Just back from Pattaya.

[gerefan2]

And it is for that very reason that I think gogo bars will survive.

Although what you see in the bar is sometimes not what you get in the room, it's still the best way to judge whether or not the guy is worth the risk.

I've only ever used the apps once - in Prague - and I remember being very nervous as to what kind of guy would actually turn up. Luckily, he matched his profile perfectly and all went very well.

But what if the guy doesn't match his profile? What do you do then? I would find it very difficult to turn him away. There would be a massive loss of face.

So going to the bars saves me from all that stress. And there are surely many others who think the same.

.

Agreed 100 per cent... even in the dreaded BBB you can get a better idea of the boy than from the apps
.

[frequent]

But what if the guy doesn't match his profile? What do you do then? I would find it very difficult to turn him away. There would be a massive loss of face.

The answer to this question is simple. You say so during the conversation. A friend of mine goes so far as to say "no cum, no tip". I had a guy turn up yesterday who evidently was the guy in the profile pic - but the pic was clearly several years old. We met in the lobby of my condo. I sent him away, having already told him that that's what would happen ("Pic this year? No photoshop?"). Similarly all those "massage" guys who send messages offering bargain basement prices of "only" 2000 or 2500 baht. They get a standard response - "so sorry, had sex yesterday with guy for 1000 baht". Most immediately drop their asking price. Interestingly I've started encountering Taiwanese escorts online - the cheapish hotels of Silom Soi 3 is where they hang out, same as the Vietnamese, and similarly extravagantly priced. Generally however I stick to the tried and true boys I've met online and had before

[frequent]

The baht is surprisingly strong against western currencies over the last few years.

And not everyone is happy - today's Thai PBS story - http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/str...ong-exporters/

[FarangRuMak]

And not everyone is happy - today's Thai PBS story - http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/str...ong-exporters/

It's a game of swings and roundabouts everywhere.
The drop in sterling over the past year or so is good news for exporters and the tourist industry but bad news for manufacturers that have to import raw materials and of course bad news for British expats in places like Thailand.
You will never please everyone.

[FarangRuMak]

I came to the same conclusion. If you compare it with the situation of 30 or 20 or just 10 years ago, then the atmosphere in the bars of today is really depressing (with a few exceptions). However, I like to see what I get, and therefore I still prefer the bars over the apps.

I agree.
I see what I get and HE sees who's going to give him what he gets.

[poshglasgow]

Clearly then, there is a consensus that the go-go bars offer us a greater insight to the available company on offer, in favour of some of the unwelcome surprises of out-of-date profile pics/false info on the apps (you are expecting Michelangelo's David, when in stumbles Quasimodo on a bad hair day!!)

I'm beginning to change my mind on this whole issue: I was of the firm opinion that these apps were going to effect the demise of the go-go bars. You know what? I don't think that they will, as there is an overwhelming sense that many prefer to choose their boys from the go-go bars; and let's not overlook the added security inherent in the boy's connection to the appropriate bar, should a problem arise.

[poshglasgow]

Excellent report thank you and fortunately no serious injuries from your motorcycle accident. I saw three motorcycle accidents between Christmas and New Years eve so Grab or Taxis are my preferred option for transportation at present.

I agree about Nes at the Venue, he is very popular and for good reason. The Venue show would be improved if they lowered the ear piercing volume slightly and limited the photo taking in the front seats which is a big distraction there for me. One guy was taking photos every few seconds and never stopped blocking my view so i was out of there after the first section of the show.

I agree about the volume, Aussie, they need to reduce it a tad. Among the many in the audience there will be those for whom the high volume will play havoc with hearing aids etc.

One of the photographers at the front of the stage is a well-established, philanthropic fellow Australian,Peter, a lovely guy, who presents each of the performers with a showcase photo album of their performances, by way of keep-sake, and all at his own expense. I'm sure, however, that he doesn't use flash, but many others, each evening, do so and I agree, it is a distraction, particularly when they bob up and down blocking the view. Peter, on the other hand remains seated at all times.

[arsenal]

An app is little more than the edited highlights while the go go bar is the actual event. No brainer. Go go bars win every time.

[neddy3]

Clearly then, there is a consensus that the go-go bars offer us a greater insight to the available company on offer, in favour of some of the unwelcome surprises of out-of-date profile pics/false info on the apps

I'm beginning to change my mind on this whole issue: I was of the firm opinion that these apps were going to effect the demise of the go-go bars. You know what? I don't think that they will, as there is an overwhelming sense that many prefer to choose their boys from the go-go bars; and let's not overlook the added security inherent in the boy's connection to the appropriate bar, should a problem arise.

Agreed 100%!

I'm another person who much prefers the go-go bars, and their advantage of allowing us to assess potential friends in the bar.

I hope that the bars survive.
There is no question that the apps have had a negative impact on the bars.
Just look at the number open now compared with 10 years back.
But a well run bar can still do well; there are not enough that are well run.

[frequent]

But a well run bar can still do well; there are not enough that are well run.

What's your criteria for a well-run bar?