to the "magic", just consider whether or not it's necessary to look in the mirror.

Fundamentally, the appeal of certain bars was down to the combination of cute slim lads and critically, the probability that I would off one of them.
The moment I start visiting a gogo bar with no intention of offing anyone, it loses something. And am I going to pay 300 baht a drink plus tips just to talk to one of them ?

From what I gather, various board members don't even visit bars and others do so with no intention of offing lads.
That might be due to boyfriends, already having a long list of favourite boys, libido or whatever. In most cases, I guess that's a big change from when you first came to Thailand.
Now what's the effect of not actually looking for a lad on your perception of a bar ?

I still think Jomtien has it. Mainly as it has boys I already know & many more who I would be interested in getting to know.

[Gaybutton]

just consider whether or not it's necessary to look in the mirror.

I can't. These days every time I look in a mirror the glass shatters. Can't imagine why . . .

[Dodger]

....... what's the effect of not actually looking for a lad on your perception of a bar ?

Jai purchased a pair of hair clippers last year, and with his hand-dexterity being an artist gives me a much better haircut than I could get at any of the local barber shops...and it's free, but my perception of barber shops hasn't changed at all.

A lot of the farang I've seen over the years are like fish-out-of-water in the bars. They are clearly not comfortable from the moment they enter the place...constantly complain about everything...spend more time counting their loose change than they do letting their hair down and having a good time...with some who don't even consume alcohol. Unfortunately the bars (and the boys) have to contend with these pampered pansies the best they can.