Job Discussion Forums

route67 · Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 11:35 pm Post subject: not being tempted

i'm seriously considering bkk as my next port of call. BUT. from what i gather, over the (general) internet, it seems like the last days of sodom incarnate. weak-willed as i am, how does one resist falling into the beer/hookers trap? are there places to go where you can have a quiet beer and just relax after a hard day at t'mill? failing that...where are the best hookers? please bear in mind, MOD EDIT and may well regret this post.
your attention in this matter is appreciated.
Wink

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

I find not going out EVER helps me resist the temptations!

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Volodiya · Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:59 am Post subject: not being tempted

It helps to remember that it's all about money- separating you, from yours.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

The above replies are right on the money. Wink

To expand just a bit on what Sigmoid wrote: there are 3 major red-light zones in Bangkok:

1. Patpong (known for being 'pushy' and for bars that prey on tourists and overcharge for drinks)

2. Nana Plaza (less pushy & caters mostly to the downtown business & tourist crowd)

3. Soi Cowboy (more relaxed overall --- a favourite hangout among die-hard long-timers in BKK)

Within these 3 areas, you will be approached by all kinds of ... um ... strange looking characters trying to coax you into their bars, asking you if you need a taxi, or to buy porn CDs, to invest in precious gems, etc. These are touts and it's best not to talk to them. Period. They are, as Volodiya says, paid to separate you from your money.

And as Sigmoid mentioned --- some of the ladies who approach you are not really ladies at all, but Ladyboys; the local lingo for Thailand's famous transvestites. Some of them are quite convincing, btw.

Now here's the clincher:

Apart from these 3 very specific areas of Bangkok, I have never been approached or hassled or hustled by anyone for any reason, and I get around. In other words - if you steer clear of the above 3 areas, you'll probably get the impression (as I often do) that there's a lot of 'hype' in Bangkok's seedy reputation. It's a lot tamer and 'cleaner' than I had imagined it would be.

For details on Bangkok's famous nightlife, you can try this link: (click on 'after dark' for the bar-scene details)

http://www.bangkokbob.net/index.htm (Bangkok Bob's)

route67 · Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:08 pm Post subject:

Cheers, dudes!
I spent 18 months in Indonesia (Jakarta), so it shouldn't take too much time to orient oneself (fingers crossed). As for the katoeys, they are called bencong in Indonesia. Easier to spot - imagine a bricklayer with lipstick.
MOD EDIT
And parting ME from money? Good luck - I'm Scottish...

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:39 am Post subject:

[quote="route67"]- imagine a bricklayer with lipstick.
quote]

You might find these guys will suprise you! Often the only way to tell is if they are taller than the average female - or general demeanor.

Anyway, don't worry about the "night" scene. Thailand is a wonderful place and you'll find many things to do - to enjoy yourself.

route67 · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Now that I know I'm definitely coming Very Happy

, I have one or two additional queries.

1. Guidebooks - Obviously there's your Rough Guides and your Lonely Planets, but are there any others you'd particularly recommend? And should I hold off and buy one when I get there?

2. Electrical compatability - I'll be bringing stuff from Indonesia. Adapters required?

Your time and patience is much appreciated.

Wink

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Greetings route67:

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to electrical compatibility, but based on what I've read here http://kropla.com/electric2.htm Indonesia is on 230V and Thailand is on 220V. You should be OK with the stuff you're bringing, imho. If you do need an adaptor, you'll find what you need when you get here.

As for guide books - there's plenty of stuff available in the bookshops here. On top of that --- if you have easy access to the Web --- you can find lots of online guides in The Master Index located at the top of this forum.

Just scroll down to Virtual Bangkok and click around a little. Wink

route67 · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:01 pm Post subject:

Hod - does that mean I wouldn't have enough money to spend on bs & hs? Bad news is, I've gorn and signed up for rather more Baht than 30k. Drat, drat & double drat.
Wink

Thanks for the info, Kent. I reckon it should all be ok.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

route67 · Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 2:33 pm Post subject:

Obviously, the mysterious Hod is a WUM...
Wink

route67 · Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:02 pm Post subject:

WUM wasn't meant to be derogatory, old bean. Simply means Wind-Up Merchant...
Chin chin!
Wink

anton · Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 46 Location: Taianan, Taiwan

The best way to tell a katoey from a real woman is to ask to see their arm! If it slightly bends outwards its female, if its straight its male!!

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

I think if you have any trouble telling a lady boy from a real woman you've had way too much to drink. The differences are stunningly obvious: voice, behavior, stature, facial features, body hair, etc. etc.

As a friend of mine always said:

"If there's any doubt, IT"S A MAN!" Laughing

Steer clear! Wide berth!