I’ve just added this to the Thai English page…
So Much means “a lot” or “very much”. You will run into Thais, with limited English skills, that understand “very much”, but it’s unlikely any will understand “a lot”. Example - I like him so much. A commonly used Thai word for this is maak, usually repeated twice, but with a slightly different tone between the first and second.
On several occasions I had the rare opportunity to observe Thai boys chatting with farang on Gay Romeo, a popular on-line hookup site. The thing I found most astonishing was the farangs’ total lack of regard for the boy’s English skills.
Most guys are smart enough to at least initiate a conversation with the simple “hello how are you”, but quickly transition into complex dialog. Worse are the guys that try and break the ice with a three or four paragraph diatribe, rich in complex vocabulary…as the poor overwhelmed boy gasps in bewilderment.
I have no idea what these guys are thinking. By the words he uses, it’s blatantly obvious the boy possesses limited English skills. And if you are just initiating the conversation, why would one assume differently? Chances are he’s not the first Thai boy these guys have chatted with on-line. Yet the majority think nothing of tossing out complex vocabulary and unfamiliar jargon, much to the frustration of the recipient.
Most of the boys use some sort of translation aid, either a book reference or on-line service. Still, it’s very time consuming, and some things tend to get lost in translation. The Thai2english.com web site is a good example of what I’m talking about. If you tell a boy it is a real “treat” talking to him, he will be totally confused, even with the help of this translator. Try looking up the Thai equivalent for “TREAT” at Thai2english.com…get the picture?
Most of these boys have a continuous stream of messages hitting them, and are probably trying to chat with a few guys on MSN at the same time. They really don’t have time to stop and look up a lot of words, and most WILL NOT tell you they don’t understand something. It’s a cultural thing.
Quite frequently boys choose to ignore the farang that is too difficult to communicate with. Those that do decide to engage can very convincingly pretend they understood everything you are saying. This results in a not so obvious complete breakdown in communication.
Imaging what happens when you finally meet up with the boy and he only understood about ten percent of the on-line conversation you had with him. Who should you be angry with?
Keep it simple stupid!
I’ve talked a lot about eating in Thailand, and just when I think I’ve got the subject completely covered I remember something else.
More than once I’ve mentioned Thais like to share several dishes, even in restaurants. What I forgot to mention is it’s rude to serve yourself large portions. Only one, maybe two, spoons full should be taken to your plate at a time, mixed with the rice and eaten. To do otherwise is considered piggish or hording. Moreover, Thais usually only serve themselves one item at a time. On the occasions two items are brought to the plate it is usually to blend them together as one. I’m talking in very general terms, but if you watch the boys eat, you’ll get the picture.
Another interesting thing is Thais do not like to eat alone. Even if a boy knows you are not hungry, he will most likely ask you to sit and eat with him. Because Thais eat when they are hungry, this situation will occur frequently. It is best to join him and maybe take a bite or two while chatting together.
One of the attractions I have for the Thai Boys, money boys in particular, is the amazing things they do with their hair. I’m always fascinated by the elaborate styles they come up with, and how attractive they can be.
One day I overheard a 12 year veteran expat say, “Spiky hair beware, flat head good in bed.” I assume he was speaking in general terms, but did not have the opportunity to ask. I’ll have to admit I’ve experienced a higher ratio of good boys, not just sex, that choose not to have their hair all spiked out. I’ve also had my share of good boys with the fancy dues, but the percentage is definitely smaller.
I shared this with a friend that is very knowledgeable of Thai culture, and the unique culture of the money boys. He didn’t think there was anything to it at all, and went on to explain why a lot of the boys have their hair all done up. According to him, the boys are making a statement they are doing well financially. These hair dues have to be done professionally every day or two. At between 80 and 180 baht a shot it does add up. Put into perspective, a boy can eat two or three times a day for around 80 baht. Thus, it can not be denied the boy has disposable cash, and Thais do love to make these kinds of materialistic statements.
That said, I have to take into consideration success does not necessarily equate to good in bed, or good boy. All it really means is they are good at getting customers to pay for sex, good or bad.
I have not come to any hard and fast conclusions on this, but do tend to lean toward the idea that boys with the fancy dues might disappoint more often than not. At the same time I’m reminded that how good a boy is, in bed or otherwise, has a lot to do with how much he likes and respects you.
There is good and bad during the summer months in Thailand. The temperatures are hotter than hell, and the boys are not as abundant, but for the tourist, everything is cheaper, and less crowded. So, if you want to enjoy Thailand on a budget, this is definitely the time to do it.
Considering the only reason someone would want to visit Thailand at this time of the year is to save money, Pattaya is the only place I’d go. Of course, that’s also assuming you want to enjoy the boys. There are nicer beaches in Thailand, but for the cheapest stay, and largest selection of boys, there is only one choice.
While a lot of boys do return home during this time, you will still find a better selection in Pattaya. Although some might argue in favor of Chiang Mai, I believe your chances of finding the really good boys are also much better in Pattaya than any other location.
One of the things I hate about the gay beach in Pattaya (Jomtien) is all the vendors pestering you to buy their service or product. You can never get a moment’s peace, because there’s a continuous stream of them all day long. Then one day I discovered the area at the far end of the gay beach has substantially fewer, and much less aggressive, vendors. The only downside is little or no boys hang out there either.
Whatever your destination, you need to protect yourself from the heat. I’m not going to go into all those things you need to know about beating the heat. You can easily read about them at most tourism sites. A lot of it is common sense anyway. However, I will offer these three pieces of advice:
Walk slowly. Don’t be in a rush. It’s the quickest way to get yourself heated up.
Make good use of baby powder, particularly in those sweaty areas. All the Thai boys know about this. It really helps to avoid fungus infections by keeping you dry.
Let the boys do all the work, like carry your bags or run to the store for something.
With the exception of Sankron Festival, a celebration of the Thai New Year (April 13-15), high season for tourism has come to an end in Thailand.
For Westerners living in Thailand, not depending on the tourism trade, it brings a sigh of relief. The crowds of ignorant, and often arrogant, guests tend to grate on the expats’ nerves. However, expatriates that enjoy the abundant sex trade see it as a bit of a mixed blessing, because a large percentage of the working boys pack up and return to their home towns.
For a variety of reasons, mostly the poor exchange rate, tourism has been on the decline over the past two seasons. When the money was good, the smart boys would bank roll enough to carry them through the lean months, but not any more. And those that try to ride it out are in for some very hard times, particularly the older boys, as it is difficult for them to compete with their youthful 18 to 23 year old peers.
I wished I could say it becomes a buyer’s market during these lean times, but it doesn’t. For whatever reason, the bars and the boys don’t seem to understand this concept. If anything, they’ll try and get more money out of you to make up for the difference.
Like a shrinking waterhole during dry season in Africa, with the rains comes life. Next September the boys will start returning, new bars will open, and the party will be on again for another six months.
One of the great mysteries about sex with Thai boys is their insatiable desire to shower immediately after getting cum on their skin. It doesn’t make any difference if only one party is done, for most boys there is no waiting, and a towel is not a satisfactory alternative to soap and water.
I was talking about this with a farang friend of mine, who has a better than average understanding of the Thai psyche, and he offered up his theory on the subject. Thais are keenly aware of sperm, those “living” creatures swimming around in the cum. Just as anyone would be uncomfortable with ants on their skin, Thai boys consider sperm to be much the same - bugs! My friend went on to share an experience he had with one boy that said, as he was departing for the shower, “I need to wash my babies off.”
My friend stresses it’s just a theory, one I’m inclined to find at least plausible.
While I’m on the subject, the Thai word for cum is naam set:
naam = water ; fluid ; liquid
set = finish ; complete ; succeed
I once observed a farang who liked to go into a Go Go bar in Silom Soi 6 and toss candy to the boys. All the boys would line up, like trained seals, to catch the baby pacifier shaped candy this guy would throw to them. Apparently this was a regular thing, as all the boys knew him and quickly got into position to receive their treats.
I’m sure this guy believes the boys enjoy his candy pitching visits, as they all appeared to be having a great time…smiling, laughing and joking the entire time. In fact, being treated like zoo animals is totally degrading for them. And despite their outward behavior, the boys actually thought he was a big piece of farang shit.
At this point, you might be questioning why the boys appeared to be having such a good time. The answer is simple…it’s their job to entertain the customer, no matter how much of an arrogant thoughtless ass he is.
As I mentioned before, earning the boys’ respect has everything to do with how well you will be treated. If you are looking to earn that respect, treating a Thai like he’s an animal is not the best approach. It is very easy to just think of these boys as sex objects, and forget they have feelings. These boys may be for hire, but I guarantee you they don’t have to perform at their best…and won’t if they don’t like you!
