…are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming?

[goji]

The bigger picture is the devastation that Covid has had on the GoGo and bar scene. On this thread the possible closure of Nice Boys on a thread Gaybutton a plead to help Winner https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10611 elsewhere the almost total end of Boystown, begging the question are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming?

For me the answer is yes.

As you regularly raise the question, where would you suggest that you will go and the rest of us might go instead ?

If there isn't a good answer, then I guess by default, your answer is also YES ?

Pattaya minus the gogo bars would still be better than alternatives like Phnom Penh, The Philippines or Myanmar. Perhaps the gap might be narrowed, but Pattaya would still be my first choice.

Bangkok has better gogo bars, but these have high prices and low levels of service, so after sampling those for 2~3 days, I'd rather move to Pattaya.

[gerefan2]

“Are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming”.

Sorry but there is far more to Thailand and Pattaya than the apps and Jomtien Complex. If that was all there was then the answer has to be No.

However, there are many other places of entertainment if one really has to go out every night! Take for example the numerous Karaoke bars (not every ones cup of tea, I know.). Failing that there are very good night clubs and discos such as Sillipne Isaan which has just reopened and where we went last night. All of these are totally gay friendly.

Then there are the beaches, the islands, and other local or distant places which are well worth visiting. Not to forget all the good restaurants.

Add to this the many friends one has made over the years. I know some may have returned to the fields but many remain in Pattaya. I now have as many friends here in Thailand as i do in the UK.

Finally there is the climate and the escape from the European winter. No matter what that’s worth the effort of coming here.

Perhaps your question should be “ are the apps and Jomtien Complex all that there is to Thailand?”

[Brad the Impala]

As Goji now seems to be eviscerating other threads to start his own.....I am adding my response to MFAS in both!

Thailand was a wonderful place for finding handsome and willing guys outside the bars and before the apps, so it still will be even if there are no go-go bars, or even no gay bars at all. You would still be able to find guys even if there weren't any apps.

So of course people would still come, perhaps not as many, and perhaps with a slightly different temperament, but that might be no bad thing.

The reverse question is of course, are the Pattaya ex pats happy to remain there without Sunee, Boystown or sleaze bars? Seem to recall some muttering about moving to Cambodia or Vietnam........

[bucknaway]

Now when I think of Thailand, I think of Pattaya. Sure I like Bangkok... I enjoyed Babylon, the weekend market, Chinatown, the malls, and the nightlife, but Pattaya seems to tick all the boxes for me. The beach, the sex, the shopping, the sex, the nightlife, the sex. Even when I didn't want sex there was sex.

One place I mistakenly ignored was 2 Donna Bar in Jomtien. I met some great guys there.

(The pic below is from their Facebook page recently posted unrestricted.

[Manforallseasons]

Agree, 2 Donna lovely:

[latintopxxx]

2donna...not my cuppa...in fact we not evenn in the same plantation

[goji]

As Goji now seems to be eviscerating other threads to start his own.....I am adding my response to MFAS in both!
I thought the other thread was about Nice Boys.

A diminished gay scene would still get me to Thailand.
Also, as Gerefan says, there's also a lot more to Thailand than Jomtien complex and the apps. I've stayed in something like 25 towns or cities in Thailand, many of which have no evidence of a gay scene at all & still had a good time.

So I'll still be coming to Thailand on holiday, as long as the option remains open to me.

Also actions speak louder than words. If certain others persistently question and criticize the gay scene, but don't declare any intention to move away, or even answer their own question, we know what their answer is.
Even those who moan about Pattaya or Thailand love it really.

[cdnmatt]

I would imagine the laws of supply and demand will kick in. In 12 - 18 months from now when there's thousands of gay foreigners sitting in Pattaya, all horny, lonely and anxious after surviving a once in a century global pandemic, I would imagine that a) there will be an entrepreneur or two happy to setup a bar and help alleviate that lonelieness from foreigners, and b) lots of boys from up country willing to come back down to Pattaya to help with the same issue.

Almost the entire world over is dead and desolated right now. Not sure why you'd think Pattaya, a major tourist destination would be any different. Bars can and do reopen under new ownership. And considering how desperate Thailand will be for all tourists it can possibly get, I would imagine this whole "we're going to transform Thailand touristm industry into only rich, upstanding businessmen who enjoy golf and quiet family vacations" thing TAT has been going after for years now will dissipate. TAT will most likely revert back to being more than happy to accept sex tourist dollars again.

If anything, it'll probably be like the stories you guys share of the 90s and early 00s, the "good ole days" as you guys constantly say. We're in for a massive transformational societal shift, and I'd venture to guess it's going to be for the better once the dust settles, although that history has yet to be written.

[Marc K]

We're in for a massive transformational societal shift, and I'd venture to guess it's going to be for the better once the dust settles, although that history has yet to be written.

Yes we are in for a transformational and generational shift. As Thailand goes up the economic scale, it will no doubt begin more to resemble the more-developed world in which it will compete. That's to say, in Pattaya, sex will be less "in your face" and probably more expensive (as young men have more economic choices). All you have to do is look at the transformation which is happening/will soon happen to Walking Street to get a taste of Neo Pattaya.

Yes I too am nostalgic for the "good ole days", but folks they are gone, gone, gone. Rather than being despondent over that reality, we should be helping to map out a new future.

Some eye candy. Eye candy does not only exist in Pattaya :air_kiss:
10970

[cdnmatt]

Don't worry, I'm sure there will still be more than enough abject poverty to go around. Pandemics aren't cheap.

[arsenal]

"Are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming"

Yes. For all the reasons listed above.

[latintopxxx]

...sex does play a very big role...everything else like cost, food, safety and weather are also plus factors

[dinagam]

I would just be happy to be on Dongtan beach during the day, followed by a good massage with a favourite masseur, and later in the evening catch a show at The Venue or other show bars... etcetera

[Dodger]

As several posters have mentioned already, there's a lot more to Thailand than the gogo bars and apps.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

I woke up at the crack of 6:00 AM this morning...made my routine stop at the boat docks...spent an hour at the exercise park on the beach...made a quick stop at the local street market...and just arrived home a few minutes ago.

One of the tour boats which routinely travels between Pattaya and Bang Saray was parked at none of the docks loading supplies. I watched as the two brothers who operate the vessel did their morning tasks. One looked over to where I was parked and smiled...as he always does. He's the younger of the two brothers and seems to prefer the lighter tasks, and walks with a bit of a sway in his hips. They are both great guys. If I didn't have a boyfriend, I would have accepted one of the younger brothers invitations to join him on-deck by now. Watching him shower on the aft deck when the chores are done - with the morning sun glistening on the sea around him, is a great way to start a day.

The exercise park is always populated with regular visitors jogging and doing their stretches during the week, with weekends (such as today) getting a bit more crowded with visitors - mostly from the Bangkok metropolitan area(s). Mostly older people like me...huffing and puffing their way around the jogging lanes, and small groups of Thai women who go to the park wearing very fashionable fitness suits so they can sit around on the stationary exercise equipment talking to each other. Today there was a young guy jogging solo who could grace the cover of "Dreamboy Magazine". I met him a few years ago. He only shows up on Saturdays, prefers running shirtless, speaks good English, and has been telling me lately about his recent breakup with his Thai boyfriend of 3 years. Again, having a boyfriend myself, I tend to guide the conversation away from any areas which could become uncomfortable.

Bang Saray has a very active and bustling morning street market - typical of most you see anywhere else in Thailand. The son of one of the larger vegetable vendors always gives me a sly grin when he sees sizing up Japanese cucumbers. His brother, who is also gay, works at one of the seven-elevens in town, and seems to share the same unique sense of humor.

Most, if not all of the boys mentioned above, have seen Jai and I together in town at one time or another, which is one reason I think they're always so friendly and hospitable to me.

I've been living here full-time for 2-1/2 years now, and, to be as honest as I possibly can about this, I doubt that I would be going to the gogo bars or using the apps even in the event I didn't have a boyfriend. There are just so many nice guys around. No doubt, they're much easier to spot when they're standing on a gogo stage with a number pinned to their shorts, but they're here just the same. Sometimes spontaneity can be the greatest reward when hooking up with someone who's not connected to "the scene". Sex is always better!

I imagine post-pandemic Pattaya will have evolved into a gay scene having more casual gay bars - than the in-your-face gogo bars, but there will always be public gays venues. And best of all...there will always be Thai Boys who are anxious to meet you. I don't believe there's anywhere on earth with more potential for a gay man than Thailand.

[snotface]

Pattaya minus the gogo bars would still be better than alternatives like... Myanmar.

Definitely.

[Manforallseasons]

Quote Originally Posted by goji View Post
Pattaya minus the gogo bars would still be better than alternatives like... Myanmar.
Definitely.

Or for that fact North Korea and Yemen....Lol

[arsenal]

Lovely to read Dodger. Have you heard of a new fangled thingy called a camera? Just sayin' like. *

* My comemt is of course, meant in jest but you should probably expect frequent/mrgiggles etc etc to use it to troll. Again and again.

[francois]

I've been living here full-time for 2-1/2 years now, and, to be as honest as I possibly can about this, I doubt that I would be going to the gogo bars or using the apps even in the event I didn't have a boyfriend.





Each to his own, but I think differently.

[goji]

Quote Originally Posted by goji View Post
Pattaya minus the gogo bars would still be better than alternatives like... Myanmar.
Definitely.

Or for that fact North Korea and Yemen....Lol

Yangon did have some of the most obliging massage boys I've ever encountered. So good, that despite downsides like poor food, I would probably have been back there this winter. As well as visting Pattaya of course.
However covid stopped that.
The Junta would now discourage me from visiting for a while.

[Blueskytoday]

Very simple...same as me.....not complicated...

[StevieWonders]

The Junta would now discourage me from visiting for a while.I understood that to be the central reason for the coup.

[riverdee]

yes from me

[StevieWonders]

Each to his own, but I think differently.But remember, francois, Dodgems is also 85.

[Dodger]

Are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming?

Interesting Board response to the OP's question:

Total Members Responding: 17

Members suggesting there is more to Thailand than gogo's and apps which would keep them returning. 16

Members responding to topic - but not answering the OP's question: 1 (depending on how you count):
Stevieclueless, wingnut, mr. giggles, frequent, argosy,

Based on these responses, it's clear that most would return to Thailand for their holidays, regardless of the changes in the gay venues impacted by the pandemic.

As far as expats are concerned, I've heard of retirees leaving Thailand because of serious medical concerns, problems with visa renewals, family matters, etc., which is understandable and will always be the case. But, I have yet to come across a single expat who has left, or plans to leave Thailand, because of the changes being discussed in this post.

Hopefully, this is a good sign of things to come....Under the Rainbow!

[cdnmatt]

I'd go back to Thailand just for the customer service. That's one thing I do actually mist quite a bit -- the speed at which everything happens. Everything is so bloody slow here in Canada.

Buy a couple sofas in Thailand from a store, and want them delivered? The owner makes a quick phone call, 15 mins later there's a couple drivers at the store loading the furniture and within the hour it's at your house. This is even true if you buy a fridge at a big box department store, or at least from my experience it is. In Canada, it's at least two weeks for delivery.

In Thailand move to a new place, and make an appointment to get internet hooked up? Next norming the guy is there up the pole to connect the internet. In Canada it's three weeks and "please be homd between 9 - 5 because he'll show up sometime".

Want to open a bank account in Canada? Make an appointment two weeks ahead and time, and hope everything goes smoothly. In Thailand? Just walk in anytime of your choosing, and 30 mins later walk out with your new bank card and account.

Laptop screen breaks in Thailand? No problem, drop it off at a Tuckom, enjoy a couple beer downstairs, and go pickup your laptop with its new screen for 2000 baht. In Canada I simply wanted a hard drive replaced, and even though the store had them in stock with staff sitting there behind the desk, it still took a week.

Went for an appointment with the eye specialist in Thailand. He suggests an MRI, so I say sure and ask him which day he'd like me to come back? 30 minutes later I'm in a gown entering the MRI room.

In Canada, I actually had to track down the ER doctor because I had a question, and he mentions, "oh yeah that reminds me, something showed up on your CAT scan, I'd like you to get an MRI". I say sure, and ask what day? He says no idea, but he'll put in a request. About 4 weeks later they call to make an appointment a few weeks from then. Hmmm...

And the list goes on. Everything was so much easier and quicker to get done in Thailand.

a

[Dodger]

Everything was so much easier and quicker to get done in Thailand.

Have you ever been to a dentist over here?

You walk in and they have a plastic menu sitting on a counter listing all of the prices of their services, i.e., tooth extraction 500 baht, root canal 1,200 baht, deep cleaning 700 baht, etc. It's like ordering a burger at McDonalds. Then, 10 minutes later, you're siting in the chair. This blows my mind.

Back when I purchased my condo, I went to Home Pro and picked out the major appliances. e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, water purification system, ceiling fans (4), air-conditioning units (2), etc. One hour after making the purchase, a truck pulled up outside the condo, and 4 Home Pro workers unloaded and installed everything in less than 2 hours. Just amazing.

Now, relying on Thai workers (subcontractors) is another story. They're never on time...continually make mistakes...and it takes them forever. I ended up investing in my own hand tools, and started doing a lot of my own renovation work for this very reason.

[Andaman!]

Now, relying on Thai workers (subcontractors) is another story. They're never on time...continually make mistakes...and it takes them forever. I ended up investing in my own hand tools, and started doing a lot of my own renovation work for this very reason.
Did you ever invest in the workers tools? Distract them from the job in hand and check out their package? Would be a valid reason for taking forever.

[arsenal]

Wanna go to a restaurant. In the UK, get dressed up, drive there and spend an hour trying to park the car. Walk in...'have you booked a table?...please take a seat at the bar and well see if we can fit you in, you might have to wait for 40 minutes.'

In Thailand. Turn up. Park the bike outside. Sit down. Order. Eat.

[Dodger]

Did you ever invest in the workers tools? Distract them from the job in hand and check out their package? Would be a valid reason for taking forever.

I don't want to throw us completely "off topic", but the answer is. Yes.

A cable installation boy back when I was renting an apartment in Jomtien Complex.

A young Cambodian laborer when I was building a house in SiSaket.

An air-conditioning maintenance helper back when I was renting an apartment in So. Pattaya

A tile installation helper when I was renovating my condo in Bang Saray.

All were intentionally distracted...tools closely inspected...with very valid reasons for being distracted.

[Keith]

Yes from me to returning to Bangkok. Apart from the boys, I like the place, have friends there, like the atmosphere and the food. Sitting on the verandah of the Oriental, preferably at sunset, just watching the river. Nice hotels, I stay at the Meridien, good service.

[a447]

For me, the apps and Jomtien Complex are not enough to keep me coming to Thailand. I need more.

Like Dodger, I would go for my dental treatment. The ridiculously high prices and poor quality of treatment here are the reason I love the dentist in Siam Paragon. I had some work done there a few years ago and was very satisfied with the result.

The food and shopping are also very attractive at SP.

As for sex, I have a couple of regulars so that side of the business is taken care of. And the fem guys at Jomtien Complex are not my type.

If I didn't have those guys waiting for me, rather than rely on the apps in Thailand I would just go to a neighbouring country or head to Japan.

But I'd still come back occasionally to Thailand.

[christianpfc]

“Are the apps and Jomtien Complex enough to keep you coming”.

To Thailand, clear yes. I spent (before Covid) less than 10% of my time in Thailand in Pattaya.

To Pattaya? Not so much. I have been so many times and been to all places that are of interest to me to fill the daytime. The main reasons is to enjoy the gogo bars (not host bars). If there were no gogo bars in Pattaya, I would only go a few times per year (let's say 4 x 3 days = 3 % of the year) to visit old friends (from times when there were gogo bars). Similar for elsewhere in Thailand: I spend very little time in touristy areas (Sukhumvit, Silom, Patpong, Chiang Mai).

[StevieWonders]

Some very encouraging responses in this thread.