What exactly is a "gay bar" ?

[mahjongguy]

In another thread I see the lament that "gay bars" are on the decline in Thailand. It made me wish that there were a simple and clear distinction in English between those places where sex is for sale and those where it is not.

Does "gay bar" include go-go bars and host bars as well as clubs where gay people go just to hang out with other gay people?

I lived in Silom for three years and The Balcony and The Telephone in soi 4 and DJ Station in soi 2 were satisfactory places to go for socializing. Now I've spent eight years in Pattaya and to my knowledge there is no place that fits the definition of "gay bar" as it is used outside of Thailand. The only exceptions are the late night clubs that cater to young Thais and don't work well for me or my partner.

[Undaunted]

Does "gay bar" include go-go bars and host bars as well as clubs where gay people go just to hang out with other gay people?

I believe this description is quite adequate.