Out in Thailand Jan 2011 by Out in Thailand Publishing Co.,Ltd.

JANUARY 2011

HAUTECOUTURE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E :

Gay Life, Love And Sex In Provincial Thailand

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inside

FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: TO:

Features 6 Cover Story: exclusive interview with Tananan Willson 11 A Tale of Men’s Trunks 12 Club One Seven 14 Understanding a Boy 17 Phuket Knud’s Fab Five Years 18 Is There Gay Life After Work in Thailand? 20 Life in the Fast Lane 22 Does Size Really Matter ? 24 Special Feature: Gay Life, Love And Sex In Provincial Thailand 32 Emerald Green Mens Club 36 Babylon in Bangkok

It’s a brand new year and a bright new dawn for gay publishing in Thailand. Welcome to the inaugural issue of the biggest and best national English language gay magazine that Thailand has ever seen. 100% gay owned. 100% gay managed. 100% packed with everything you need to get the most from gay Thailand and 100% free if you pick up a copy from any gay venue.

the Haute Culture of Haute Couture

Inside Out Shout Out ! Out At The Movies Out on TV

Out in Thailand guides, listings & maps 46 Out in Bangkok 54 Out in Chiang Mai 62 Out in Hua Hin 64 Out in Koh Samui 70 Out in Pattaya 82 Out in Phuket 4

We’ve got guides to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket. Each month will feature special stories of gay interest. Use our FREE small ads to sell a service, your house or find love by logging on to www.out-in-thailand.com. Subscribe to our website and get FREE e-newsletters to your inbox. Write letters to the editor and see them online and in print. This month our cover story is an EXCLUSIVE interview with Thai fashion designer extraordinaire, Tananan Willson. We’ve also been OUT and about in Thailand, exploring gay life, love and sex in the provinces, meeting some great gay guys and learning about their lives away from the hotspots. If you are planning a gay retirement in the Kingdom, read gorgeous George Gee’s guide on how to do it. Blake Allen discusses the big question of size and we start our regular OUT look at what’s on TV. Also, on page 2, we’ve got a free condom for you to see in the new year with a bang and resolve that 2011 has got to be safer sex year.

Out Every Month 4 5 40 42

James Barnes <editor@out-in-thailand.com> SHOUT OUT ! January 2011 You

Gay Life, Love And Sex In Provincial Thailand

Wherever you are in Thailand, wherever in the world you are from, OUT in Thailand wishes you the healthiest, happiest and gayest new year!

James Barnes Editor-in-chief

The Haute Culture OUTitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exclusive interview with one of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top fashion designers, Tananan Willson, kicks off our series featuring profiles of the prolific...

of Haute Couture

When you think of fashion designers, images of frantic, eccentrics spring to mind. Off the page folk with extravagant speech and outrageous behaviour. Shocking with the new and provoking the old guard with wild and crazy ideas. Thailand’s Tananan Willson could not be further off the stereotype. Known to his friends as Maew, he is softly spoken, mild mannered and endearingly modest despite being the recipient of countless awards and accolades, including ‘Fashion Designer of the Year’.

“I never thought about becoming a fashion designer. I attended a drawing class because I wanted to have the ability to draw and my teacher pushed me into a class doing clothing patterns!” he says, sotto voce. His face is smooth and youthful despite his unbelievable 49 years. “Then I bought a sewing machine and I took numerous special courses at the Vocational College, Chiang Mai before my first fashion show called ‘Fashion in Concert’ at The Empress Hotel in 2004.” It was a huge success. Tananan Willson had arrived and the media frenzy that greeted his début has never abated.

if you can’t do it well, don’t do it

He confesses that his greatest inspiration is John Galliano for Christian Dior. “I like every one of his shows, they’re amazing! That’s why I always make my shows a theatrical event. I don’t just get the clothes from my shop and put them on the catwalk. People come to see your work, your ideas, your art- not the stock in the shop, I hate that!” Maew specialises in one-of-a-kind shawls (for men and women) and dresses that have a distinct echo of 1960’s chic. Exotic and luxurious, the shawls are often weighted with jade beads and the fancy frocks are fashioned from finest Italian silks. Traditional Thai inspired designs also feature in his extensive catalogue. His secret, he says, is, “Intend to do everything good - if you can’t do it well, DON’T DO IT! Now everyone in the fashion business knows how the runway of Tananan works!” But there is more to this designer’s life than the clamour and glamour of the fashion world. 2011 will see him as President of the Chiang Mai Saraphee Lions Club and he will make a splash with a drinking water filter project that will bring clean water to four border villages in Chiang Dao. At the end of this month, there will be a major fund-raiser called ‘Soccer and Dinner with Movie Stars from Channel 3 TV.’ Give, give and give is his motto. “I would like to do more for the disabled and poor, and less for just social affairs.” I’ve shown my work many times, for the Single Mother Project, HIV Prevention Project of the Princess, Royal Project Seminar with Hill Tribes People, Thai German Group Helping Blind Children and designing

and making outfits for many movie stars who also appear for these projects.” He’s busy on the home front too. “I work very hard in my house, doing everything; taking care of my 73 year old mother, my partner David and our adopted son, Nueng, whose parents both died of AIDS (Neung was not infected). He’s 15 years old now (a teenager - you know what THAT means!). I have to stay close to him more and more, because he needs a friend, as well as a parent. It’s hard to understand the new generation teenager! I’m happy doing housework and social work at the same time, and it all keeps me busy. But for me, family comes first.

www.tanananwillson.com 10

Singapore has rebuked its national water polo team for wearing swim trunks that feature an “inappropriate” likeness of the city-state’s flag. The trunks, which were designed by members of the men’s team competing in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, show the flag’s white crescent moon jutting up from the groin area with five stars to the side on a red background.

The trunks sparked a controversy in the local media and in internet message boards, with some offended by the use of the national flag while others were amused at the furore. “Does is look suggestive, obscene even?” said Sylvia Toh in a commentary in the newspaper. “On the chubby chance of the crescent turning into full moon, my hackles would be raised and it would amount to defacing our flag.”

A Tale Of Men’s Trunks “Unfortunately the team did not seek our advice on the use of the crescent moon and stars when they designed their swim trunks,” the Information Ministry said in a statement. “We would have told them that their design is inappropriate as we want elements of the flag to be treated with dignity.” The ministry, which normally evaluates the use of the flag on uniforms on a caseby-case basis, declined to specify which part of the design was objectionable.

Asian Games rules stipulate that a team’s uniform cannot be changed in the middle of the tournament so the government will allow the water polo players to wear the trunks. The team apologized and said it would retire the trunks after the Asian Games. “We didn’t have the slightest intention to do anything funny on our trunks to insult Singapore,” team manager Samuel Wong, who helped design the trunks, told the Straits Times. The Straits Times reported that anyone found guilty of misusing the flag can be fined up to a maximum of $1,000.

Club One Seven

past. Standard, Superior and Deluxe accommodation is available to suit your requirements.

Club One Seven has established itself as a first class bed and breakfast guesthouse in Phuket. Their latest venture, a boutique, Ping riverside guesthouse has now opened in Chiang Mai. Daniel See, Club One Seven’s general manager opened the doors to OUT. “I am the innkeeper!” he grins. This modest man has an effervescent energy and youthfulness that belies his 37 years.

Daniel’s keen, queer eye spotted the twin traditional Thai teak houses on the banks of the river Ping and saw the potential they offered as a unique holiday destination. “They are more than 130 years old,” he says, “but now, after all the renovations, they have been brought up to date and the traditional architecture has been preserved.”

lish and heart-melting smile ensures the warmest Thai welcome. Aof used to work for the grand Oriental Hotel but chose Chiang Mai Club One Seven. “I work here because I love it,” he says. His easy manner and keen helpfulness make him an invaluable asset. “I want the guests to feel that they are at home, away from home,” he adds, the smile never fading.

It is spectacular. The grounds are all beautifully manicured and shaded by mature tropical trees. All guests and visitors are issued with Club One Seven membership cards (70 THB for lifetime membership!) and the whole place has the feel of an exclusive, private rural resort but it is within a stone’s throw of the city centre and all the excitement. The first person you are likely to encounter is Aof, the delightful young guy who manages the front desk. His perfect Eng-

The first teak mansion houses the 11 guest rooms. All have computer card entry doors, stylish modern bathrooms, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, refrigerator, air conditioning and electronic safe. High, vaulted ceilings, four poster beds with rich, crisp linen, antique furniture and teak panelled walls leave no doubt that this is a destination with huge character, class and tradition. Three rooms have their own private terraces for guests to relax and watch the river move lazily

The second structure has a sauna, two steam rooms, inside and outside showers, locker room, darkrooms and Jacuzzi. There is also a fully equipped gym. The bar and breakfast terrace and sitting room with TV and internet terminals, both overlook the river. There is also a novel, phallic shaped pool, in which to cool off or get hot and a fascinating ‘night safari’ route through the lush greenery for private cruising! All these facilities are open to non-residents, as are the special events and themed nights held at Club One Seven.

Khun Tang is the manager. This smart and efficient young man urges you to, “Try us out and judge Club One Seven Chaing Mai on your experience.” Clearly, confident that the experience will be a good one, Club One Seven has a commitment to cater to the needs of all nationalities and age ranges in this exclusively gay guesthouse. Club One Seven 385/2 Charoen Prathet Rd., Chang Klan, Chiang Mai 50100 Tel 0066 (0)53 274 317 E-mail chiangmai@cluboneseven.net www.cluboneseven.net

By Nicky

To understand this story, is to understand a boy and a life that is alien to most people who will read it. I have known Tam (name changed to spare his blushes) for a long time. Little did I know how long he’d been around. He’s currently a gogo bar doorman. He’s very friendly. He told me he was going home to see his mother soon. Nothing unusual there, but what he went on to tell me, stunned me. His story is not unique. He said that he had not seen his mother for 7 years; had not been home to Ubon or seen any of his brothers and sisters in the same time. He has no idea how many siblings he has. He’s now 20. He came to town when he was just 13. At this point you need to disconnect all you think you know, from the reality that I learned that evening. We can all think about 13 year old boys being picked up by evil mamasans and brought to work in bars. About their being drugged and forced into work. The boys can’t escape and they don’t get any money to run away with. For Tam, this was not true. He ran away from home because of trouble with the police. He had a friend here. He knew what he was getting into and didn’t mind it. The tales of bars from past eras are mostly true and very lurid. They relate to a time long gone and there’s no point in going over old ground. There was a much more liberal attitude to what could happen in bars and what the boys could do in secluded corners then than today. 14

Tam had done most of it, before he left his first gogo bar, aged 14. He decided that he was not gay and became a doorman at his second bar. He still got many offs, and if the farang respected his limits, they would have a good time. Pay was pitiful. He might get 200 or 300 Baht for an off, and if he was very lucky, he could hide a little of it and it wasn’t stolen from him when he got back. I did try to get him to tell the most he had ever been paid. He thought about 12,000 Baht from a farang who took him for two weeks. He said he sent some of that home to mama. He had been offered 10,000 baht one time by a farang if he let him penetrate him. But, (and he was adamant about this) he says he has never done this with a man and never will.

Next year he will be 21 and go for the draw to get into the army. He hopes he is selected and will be proud to be a soldier for Thailand. After that, he wants to come back and be a doorman again. And in ten years time? In his own mind he will still be a doorman.

Why have I written this? Because it is a story of a real person. Seldom, if ever, do we sit down and listen to a boy. Seldom do we give them the time to talk. I took pages of notes and had one of the most interesting hours I have had in a long time getting this together. To me it was more fascinating than weeks of superficial pleasantries. Here, you have the smallest flavour of what it was like. Through his words, I entered a world few farang think about – the world of the boy. Through his words, I lived his life and more to the point, the life of a 13 year old in a former era. Next time you meet a boy who can communicate with you and who is willing to talk; sit and listen. What you hear might change your preconceptions forever.

Can you understand a boy ?

Understanding a boy

He talks to his mother all the time (he says). He means that he calls her once a month and sends her 1,000 baht each month to help the family. He never has any contact with the rest of his family. He proudly boasts of a girlfriend from Ubon. She came and stayed with him for a while but couldn’t find a job and went back. With sadness, he tells me he never had a baby. He’s never had a “boyfriend”. When I asked why he just turned up his nose and repeated he was not gay. I told him many boys have “boyfriends” just to get money from them. He said he was not like that.

Phuket Knud’s Fab Five Years

By Prawit Suma

K Prawit Suma is the author of international bestseller “Let’s Speak Thai” www.speakthai.org

ADAM’S APPLE CLUB – Take a private bite!

Following recent, hugely successful, themed nights and memorable private parties at Chiang Mai’s popular Adams Apple Club, talented Thai, Thada Chananchana has been appointed as specialist Event Director. Thada is still at university but has already made a name for himself with a string of extravagant events under his belt. Thada says he will organize twice monthly themed nights at the club, which are bound to attract a throng of young Thais with a blend of outrageous antics and affordable bar prices. To get details of these special nights, simply log on to www. out-in-thailand.com and register for the free e-newsletter service. Adam’s have also announced an extension of their hospitality and will now create individual private events in the Club or downstairs in the sophisticated Metro Bar. For a corporate event or family function, Thada will arrange a full catering service, specialized invitations, banners or anything you desire to make an event completely personalized. Nothing is too outrageous and Adam’s promise to provide specialist props and specific themes that can be as wild, sexy, intense or exotic as required.

Danish, Mr.Knud had visited more than 60 countries before landing in Thailand in 1996. His first time in Phuket was in 2002. Knud fell in love with Thailand, the weather, spicy Thai food and friendly people that led him to decide to live here. In order to do what he wanted, he determined that he would need to have a business here and found a bar owner who was looking to sell. Knud made a deal and decided to buy in November 2005. In three months he had registered the bar’s new name and finally held his Grand opening party in February 2006. Knud says, “I wanted to develop this

Knud’s Bar- Thai’s Best Boys is inviting you to join its fifth Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday 1st February 2011. The party starts from 8 p.m. with a bountiful buffet of western and Thai food plus cool music and entertainment. The bar is located on the main street of the gay center-Paradise Complex, Patong Beach, Phuket. place to higher service standards and also to create a friendly atmosphere.” KNUD’S BAR is famed for great service and friendly Thai (boys) staff. Fantastic cocktails, spirits, beer and wine are all served and there is a popular open-air garden at the back of the bar. If you are looking for accommodation, there are also clean and comfortable rooms, all just ten minutes walk from the beach. Tell Knud, OUT iT sent you!

www.knudsbar.com

Thada Chananchana

www.adamsappleclub.com 16

Is There Gay Life After Work

in Thailand? By George Gee

You see them all over the country – gay foreigners in their fifties basking on the beaches with young boyfriends. Some choose to live in the idyllic countryside where life is simple. The inherently urbanite prefer the comfort and convenience of cosmopolitan living so stay in the city. They are gay retirees in Thailand, maximizing the rewards of their hard work in the most enjoyable way and who made the leap from being mere visitors to resident expats. The good news is you can be one of them.

The legal requirement for retiring in Thailand starts with obtaining the appropriate visa to stay in the country long termNon Immigrant O-A Visa, known as a Retirement Visa. To apply for this, certain requirements need to be met. Depending on the documents held, the visa is issued directly from a Thai embassy abroad or from Thai Immigration inside the Kingdom. Important Requirements

stating that the money has been in the account for not less than 2 months. Or a monthly income/pension of not less than THB 65,000 – you would have to obtain an affidavit of monthly income from your embassy or consulate in Thailand. Or a combination of savings deposit and yearly income yielding a total of THB 800,000. Hence, SAVINGS + MONTHLY INCOME (x12) = THB 800,000. Updated passbook and embassy letter have to support this.

The applicant should be 50 years old or older. Depositing THB 800,000 in a Thai Bank Account – proven through an updated bankbook and a bank certificate

Police Clearance and Medical Certificate are only required when the visa is applied for directly from the Thai embassy or consulate overseas.

Non-Immigrant O or Pre-retirement Visa A visa applicant may obtain an initial visa valid for 90 days at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad then come to Thailand to arrange for the requirements of the retirement visa i.e. opening a bank account, securing a letter from the embassy, etc. This initial visa is a Non O visa. Twenty-one days before this visa expires and upon completion of the other requirements, it is converted into a oneyear visa at the Thai Immigration Office in Thailand. Retirement visa holders are required to notify the Immigration Office every 90 days of their addresses in Thailand. This is done by mail or by personal visit to the Immigration Office. You may enlist the services of a competent person to do this on your behalf through a Power of Attorney. You are not required to report if you are not in the country when the 90day report is due. It is also important to note that retirees are not allowed to work in Thailand. The retirement visa is valid for a year and renewed by presenting the same requirements as the initial application. It’s prudent to replenish the funds in your bank account at least 3 months before your visa expires to be able to renew your visa. For visa renewal, the deposit term for the funds is 3 months not two months as the first application. Sometimes applying a retirement visa proves to be a daunting task especially when getting all the required documents and following procedures. If you want a hassle free application, you can enlist the services of a law firm to assist you.

However just for real speed freaks, the record was set by one bar owner last year. As part of a Sunee Plaza challenge, Duck (then from the Balkan Express, now

owner of C.U. bar) visited 15 bars in the Sunee Plaza area and bought a drink in each (and drank it) in 19 minutes and 44 seconds. Can you beat that?

Corner Bar

Eros Gogo bar

Set right on the corner inside Sunee Plaza (where else), this bar has a genuine “Texas feeling”. The spirits are served in large measures and they also do food. Why not try their delicious burgers, made from 8 oz of beef? The chicken fingers and onion rings are to die for. At weekends they do an 8 oz rib eye steak which is served with onion rings or French Fries for just 150 B. To top it off they do draught Heineken and Tiger at 50B a glass.

At the soi Yensabai end of Sunee Plaza you can find a gogo bar that is too seldom visited. I hesitate to tell you about this place as I like it being quieter and I am afraid all of you visiting it will change it for me! It’s one of my top gogo bars in the area, and one of the area’s secrets. The boys are cute and lively. The drinks are very reasonable. Of course everyone has their own favourite and their own style they like, but if you haven’t been to Eros for a while try it out. If you’ve never been GO! It’s under new management and they are doing a grand job. The atmosphere is dark but not sombre. It’s fun, lively and the boys will make you very welcome.

How many bars do you visit in a night? It’s a weird question I know, but I was asking some friends and got different answers. In Sunee Plaza it’s easy to visit many or linger in one. In considering your answer, take into account the “newness” factor. When I was first in Pattaya and in Sunee, I couldn’t visit enough. In fact when 1 or 2 am came around and it was time to go home, I was devastated. Imagine my consternation when a friend suggested we met at 8 for dinner! 8pm is the time the gogo bars open here and not to be in your first as the doors part, this was inconceivable. All those boys in white underwear; too many to be seen, bought drinks and invited home. For long term residents there’s an air of “been there, done that”, although there is always something new to see and someone new to visit.

And this is only taking into account the gogo bars. There are a large number of beer bars to sit in and enjoy. The “knicker seekers” will miss them, but the more leisurely among us will revel in the friendships that can be made there. Of course money plays a part. Ex-pats and residents are frequently on a tighter budget than holiday makers. When you are working you save for the holiday.

When you go away it’s time to let your hair down. For those who live here money has to be conserved. “Pensions don’t go as far as they used to” I hear all the time. So are you a “5 gogo bars a night” man or a “one beer bar, twice a week” person. Do you visit with 3 boys a day; or one a month? Whatever your preference, try Sunee Plaza. There they accommodate all “speeds”.

Revel in the great atmosphere. There is a good crowd here and you will be welcome. Go along and have a look. It’s a place to sit and watch the world go by.

For more information see: www.suneeplaza.info www.thecornerbar-suneeplaza.com www.nickysgaypattaya.com 21

DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER?

By Blake Allen

As boys enter puberty and become conscious of their changing bodies, many become concerned about the size of a certain body part that we all know and love. They want to know how they size up. In my day, the high school locker room, with the mandatory group shower, afforded the boys the chance to check each other out. Those who happened to be gay may have taken more than a fleeting glance. From my observations, the need to check out other guys’ equipment doesn’t abate with adolescence, wherever the chance for a quick look presents itself. Then, of course, there are the more subtle and unscientific indicators of endowment: shoe size, size of hands and/or nose. According to a friend, if the second toe is longer than the big toe, the person in question is definitely huge! Why is there this obsession with size? Do length and/or girth have any effect on ability to perform or on his partner’s pleasure?

Across the spectrum of races and nationalities, the average penis size is 5.5 inches, not as large as many may have thought. According to most research, size is not a big issue for most women. Maybe someone with a small penis made that up. However, as men are anatomically different from women, size may present different issues for gay men. It is probably more important to the guy who has concerns about his own dimen22

sions than it is to his partner. The gay porn industry doesn’t help. Many of the “performers” in these artistic endeavors seem to be hung like horses; causing the poor viewer to ponder his relatively small appendage. Here in Thailand, it seems that the old chestnut that Asians are a bit smaller is patently false. As with any other group, there’s a lot of variation; and in my modest experience, plenty of Thai men have nothing to worry about.

Size is not a medical or scientific issue. If it’s important to you, then it’s important, regardless of what the researchers say; and, honestly, there’s nothing like the first time a guy removes his shorts and whips out a thick, eight or nine inch organ. Certainly, it is visually, exciting. Only the partner can say if it translates into superior sexual performance. As men are not built like women (thank goodness), the guy who plays “catcher” with a well endowed “pitcher” may experience intense pleasure, pain or both. As far as size being an indication of one’s manhood, how many ladyboys have you seen that turn out to be very large, indeed? For that matter, surprisingly, a good number of katoeys like to be tops. Go figure. Not every man is a size queen. Some recognize the benefits and pleasures of more modest endowment. There are those who like to indulge in pleasuring their partners, orally, but don’t enjoy the gag reflex; those, who like to take the role of “Queen” but aren’t into the pain a big one can inflict. Many attributes contribute to attractiveness. If you’re into big, muscular men, then a well hung femme boy isn’t going to be much of a turn on. Some will find a petite, feminine looking guy with a huge organ exciting and, believe it or not, there are those who value

the person’s intellect and personality over his penis. Go-go bars perpetuate the idea of the superiority of a large penis. How many bars have a small “cock show?” Maybe they should. From my discussions with various gay men visiting the Land of Smiles, there are many guys, myself included, who just love cock! Big, small and medium. They all have their advantages and pleasures. A good number of the guys who parade around from bar to bar and participate in the various performances are quite ugly from the waist up. I’m not sure if there’s an inverse relationship between size and general attractiveness, but the participants in some of these shows seem to point in that direction. Maybe, the bars should just have a “cock show” which displays the beauty of youthful nakedness, regardless of size. If you happen to be a size queen, you should have no problem finding plenty of Thai men who can fill your needs. To those who are concerned about how they stack up, I’d say forget about it. By definition, most men are within the average range and your friend for the night may only be concerned with the size of your wallet anyway. 23

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Little Choices, Big Ple

en OUT and This month we have be s and crannies of about, probing the nook covering the facts provincial Thailand, un where no other of gay life, gaily going fore, meeting a magazine has been be and exploring strange new civilisation n delights of this some of the lesser know delightful Kingdom. on a rare, rural We have a special report d an we meet some gay homestay in Fang ers who have gay men and their partn ppy lives away made successful and ha . Their stories all from the usual hotspots peace- and a few reveal contentment and ll follow them. surprises. Maybe you wi sted in what they Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll certainly be intere have to say.

“Exactly how was the Fang gay home stay?’ I asked conscious of my slight cynicism. My dining companion was, for an Australian, unusually silent. His eyes misted and I thought, momentarily, that he was going to cry into his Tom Yam Gung, until I recalled that Aussies only cry at the loss of a cricket match to England. “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven”. The symptoms were familiar: like instant coffee giving a jolt to the system as potent as the real thing, I recognized the telltale effect of a gentle Thai smile, that soft skin, those perfect manners. Host May has a lovely bunch of bananas

Heavenly Pursuits

, signed with hugs My confirmation came d, foo e Th . ng thi and staff, with a “Wonderful. The whole and kisses from May of d, an e vic ser approached Maethe sight seeing, the number to ring as we ult fic Dif ly. en av he Fang town. He course, Noi. He was soon Village, before ”. me ho ne alo let i, t part of the jourto return to Chiang Ma would guide us the las d I arrived in the ney. My Thai friend an fad a s wa p im shr lunch in Chiang By the time the last early afternoon, after me Ho ng Fa t ou d were at Lagoon, ing memory, I’d checke Dao. Minutes later, we of lf ha be on – d an replete with lyStay, selected dates an organic fruit farm, a are e Th .. trip my s, as well as cofOut readers – booked chees, bananas, lemon d, an ml far h lus th wi yielding expensive is beautiful anyway, fee and an exotic tree g ian Ch in of s am fresher air than one dre me. ve north (a V.I.P. perfu Mai, and it’s an easy dri . There are many nk, we met Noi, bus is just 150 baht) Over a welcome dri ad for ing ter ca a, scription: a doehome stays in the are familiar from Ross’s de to d ha e on y ga a t 9 year old and venturous travelers, bu eyed young- looking1 d. an ail Th in ry rito but more mascube a unique: virgin ter Eawi, the same age busses, come in line. Good things, like ll day and night: pairs. They were on ca , join us for meals they would help ser ve sseur away that and with the regular ma e the massages weekend, would provid ge’. included in the ‘packa

g ve fans, air conditionin vince, The rooms ha pro of ng e Fa nc m da un fro s ab me May, who co unnecessary given the as Chiang Mai and is ion. They are simple, studied and worked in years cooling vegetat r fou t ts no roo nt, me his on to vir ing en such an Bangkok return land one expects in the t o res int the gs ve vin sa lea I his re, And the ago, putting ened five-star luxury. op he ich y wh ntl r, ce de Re it. rea ar and developing your imagination, de n. n, with two bun- to fertile as May’s garde the Home Stay for Me there is hopefully as ar, ye ed the joy of en d d en an ll the e we galows. Befor ffice to say we slept lude herbal sauna. Two Su next morning as a pre will be a third plus an youthful breakfast the A ar. ye xt ne ed nn more are pla second massage. , llent English and to a ckage, with three meals 40 or so he speaks exce guide The 24- hour pa d an a ok th co wi r, r eto sie pri (ea pro is the ownerges, sight seeing s a, including the massa commodation and extra to attractions in the are r d oth- longe stay), ac an s ve . Ca 00 3,5 Tao bt. is Tab ) waterfalls, the necessities of life Plus the north’s (all the ers near Chai Prakarn. magnificent Doi best hot springs and the highest area in the Anghang, the second gardens. Kingdom with its superb ow the area well Since my friend and I kn the first massage. we happily opted for d settled into the We soon unpacked an ts a vast and effecbungalow which boas showers in the tive mosquito net. After throoms (cold waadjoining openair ba h hot is available) ter, be warned, thoug we lay on the tereach with our masseur, It was – to be honraces for the massage. us rub down with est – more of a sensuo rk out which the coconut oil than the wo uld have offered. regular straight guy wo

Fang is Fruity

relatives, we reAfter a short trip to see pared Thai meal turned for a freshly pre house: chatting by on the patio of May’s ning lazily above candle light, the fan tur g drinks with nothus and the boys mixin uil scene, beyond ing to disturb the tranq new gay bar – The an early night. Fang’s other visit. 69 – could wait until an m

oon@hotmail.co 2509 or mail: fang_lag 5 12 0 08 e: on ph by For details check aven can wait. Unless you think that he 27

Klaus Dieter Spieckermann is 58 and came to Thailand from Germany where he was a professional sports journalist. Uttaradit is about five hours drive, north of Bangkok and has been Klaus’ home for more than 17 years. All that time he has spent with his Thai partner, Neung. “I came to Uttaradit because that is where all Neung’s family live,” says Klaus.

it! New York- in Uttarad

luded a local Thai place was full and inc “Most of our cusbig wig and his family. know that we are tomers, 99% are hetis, dy has a problem a gay couple but nobo s a competitively with it.” New York ser ve (400g T-bone for priced menu of steaks an dishes (includ299 THB) and Germ Currywurst) and ing the famous Berliner one customer had Klaus is ever helpful: and Klaus sat by forgotten his glasses d out the whole his side and patiently rea menu for him.

peaceful, and the “It’s a very small town, friendly. Living people are unbelievably ared to the tourcosts are very low comp possibilities are ist places. The shopping farang food. The limited- especially for lly exist here, eigay scene does not rea re is a ladyboy ther,” he smiles, “but the and there’s also corner in the local disco by the riverside!” a cruising area down ised gay scene The lack of an organ ern as, according should be of no conc ly easy to find a to Klaus, “it’s relative tip is offered- the less travelled straight guy for sex if a road to Uttaradit is one e Th the at y gu the et, of outstanding cashier at the supermark the tourist but it is one by rve dri i tax or r rbe u should try petrol station, your ba lic beauty. Maybe yo co bu y the If u. yo th wi OUT sent nobody will be angry ‘New York’ and tell him Try it. te, da a of er off supermarket don’t want to accept the You can also try that u. yo d an , o!’ ‘N y, d sa gas station, the they will just laugh an shier, the guy at the ca be ll wi y the m, the r.... the next time you see barber or the taxi drive e!” for be as ly nd just as frie the surprisingly Klaus and Neung run steakhouse in Uttsuccessful ‘New York’, t Out visited, the aradit. On the night tha 28

Alex is a home loving, retired, Frenchman who chose the northern province of Chiang Rai as his dream destination. He rents out a condominium in Pattaya and has now lived in Thailand for 14 years. His home is in the rural retreat of Phayamengrai, 44 kilometres outside of Chiang Rai city. Alex says that he picked the location because, “it is extraordinarily beautiful, very calm and the climate is so fresh.”

Alex in Chiang Rai simple gay bars There are a couple of Rai and although and a sauna in Chiang m time to time, he Alex does go there fro . “All the young prefers the local Thais ropean! They are Thais wish to meet a Eu ays smile. They calm, amusing and alw a drink!” He says love sex and they love city is, “More inthat gay life outside the ” teresting, more natural. the small village Alex has now lived in d for 14 years. It with his Thai boyfrien learn that the lomay be a surprise to ity or prejudice, cal Thais show no hostil with close knit, which can be associated “We remain discountry communities. years here, the crete but after all these part of their famvillagers regard us as n who is happy ily.” Clearly, he is a ma from city life and and at home well away ne and his story the commercial gay sce his adaptability is a tribute, not only to and acceptance but also to the kindness of Thais.

The modestly sized but high quality resort of Hua Hin is just a few hours drive, south-west of Bangkok. It has some very up market hotels and a small but budding gay scene that includes a few bars, massage and a ‘host’ bar. Chris Koppel is a Swiss national who lives in Hua Hin along with his American business partner, Skip Burns. Together, they own the Little Choices Bar and Bistro which is on the Naresdamri Road, just a short walk from both the Sofitel and Hilton hotels. Chris describes gay life in Hua Hin to be, “pretty limited.”

in s re u s a le P ig B , s e ic Little Cho Hua Hin Chris. The Litd one too many,” adds ha es’ oic Ch tle ‘Lit ess ise regular “We named the busin oices staff is cute, organ Ch tle for es oic ch few activities away because there were so mmunity outings and co to aim we t bu n dicated to help gay people in Hua Hi m the bar, and are de fro vwe Ho . ris Ch ys your stay in Hua Hin. give big pleasure!” sa than just a you enjoy re mo far is es oic Ch er, Little ose this location er, Jutaporn bar and eater y. “We ch Burns has a Thai partn ip Sk n bia les d an y ga ated very well to try and provide the d says that they are tre an se ba w ne lid so a like most comcommunity in Hua Hin Hua Hin. Very much in to rs lle ve tra for seems to be and offer a good place ies in Thailand there nit mu a Hu g itin vis y are y, towards gay feel at home when the ry little prejudice, if an ve the of e ntr ce the s now opened Hin.” Little Choices is at ople. Chris Koppel ha pe e sid sea ing arm ch fast business, so gay community in this luxury bed- and break a in rk wo ir the y pla home from the town. New artists dis t gay travellers feel at tha a is re the d an ry the Little Choices galle they arrive in Hua Hin for network- moment ard bo tin lle bu ity commun Wi-Fi, free pool, in.com ing. “We provide free www.littlechoiceshuah nth and even mo ery ev sh), e gli cu (En rbe 45 ba a free 087 276 65 if you have me ho German) on d ati an ort sh nsp gli free tra 087 667 4207 (En ai) or 080 535 7003 (Th 30

travelled OUT in No matter where we ppy expats, conThailand, we found ha s, even if those tent in their communitie or no organised communities have little all things Thai, gay scene at all. As in do but the way u yo it’s not so much what really counts. All in which you do it that adapted well to ve the guys we met ha vincial Thailand their new lives in pro t remain undisand found treasures tha limit their expecovered by those who ial centres. Our rience to the commerc d explore all the advice: get out there an s to offer. ha d delights that Thailan

Emerald Green Mens Club T

By Martin Bidwell

Two of the biggest rainbow flags seen flapping in front of any gay business in Thailand bid you a huge welcome to the Emerald Green Mens Club, Chaweng, Koh Samui. As the gay New Zealand owners say - “why squeak it when you can shout it!” This massage and body treatments business is a slick affair and even though the Cambridge Dictionary tells us ‘slick’ means “operating or performing skillfully, effectively, without problems, without seeming to need effort” it has to be said effort is precisely what the owners of this business put in- and it shows.

In recent years there has been a worldwide explosion of interest among men in skin care, massage and body treatments. The days of stealing your sister’s face wash or moisturiser are over; men want their own ‘goo’ and goodies. Emerald Green Mens Club has been the market leader on Samui catering to this new man market. In the five years since opening shop, the owners have developed products and services by thoroughly researching this market trend and by listening to what their customers say so now they are confident they know what their customers want and expect. Yet, the Emerald Green team know not all of their customers are confident or ‘spa experienced’ they know some are a little shy about massage, facials or body treatments, a few even think it is all a little girlie.

Emerald Green Mens Club offers a range of quality traditional oil and cream massage but it is their trend setting, signature, ‘Terminator’ massage, a very hard massage, incorporating aspects of oil, sports and Thai massage that is capturing attention. The Emerald Green team also offer a constantly changing range of fresh herbal scrubs, masks, face peels, body polish, facials, sunburn treatments, foot peels, manicure and pedicure. Their popular, imaginative range of Pamper Packages represents great value, combining massage with body treatment options. Just imagine indulging yourself with: Tamarind body scrub, Banana and Coconut body polish, fizzy Lime foot mask or a Papaya peel off face mask all before a soothing massage, why not, you deserve it.

“why squeak it when you can shout it!” No worries if you are one of those blokes, they know how to make all their customers feel at ease and try out new things. Of course, the major bonus for the international gay traveller to Thailand is the price. Massage and body treatments are much less expensive than at home and at Emerald Green you will receive premier quality treatments, care and attention – often nifty free add-ons - and more time for your money, so go ahead, indulge in what you can only dream of doing back home. 33

Even girls enviously try to get in on the act - they are turned away, disappointed – sorry, boys only! When it comes to massage and skin, men are different to girls – it’s true! So all the Emerald Green masseurs have been specifically trained in massage and body treatment techniques for men. You can also get out of Chaweng for a whole or part day excursion with the Emerald Green Mens Club exclusive Luxury Day Out Spa Package at the super chic X2 Resort Samui, south west Samui. This value for money package includes a body scrub, massage, optional facial or body mask by Emerald Green gay Thai staff in the swanky X2 Resort Samui spa and either a 3-course lunch or dinner, drinks, pool use, limousine pick up/return for an all-inclusive price. Popular with romantic couples and small groups of fun guys this excursion is by appointment one day before, check their website for details. Emerald Green Mens Club, Chaweng Beach Road, north Chaweng diagonally opposite Nora Beach Resort. Surgically clean, air conditioned, showers, lockers, double room for couples, private rooms, great music, major credit cards accepted, book massage on-line through their website.

Emerald Green Mens Club Open daily midday to 9 pm. Phone 077 601 372 Mobile 0878 142 260

Make a statement

www.emeraldgreensamui.com

250 thb+pp order the Out in Thailand T-shirt on our website: www.out-in-thailand.com

Babylon in Bangkok

Babylon Bangkok is unique. I had to find out what has made it renowned as one of the best gay destinations on earth. It was not difficult to get hold of Adrian Parry, the PR and marketing spokesman for the Babylon Spa and Bed & Breakfast. I found him at the reception area late one morning. My first impression was of a warm welcome, I received with distinctive Thai hospitality. Next was the stunning architecture of the place, where Siamese elegance and tranquillity meets Egyptian mythology. In addition, the spacious and tropically landscaped gardens are beautiful. by Rex Payan

Accommodation at the bed &breakfast offer rates to suit all wallets, from humble rooms to sumptuous suites. The standard room, nicknamed the Barracks, is for many guests a fantasy come true. There are basic amenities and a comfy bed but, intentionally, a shared washroom; yes, my dream came true to life as I encountered life in my very own military battalion! If you prefer more privacy and a larger room, there are a wide range of suites available from the Baroness suites with their rooftop views, or the Bvlgari Suites with their private gardens or even the amazing Botticelli House, replete with its own butler, luxurious décor, and exclusive garden, providing a five star treatment for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere. All room and suites include daily breakfast, two sauna passes and complimentary Wi-Fi, now also accessible in the spa as well as the hotel. 36

Babylon’s sauna – spa is a better word, is breathtaking. The main building has a large swimming pool replete with sunbathing areas and lounge chairs, a world-class gym, staffed by certified personal trainers (hunky guys), two dry saunas, two steam rooms and communal Jacuzzi. The saunas, steam room and labyrinth of dark rooms are full of

Thai as well as foreign visitors, and allow for plenty of sexy action. The newly renovated massage complex is hygienic and perfectly furnished with Thai antiques, and sets the perfect tone with spiritual classical music and scintillating aromatherapy scents. The setting and, of course, the gorgeous Babylon masseurs are like a dream come true. Babylon chefs offer both an international as well as local cuisine to fit all budgets. Every delightful dish has been ingeniously prepared with fresh and highquality ingredients at affordable prices. Where else, I ask could you sit in one of babylon’s signature dressing gowns, sup champagne, dine on foie gras while observing the antics of skimpily clad gym fit men poolside or in the courtyard? The new cosy coffee shop on the second floor is where you can have delicious brunch, lunch and snacks while enjoying wellselected films or gay themed movies on wide screen televisions. In high season, invited jazz singers and musicians will serenade you at dinner in the stylish Babylon restaurant, which offers a variety of menus with attentive staff. Drinks are served 24/7 at Tootsie Terrace by the

entrance of the sauna, poolside all day, and by the courtyard in the evenings. Please get ready with your margarita or mojito before hitting the party! Depending upon the season. Babylon has shows several times each month (check their website) and more during holidays such as Chinese New Year or Songkran Festival. Foam parties (only sexy swimsuits allowed) are the talk-of-the-town and the regular Sexy Man Shows or fashion shows, always stir the loins. Undeniably, it cannot be a Thai gay venue without a drag queen show or cabaret. Watch for these events and you will be entertained and stunned with just how talented these shining ladies are! After my one-night-stay adventure here, I will certainly come back soon! What has made them so successful is that all are welcomed regardless of age and race, the facilities and services are of an exceptional high quality. Undoubtedly, their expertise is always to surprise you with sensual excitement. What are you waiting for? Babylon awaits your pleasure. Babylon Bangkok 34 Soi Nantha, South Sathorn Road 1, Bangkok 10120 www.babylonbangkok.com

…..gay!”

whilst they are in bed together. A double bed, too, not the singles demanded by the censors for married couple - our moral guardians were as short sighted as they were stupid.

Progress in gay movies relates directly to advances in gay rights. Such a movement towards equality reflects courageous action by individuals, who refused to accept draconian laws which limited freedom. Unsurprisingly, for every rebel a million, hid in the closet. Movies are just 115 years old and for much of that period expression of radical opinion, let alone action, was constrained as though by law, if only because no other art form is more public – and expensive – than movies: the most influential means of expression ever devised.

Also in the ’30s came First A Girl, a British film which spawned remakes in Germany and famously Victor and Victoria in America (1982), where fun is had at the expense of butch James Garner, attracted to a pretty young man, who turns out to be Julie Andrews. Whew! The same theme was explicit in Sylvia Scarlett, where Grant is attracted to a young man – Katherine Hepburn in disguise. These were ingenuous times, before the war destroyed what was left of the world’s innocence, as surely as the A-bombs obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

“I suddenly felt OUT at the movies P

By Brian Baxter

Since I am not a social historian, this correlation between cinema and gay rights will have to remain a generalisation, from which readers may draw their own conclusions. These articles concern the development of ‘gay’ cinema. But it is intriguing to speculate which came first: were we, reformers and screen optimists, perhaps marching hand in hand to different drummers? Consider movie history and you will find no minority immune from ridicule, stereotyping, even abuse: Jews (ingratiating shopkeepers), the Chinese (villains or launderers), the Irish (whimsical buffoons), blacks (servile servants or cowardly natives), Italian (greasy crooks or greasier chefs). And gays? What else but effete, mincing theatricals or – if foreign – sadistic Nazis. 40

Apart from the early classics, I can recall few even mildly serious attempts in pre WW11 cinema to present homosexuals in a constructive light – though fascinating glimmers appeared from the late 1920s on. Wings (1927) was a moving precursor to the ubiquitous buddybuddy movies of more recent times. A decade later Howard Hawks (overtly the most macho of men – director of gangster movies, westerns and vigorous dramas) made Only Angels Have Wings. In it Cary Grant is loved by Jean Arthur, Rita Hayworth and Thomas Mitchell and in a key scene the injured Mitchell explains his feelings to the handsome flyer (Grant), who gently acknowledges the truth, leaving the dying man alone so that no one will see his tears. The scene finds echoes in the thrillers The Killing and The Asphalt Jungle. Hawks revelled in sexual allusions (see Scarface for its explicit theme of incest).

More lightheartedly we find Grant in Bringing Up Baby, in a woman’s nightdress, opening the door to a caller declaring, “ I suddenly felt….gay”. Male love-hate relationships abound in his films, notably Red River (Montgomery Clift and John Wayne), Rio Bravo and El Dorado. However, it was not until Brokeback Mountain that cowboys stayed out of the saddle long enough to confirm what we had long suspected. Hawks also loved high camp (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) and playing the gender card. I Was a Male War Bride has Grant happily in drag, in order to get from Europe to the U.S.A., so as to marry his superior officer (Ann Sheridan).

As a new order was ushered in, cinema achieved its maturity during the decade after 1945. Precocity hinted at by sophisticated stars, writers and directors, led to new ways of viewing the world, often finding it wanting. Movies gradually faced up to the reality forced on us by the holocaust and six years of conflict, and even La-La Land deemed it unacceptable for minorities, including gays, to be treated with the contempt of earlier times.

Not that cross dressing equates with gayness – many actors make it a specialty or a triumph (think of Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in Some Like it Hot). Laurel and Hardy carried it to spectacular lengths, even playing friends married to the others’ sisters – played by guess who? In one classic short they adopt a baby which Stanley feeds from a bottle 41

Testosterone TV D

Discovery Turbo (True Visions Channel 152) bills itself as ‘male charged’ and ‘high octane’ viewing. But, does it offer anything for high-octane gay men? A quick glance at the schedule or the endless, repeated trailers reveals a promising menu of auto centric, ‘bike bound and aero aired programming that may offer a bevy of macho grease monkeys to drool over, so OUT turned on and tuned in to check it out.

OUT on tv

Auto Trader and Wheeler Dealers are both presented by a chubby Cockney used car salesman, Mike Brewer whose over earnest blokeyness grates but in both shows, all about doing up old bangers and flogging them off at a profit, he is joined by the charming Edd China. Edd holds the Guinness world record for the Charming China

fastest motorised sofa. You’d be quick to jump onto his sofa if an English public schoolboy, deft with a spanner and smelling vaguely of engine oil, appeals. He’s one of those telly types that is a natural performer, at ease with the camera, a master of his trade and may have you dreaming about his dexterity with your manifold. Also from the UK, Chop Shop: London Garage. It is yet another reality show where the producers have seized an opportunity to screen conflict and confrontation. ‘Sparks will fly’, is the promise. Bangladeshi Nizamuddin Awalia (Leepu) and Bernie Fineman, another Cockney, are the partners in this garage which takes wrecked cars from scrap yards and transforms them into glamour wagons. Their cultures will continually clash, the producers hope. East bumps

west. Muslim and Jew. Designer and mechanic. The problem is that all the sparks are histrionic and contrived; it is obvious that Leepu and Bernie love what they do and love each other even more. Their relationship is screen warming and they do create some incredible vehicles but their band of motley mechanics provides no eye candy. There is no doubt that the channel is turbo charged with testosterone and the viewer is advised to shave the stubble from the screen during the frequent, commercial free, commercial breaks, crammed with yet more trailers- sometimes for the show they are interrupting. Cross the Atlantic Ocean via the Discovery Turbo boob tube and wonder at the incredible creations of the late Boyd Coddington and crew in American Hot Rod. It is just a hook upon which to hang the reality format, but what gay man is not interested in a hot rod? The superb cars are shiny, sleek and chic but the show is spoiled by the unfortunate prerequisite of the genre to generate and feature conflict. So trivial arguments, puerile pranks and all the hiring and firing in this CaliforBoyd Coddington

nian hot house are allowed to upstage the hand built, marvellous machines and the amazing craftwork of the artisans involved. Sensationalism substitutes sensation and the currency becomes devalued. Shame. Tempting, if you like choppers, American Chopper is appalling. The same producers as American Hot Rod are responsible for this trailer trash television travesty. The pretext is to show custom built motorcycles being made within seemingly impossible deadlines but it features some of the ugliest and toe curlingly embarrassing scenes ever screened. Obnoxious boss Paul Teutal Snr and son Paul Teutal Jnr (his other tags, Paulie and Junior may be an attempt to soften this hideous individual) are happy to show the world just how dysfunctional and unpleasant a father son relationship can get. Their nasty and aggressive behaviour is revolting. You can pass on this show. Pass the oestrogen too, please?

Teutally Unappealing

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BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - HUA HIN KOH SAMUI - PATTAYA - PHUKET

OUT in Bangkok B

Bangkok is the frenzied hub of Thailand. The Skytrain and MRT (subway) have made it much easier to get around, taxis, tuk-tuks, buses and motorcycle taxis are plentiful. There are many markets, glitzy malls, beautiful temples and museums, as well as the bars and shows for which the city is famous.

Get to Chatuchak Weekend Market by catching the Skytrain. Mor Chit bus terminal is nearby. Mah Boon Krong (MBK to locals -take Skytrain to National Stadium) is the largest shopping center in the district and is a transit/orientation point. Keen shoppers head for the area around Siam Square. Other malls include Siam Center, Siam Discovery Center, Centerpoint and the World Trade Center. A walk away from the latter stands Panthip Plaza, possibly the best place to get deals on computers in Southeast Asia. The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok’s central business district and is home to a number of embassies. Silom Road offers more shopping opportunities, including the Patpong Night Market. Silom is most popular with English speaking visitors and has the most popular venues catering to gay tourists. 46

Recommended Attractions: • Jim Thompson’s Houses • National Museum/Wang Na Palace with its excellent exhibits for a slice of Thai history • Wat Arun for breathtaking views of Bangkok and Chayo Phraya River • Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew with its amazing Emerald Buddha, colourful mosaics and glittering spires • Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple and home of the Reclining Buddha • Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha) Chatuchak Park Weekend Market, the most famous of Bangkok’s markets, where you can buy almost anything at amazing prices if you bargain Lumpini Park to relax and take a break from the chaos of Bangkok and to view the weightlifters in the early morning

Bodyguard- think big, think safe. The free condom in this issue of OUT in Thailand comes from The Bangkok Health and Happiness Co., Ltd., which was established in 1999 to provide larger condoms as an alternative to what was then available in Thailand. Over the past 10 years they have expanded their product line beyond the original large size Body Guard 54 to include regular size Body Guard 52 in a variety of styles. The latest product, Body Guard 56, has a flared tip to provide maximum comfort. This condom is the largest available in Thailand.

OUT iT offers fulsome thanks to Bodyguard for their generosity and their help in promoting safer sex in Thailand. Bodyguard condoms are available online with free shipping to customers in Thailand.

www.bodyguardcondoms.com

The Bangkok Gay Scene Bangkok has a plethora of gay venues unrivalled in Asia. Most Foreigners go to Suriwongse, Silom and along Sathorn Road. Everything is within easy walking distance. Silom is the main gay area. Silom’s Soi 2, Soi 2/1 and Soi 4 are close to the BTS Skytrain (Sala Daeng) and MRT Subway Silom) stations. Silom Soi 4 offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its mix of clubs, restaurants and bars. Telephone Pub, The Balcony and Sphinx all serve food and some have ‘happy hour’ and monthly promotions. A two-minute walk from Soi 4 is Silom Soi 2/1, where local expats and Thai guys congregate for dinner and drinks at Richard’s Pub & Restaurant and later at G.O.D. nightclub. Silom Soi 2 features gay disco, DJ Station, for the hip crowd. An entertaining mini cabaret show launches the fun around 23:00. Facing DJ Station, Expresso is a place to cool off and reenergize. Disco Disco is another party palace. Between Silom and Sathorn Road, there are several massage salons. Soi Duangthawee (“Soi Twilight”), between Suriwong and Rama IV Roads, is where most go-go bars with “special shows” are located.

Stop in at Dick’s Café or Maxis Restaurant on Soi Duangthawee for some great food before hitting the bars. The world famous Babylon Sauna and hotel is on Soi Nantha (off Sathorn Soi 1). Lose all track of time in the sauna, steam rooms, playrooms, bars, restaurants, swimming pool, gym, hair salon, reading lounge and internet room. Babylon is extremely popular among Thais, expats and visitors, so expect weekends to be busy. College-aged Thai men and business professionals go to Ramkhamhaeng (Lamsalee) and Kamphaeng Pet Road. These popular gay Thai areas are mainly Thai-for-Thai culture with different rules to those in Silom. They are not money boys nor looking for foreigners to date. It is worth a trip here if you just like to watch or have a date already. Soi 89/2 draws thousands of university students, working professionals, and those that just like a good time. The most popular places are Club 9 Café, ICK Pub, See Men, Crazy Dance Club, and Lamsalee Dance Pub. Although it is probably 98% Thai, the foreigners are welcome as long as they remain polite. It is an insult to proposition a patron with money!

Bangkok [[ Accomodation ] 2 11 12 16 24 24 25 23

Tantawan Place Hotel Unico Grande Silom Om Yim Lodge Baan Saladaeng Malaysia Hotel Vincents Rest.& 7 Rooms Pinnnacle Hotel The Babylon Bangkok

022 382620 www.tarntawan.com www.bangkok.com/unico-grandesilom 026350169- www.omyimlodge.com 02 679 0816- www.baansaladaeng.com 02 6797128 www.malaysiahotelbkk.com (0)2-286-3348 www.vincentsbangkok.com 022 870111 www.pinnaclehotels.com 02679-7984 www.babylonbangkok.com

[[ Bar ] 1 1 1 5 6 6 6 6 6 9 9 5 5 1 6 6 6 6 7 14

Banana Bar Hotmale 2 Balls the Sports Bar 02 6370078- www.moana.co.th/balls Solid Nomads Music Bar BAS Living Room Bar Sportz Bar Telephone Pub 02 2343279 www.telephonepub.com Bar Bar Expresso 022351227 www.silom2.com Club Café 022351227 www.silom2.com Super A Cocktail Lounge Golden Cock Open from 1pm Daily Maxis Bar & Restaurant 02 266 4255 www.maxisbar.com Sphinix Restaurant & Bar 02 2347249 Spanish on 4 02 632 9955 www.tapascafebangkok.com For Fun Live Music Bar The Balcony 02 2355891 www.balconypub.com Richards Pub 02 234 0459 www.richards-bangkok.com Coyote Restaurant / Bar 02 6623838 www.coyotebangkok.com

[[ Disco ] 7 9 9 9

G.O.D Dance Club DJ Station JJ Park Disco Disco

02 6328033- www.g-o-dbangkok.com 022351227 www.silom2.com 022351227 www.silom2.com 022351227 www.silom2.com 49

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ] 1

Hotmale

Xboys

Fresh Beach Boy

The New Boys of Bangkok

Dream Boy www.thaiboy.net

Ocean Boy

X Size Bar

Classic Boys Club

Tawan Club

Super A Cocktail Lounge

The Adam Spa

Style Bangkok Sauna for Men

Heaven Sauna

02-2669092

Sauna Mania

081-817-4073

The Babylon Bangkok

02679-7984 www.babylonbangkok.com

[[ Restaurant ] 1

Maxis Bar & Restaurant

02 266 4255 www.maxisbar.com

Dicks CafĂŠ

02 6370078 www.dickscafe.com

Sphinix Restaurant & Bar

Spanish on 4

Night Boys

Souvlaki Greek Restaurant

Nature Boy

For Fun

Golden Cock

The Balcony

02 6345833

Open from 1pm Daily

[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] 1

Bangkok Massage

Bonny Massage

Marios Massage

Indra Massage

Ninety Nine Climax

Thai Boys Massage 2011

Aspara Day Spa

Paradis Spa & Massage

Fan Club Massage

New Bento Spa

Senso

02637-0704 www.bonnymassage.com 026 340099 081 7556777

Coffee Society

Bug and Bee

Coyote Restaurant / Bar

02 6623838 www.coyotebangkok.com

Eat Me Restaurant

02 2380931 www.eatmerestaurant.com

Telephone Pub

02 234 0459 www.richards-bangkok.com 022359784- www.coffeesociety.co.th 022 338118

02 2343279 www.telephonepub.com

24 Vincents Restaurant & 7 Rooms

(0)2-286-3348

www.vincentsbangkok.com

[[ Salons/ Shops/Services ] Cutey & Beauty

081 1073888 www.sensomenclub.com

Body Talk Clothing

Arena Massage

02-635-3645

Art at Play

Adonis Massage

02-236-7789

Aqua Spa Club

Baantewa Spa

GQ Massage

Pholand Massage

The Adam Spa

02 2355891 www.balconypub.com

02-286-4535 www.aquaspaclub.com

Live Music Bar

Richards Pub

02 632 9730 0-2630-4669 www.newbentospa.com

02 632 9955 www.tapascafebangkok.com

026326885 02-631 1442 www.fanclub.asia

02 2347249

022 312315 www.cuteyandbeauty.com www.artatplay.com

[[ Karaoke ]

02 6790816 www.baantewa.com

Bearbie Karaoke

02-677-5915

Telephone Pub

087 0932637 www.pholand.webs.com

The Balcony

Sphinix Restaurant & Bar

02 2343279 www.telephonepub.com 02 2355891 www.balconypub.com 02 2347249 51

soi dungthawee

MONTIEN HOTEL

MONTIEN HOTEL SOI NA WAT HUA LAMPHONG

SOI NA WAT HUA

SUKSAN

LAMPHONG TAWANAN HOTEL

TAWANAN HOTEL SUKSAN NARAT ROAD

NARAT ROAD

MRTA

ORN LONGK CHULA PITAL HOS

MAHESAK RD.

MRTA

BTS

LUMPINI

PARK

HOTEL

ARK INI PTHANI LUMPDUSIT

DUSIT THANI HOTEL

SOI SALADANG

BNH HOSPITAL

SOI CONVENT

BNH HOSPITAL

BTS

CP TOWER SOI CONVENT

CP TOWER

SOI PIPAT

SILOM SOI 5

SOI PIPAT

SILOM SOI 5

BTS

NIGHT BAZAR LUMPINI

SATHON SOI 1

MALAYSIA HOTEL

MALAYSIA HOTEL SATHON SOI PIPAT 2 SOI 1

SOI PIPAT 2 SOI SUAN PLU

SOI SUAN PLU

SOI SATHON 7

SOI SATHORN 9

SOI SATHORN 9 BTS

BTS

Wireless r MRT

Wireless rd MRT

MRTA

4 ROAD

N AD GK 4ORRO RALOMNPAITAL CHULA HOS

RAMA

SILOM SOI 2

SILOM SOI 2/1

SILOM SOI 2

SILOM SOI 2/1

SOI THANIYA

SURIWONGSE HOTEL

SILOM SOI 4

SOI THANIYA

SURIWONGSE HOTEL

SILOM SOI 4

PATPONG 2

PATPONG 1

BANGKOK CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL PATPONG 2 TARNTAWAN PLACE

SOI 8

SILOM SOI 6 PATPONG 1

BANGKOK CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL TARNTAWAN PLACE SILOM SOI 6

MRT

NARATHIWAT RATCHANAKARIN ROAD

SOI 8

Ratchadmri rd Ratchadmri rd

NARATHIWAT RATCHANAKARIN ROAD

MAHESAK RD.

CHAREONKRUNG ROAD CHAOPHRAYA RIVER

CHAREONKRUNG ROAD CHAOPHRAYA RIVER CHAROEN NAKHON ROAD

27 IBIS HOTEL

25 IBIS HOTEL

SOI SALADANG 5 SOI SALADANG 5

53 52

25 S RAJANAGARINDRA 7 IWA7 ADHDRA NARARIN SOI NARADHIWAS RAJA SOINAG CHAROEN N.18

SOI SALADANG 3 SOI SALADANG 3

24 24 22 22

SOI PHRA PHINIT SOI PHRA PHINIT

23 THONBURI

SOI SATHON 7 SOI SATHON 7

SOI NANTHA

21 20 20 KR

14 12

19 17 17

15 14 12

18 19

15 SOI SALADANG 2

SOI SALADANG 2

13 13 28

Henry Dunant rdHenry Dunant rd

SURIWONG SURIWONG ROAD ROAD CHAROEN NAKHON ROAD

EN NAKHONCHAROEN 15A NAKHON 15A

11 11

SATHORN ROAD SATHORN ROAD THONBURI KRUNGRD. THONBURI RD.

5 10

16 18 CHAROEN N.15 CHAROEN N.15

SILOM COMPLEX

8 8 6 6

MRT

SILOM RD SILOM RD

9 9 7 3 7

3 5

2 4 2 4

1 1 HONCHAROEN 8 NAKHON 8

21 G UN

URI

PHO SUWAN

Bangkok SOI SANTIPHAP SOI OSOT SOIPUTTHA SANTIPHAP SOI PUTTHA OSOT

OUT in Chiang Mai

live show and beautiful guys beckon. Just across the road is Lotus Hotel, the first gay hotel in the city and an established Chiang Mai institution.

Chiang Mai is steeped in history, surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, it enjoys a more clement climate than most Thai holiday locations and you will be seduced by its potent blend of charm, rural quaintness, and developing modernity.

If you need a work out or chill out, go to The House of Male. A short walk from the Soho Bar, open from 12.00 to midnight, seven days a week, with swimming pool, loungers, steam room, gym, friendly male staff, second floor private and public rest areas, bar and food. Tuesday and Thursday are ‘Buddy Nights’ where entrance is two for the price of one- very popular with students from the local university. Club One Seven also offers great accommodation, bar, sauna, pool and gym. Getting around

Gay Life

and Kad Suan Kaew. A short walk from Krits is the Soho Bar and Guesthouse in Huay Kaew Road. The atmosphere is relaxed, comfortable and friendly. In walking distance of Kad Suan Kaew is Santitham, sprouting new eateries, guesthouses, bars and coffee shops, the most notable of which is Thai restaurant/guesthouse, Sabaidee Santitham. Nearby is the long established PJ’s Place guesthouse, renowned for sweet and personal service.

Beyond the moat, are two areas of interest to OUT readers: Niammanhaemin and Santitham. There is a thriving cafe society with a cosmopolitan air; Chiang Mai’s epicentre for art boasts a range of fashionable boutiques, selling crafts, pottery, textiles, and jewels. A notable gay restaurant is Krits, which adjoins the gay bar, La Vie en Rose- just off the Huay Kaew Road, between Niammanhaemin

The Spirit House Restaurant & Bar is located in the Chang Puak area and is a haven of tranquillity. You will be enchanted by the collection of antiques (for sale) gathered from Burma, Laos, China and Thailand. The owner, Steve, is an accomplished musician and chef, producing an extensive international and Thai menu. Nearby you will find the Circle Pub, and Adam’s Apple., where the delights of the

Inside the Old City, surrounded by a moat that sports floodlit fountains, you can wander along cobbled lanes, through temple courtyards, past ancient wooden architecture, always near to bustling markets, restaurants, clubs, saunas and bars. It has a lively arts scene, with writer’s club, arts centre, galleries, pubs, and beer gardens that host regular and impromptu live music sessions.

Two hours north of Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge, is Chiang Rai province’s popular attraction. Nine kilometres from the historic town of Chiang Saen, the Golden Triangle was once Thailand’s centre for poppy growing. The Golden Triangle’s position, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruan rivers, provide outstanding views of the Mekong valley and beyond into Laos, Myanmar, and the southern mountains of China. On the Changpueak Road, Playhouse is Chiang Mai’s newest attraction. This lavish theatre showcases famous pieces from international musicals, performing art, and dance shows.

Travelling around the city is easy. The best-known transport are the Thai tuktuk and the songtaew. Easily spotted, the songtaews are red pickup covered trucks, with two rows of bench seating. These cruise the main routes and you will rarely have to wait for one. A rate of 20 baht per person applies within the city boundaries; the price of longer journeys is negotiable. A recent addition is the yellow-metered taxi, and though less in number, with air conditioning, and competitive pricing, these are becoming popular. Other things to see and do Chiang Mai has more temples per mile than you can shake a stick at which welcome visitors. The mountaintop Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is worth visiting for its importance in Thailand as a place of pilgrimage and for views of the city and the surrounding countryside. 55

Chiang Mai Y 11 HWA Hospital

Super Highway 11 Bridge

Faham Rd.

RD.

Thung Rd.

a Krang Rd.

Rd. thip Pra

N at W

gP on

ong

N at W

Maung

Rd.

Soi 8

Soi 7

Soi 8

Soi 7

Rotfai Rd.

Rotfai Rd. Soi 6

Pa Ko

San

Nai Pol Rd.

Soi 6

i Rd.

gP on

Pra

thip

Rd.

a Krang Rd.

Bumrungrat Rd.

Nai Pol Rd.

Chiang Mai - Lamphun Rd.

Charoen

Rd.

Iron Bridge

a Lung

Rd. Lung

SRIDONCHAI RD.

Anuwitee Rd.

Rd.

Anuwitee Rd.

Sann

RD.

hun R d.

Ton

Rat Ut

hit Rd

Tonkam

Soi 5

M Holiday Inn Chiang Mai

Muang Sat Rd.

Chiang Mai - Lamphun Rd.

Rajavej Hospital

Ton

Rd. 1

Soi 8

Soi 7

oi 6 Soi 8S

Soi 7

Rotfai Rd.

6 Soi Soi 5

grai Men ge Brid

Holiday Inn Chiang Mai

ian g

Ma i - La

hun R d. mp Ma i - La ian g

A E PIN G RIV ER

RD .

CHAROE N PR A THE T

Rajavej Hospital

46 grai Men ge Brid

Ton

hit Rd

Muang Sat Rd.

49 46

Rat Ut

Chiang Mai - Lamphun Rd.

AC HA PR

CHANG KLAN RD.

A E PIN G RIV ER

PH AEN

. RD N HA MP SA

AC HA PR

CHAROE SA N PR A MP THE T R HAN D. RD . CHANG KLAN RD.

Kavila Hospital

Lanna Palace

Kavila Hospital

. 49 D RD

I LAN

A NGM 45 CHIA

Maung

m ka

D RD

Charoen

Le Meridian

RD.

I LAN

Dr.Wong

WING PING RD.

MA IANG

Dr.Wong

Railway Station

Makro

Ton

Railway Station

RD.

MAU

CHARO EN MAU NG RD. RD.

EN MAU NG

m ka

WING PING RD. NG

Thanuspong Rd.

Ton

Lanna Palace

MAU

rat Rd. Bumrung

RD. EN ARO i Rd. Pa Ko San

Chiang Mai - Lamphun Rd.

. RATHET RD CHAROENP

ZAAR T BA

NIGH

Iron Bridge

CHARO

DIN

RD. DIN PH AEN

M KA

SUSIW

. G RD

RD.

41 ONG

THIPHANET RD.

IDOL R

MAH

IDOL R

G AN

MAH

. RD

HAIY A RD

I LA UA W

Soi 1 Thung Rd.

ARO

Nawarat Bridge

a Sann

SRIDONCHAI RD.

Soi 2

Soi 1

Soi 2

Soi 1

Sruampadh Hosital

G AN

HAIY A RD

. RD

Soi 1 Thung Rd.

Thanuspong Rd.

CHANG LOR RD.

I LA UA W

AR W NA

Carrefour

RAJD

RD.

AJD

Central 36 Duang Tawan Le Meridian

an Rd Cha

. RATHET RD CHAROENP

NIGH

Central 36 Duang Tawan

Chiang Mai CNX Chiang Mai CNX International Airport International Airport

Carrefour

Mc Cormick Nortern Tribel Crafts

R AT

29 D2

LOI KR OH RD .

Sruampadh Hosital

(No.2)

SIN G

rn ko Na ing P ge d Bri

ngkl

Rd. ong . ngkl

haw

Rajc

Rd. ong

Cha

KOTCHASAN RD.

MOON MUANG RD.

haw

So i2

LOI KR OH RD .

Rajc

Suan Prung Hosital

Arcade Bus Station

(No.2)

SUPER HIGHWAY 11

Suan Prung Hosital

AR W NA

. RD

BAM RUNG BURI RD.BAM RUNG BURI RD. CHANG LOR RD.

Bus Station

WA NG

IVER GR MAE P I N

Mc Cormick Nortern Tribel Crafts D.

pho

etu

R EN

d. S mR Poo Sri

Poo

ank

n RD.

31 32

Soi 3

Ratc

ham

. THA PAE RD

Soi 1

Sam La

rn ko Na ing Busstation P ge d Bri

Busstation

pho

etu

31 32

KOTCHASAN RD.

aR d. Soi 7

aR d. Soi 7 ank

ham Ratc

Soi 7

Soi 1

Sam La

n RD.

Soi 7

Soi 3

RD. MUANG MOON RD. AKHINAI RATCHAPH

Soi 4

Nawarat Bridge

RATCHAPHAKHINAI RD.

RATCHAMANKHA RD. RATCHAMANKHA RD.

.Soi

. THA PAE RD

Soi 4

G RD

Arcade KA

DOI SAKET ROAD

D D CHANG MOI ROA CHANG MOI ROA

RD. OEN RD. RATCHADAMNOEN RATCHADAMN

UAN

KA M

RD. G SAM U MUAN

d. S

.Soi

So i2

SUTHEP RD.

G RD

oi 1

ARAK RD.

ANK SIRIM

ANK

SIRIM

RD.

Maharat-Nakorn Chiang Mai

Sri

WIANG KAEW RD. WIANG KAEW RD.

MOO

UAN

oi 1

Malaria Centre

DOI SAKET ROAD

VICHAYANON RD. VICHAYANON RD. MOO

D. RN R ALAJA

ALAJA

RN R

Chiang Mai Ram 1

Rd. thon da sa

PRAPOKKLAO RD.

Mai Ram 1

Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Hosital Neurological HositalNeurological SUT HEP

Rd. thon da sa

SRIPHUM RD.

JA BAAN RD.

Chiang Soi 13

SRIPHUM RD.

BAMRUNGRAT RD.

Chiang Mai Mai SUChiang THE P RD Pharmach University Pharmach University .

Chang Puak Hospital

MANINOPHARAT RD.MANINOPHARAT RD.

PRAPOKKLAO RD.

Lavender Lanna Lavender Lanna Hotel Hotel

Soi 13

CHANG PUAK RD.

IR D. HA S

SA I

T RD. SINGHARA

NIM

SE W

IR D. SE W

HA S

Chang Puak Soi 2 Hospital

RD.

Soi 26

Provincial Health Office

BAMRUNGRAT RD.

RD.

Soi 2

1 AY HW HIG

HEP

Soi 9

NH AEM

RD. IN NH AEM MA NIM

D. SIN R

O NAK RATTA

Rama IX Bridge

Provincial Health Office SUT

Bus Station

Rama IX Bridge

PER SU

SA I

D. SIN R

KO Chang PuakATTANA R

Chang Puak Chang Puak Bus Station Hotel

i2 Chang Puak Hotel

Chiang Mai Stadium

AR AW

1 AY HW HIG

Soi 26

Chiang Mai Stadium

R AT

AR AW

PER SU

Soi 7

13 14

T RD. SINGHARA

Soi 9

Amari Rincome So

R AT

an Rd

sa ap .

Chiang Mai

Amari Rincome

Soi 7

10 7

ZAAR

i Ja nn

AmuBan Rd. 2

i Ja nn

AmuBan Rd. 2

sa ap .

9 8

IVER GR MAE P I N

T ROA D

Children’s

CHANG PUAK RD.

5 Chiang Mai 8 Children’s 8

5 Chiang Mai

Santiuk Rd.

AY HW G HI

Teparak Rd.

Santiuk Rd.

RD.

AY K

BUA

R PE SU

Teparak Rd.

AY K

Taewarit Rd.

Chiang Mai Hill

RD.

AY HW G HI

Taewarit Rd.

Chiang Mai Hill

BUA

Te Wan Rd.

Tesco Lotus

R PE SU

Te Wan Rd.

Tesco Lotus

CHANG PUAK RD.

Holiday Garden

JA BAAN RD.

Holiday Garden

WIA

CHANG PUAK RD.

4 WIA

Super Highway 11 Bridge

n Rd

Siritro

T BA

n Rd

Siritro

St. Peter’s Eye Hospital St. Peter’s Eye Hospital

Chiang Mai Hospital

HIG

R SUPE

MUAN W G SAAM NG UTSRO INGAD KA M

Y 11 HWA

HIG

R SUPE

Soi Tonkam

Soi Tonka

Big C

Chiang Mai [[ Accomodation ] 2 5 12 14 43 33 34 41

Lotus Hotel & Garden Bar www.lotus-hotel.com Santitham Guesthouse PJ’s Place Hotel & PJ’s Tours www.pjs-place.com Soho Bar & Guesthouse www.sohochiangmai.com Club One Seven www.cluboneseven.net The Rachamankha Rachamankha Road Seven Suns Guesthouse www.sevensuns.net Souvenir Bed & Breakfast

053 053 053 053 053 053 053 053

215 406 404 404 274 904 206 818

376 449 894 175 317 111 165 786

[[ Bars & Pubs ] 2 3 6 13 15 16 25 30 30 30 30 31 39 40

Lotus Hotel & Garden Bar www.lotus-hotel.com 053 215 376 Metro Bar Sawa Dee Bar La Vie En Rose Soupa Steak & Darling Wine Bar Soho Bar & Guesthouse www.sohochiangmai.com 053 404 175 Glass Onion Bar www.glassonion-chiangmai.com 0896 9211 015 CU Bar Night Bazaar Secrets Bar Night Bazaar DT’s Bar Night Bazaar Twin Peaks Night Bazaar Kampangmuang Gallery 0854 803 4265 The Whitehouse Bar & Restaurant Gallery Bar

CHIANG MAI GAY MASSAGE gentle and caring

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ] 3 7 9 10 18

Adam’s Apple Club 053 220 380 www.adamsappleclub.com New My Way 053 404 4361 Free Guy Club Chang Puak Road www.freeguy-club.com Circle Pub The Playhouse www.playhouse-chiangmai.com 053-410671

[[ Restaurants ] 1 4 12 13 15 58

Spirit House The Crystal Restaurant West Restaurant Krits Restaurant Soupa Steak & Darling Wine Bar

084 803 4366 053 872 809

Open: 2pm.-midnight Tel: IN-OUT 053-204 968 086-677 6592

www.blueclub-spa.com

เดอะบลูคลับ ใน เชียงใหม่แลนด์ ระว่างซอย 5 กับ 7

18 20 21 26 28 38 39 40

CHIANG MAI LIVING

The Playhouse www.playhouse-chiangmai.com 053-410671 Mi Casa Mediterranean Soi Wat Pa Daeng 053 810 088 Beccofino Trattoria Nimmanhaemin Road 053 226 590 The House & Ginger Restaurants Moonmuang Road 053 419 011 The Gallery Charernras Road 053 248 601 Kampangmuang Gallery 0854 803 4265 The Whitehouse Bar & Restaurant Gallery Bar

We will ﬁnd the property of your dreams

chiangmailiving.com

[[ Karaoke ] 11 14 40 46

Barocco Karaoke M Club Karaoke Gallery Bar Sofa Boy Karaoke

Houses, land and apartments for sale and rent in Chiang Mai

Huaykaew Road

Full legal service

[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] 7 19 22 23 27 29 31 32 36 37 42 43 45 46 47 48

Gemini Hatsadisawee Road River House Massage 053 876 085 Marspa Massage 053 221121 House of Male 053 894 133 Mystic Orient Massage www.mysticorientmassage.com 053 874 334 M2M Massage 053 820 669 The Wall Massage www.thewallmassage.com 053-274-275 Classic House Massage 053 904 852 2 Brothers Massage www.2bmassage.com 053 206 403 Sanctuary Spa & Massage www.thaisanctuaryspa.com 053 280 349 Victory Massage www.victory-massage.com 053 275813 Club One Seven www.cluboneseven.net 053 274 317 The Blues Club Massage www.blueclub-spa.com 086 677 6592 One 2 Come www.one-2-come.com 053 204 385 Relaxation Massage 053 276732 His Club Massage www.hisclub-chiangmai.com 053-204148

[[ Discos ] 24 35 17 60

Warm Up Disco Mandalay Disco Discovery Nightclub

Phone: Fax:

Contact Daeng 081 992 77 62/053-854115-6 053 854117

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OUT in Hua Hin

HUA HIN HOSPITAL WAT KLAI KANGWON INDEX LIVING MALL

Hua Hin is a beautiful and up market resort some 200 km south of Bangkok with 5 km of beach. King Rama 7 liked the place so much that he built a summer palace here named Wang Klai Kang Won (‘Far from Worries’).

D ROA EM

DAMRONGRAT ROAD

CHA

KAS

• Hua Hin Railway Station Thailand’s most beautiful train station. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion. • Takiap Hill 4 km from Hua Hin town has Buddhist temples and a terrific view. • Pa La-u Waterfall 11-tier scenic waterfall, 60 km west of Hua Hin, in a verdant forest. • Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is 45 mins from downtown- wine tasting of Monsoon Valley Wines. • The centre of the small but friendly gay community is the Little Choices Bar.

T PHE

HUA HIN NTERNATIONAL POLYCLINIC

WAT ETISUKATOW

BUS TERMINAL

NAEBKHEHART ROAD

CHOM SIN ROAD

NUCHIT

ROAD

WAT HUA HIN

K ROAD POON SU

SOI BI NTA

ROAD AMNUAY SIN

BAT

AD ITEE RO

DAMNERN

[[ Accomodation ] 1 BaanThong Bed & Breakfast

[[ Bars & Pubs ]

OADV

KAMN

RI ROAD

HUA HIN SHOPPING MALL

NARETDAM

BUS TO BANGKOK

DECHA

ROAD SRA SONG

TFAI ROAD LIAB TANG RO

CHAT CHAI DAY MARKET

AD KASEM RO DAMNERN

AD KASEM RO

2 SM Bar 3 Red Indian Bar

RAILWAY STATION

4 Little Choices 5 Guys Bar

SAN PAULO HOSPITAL

6 Keyo Bar 6

[[ Miscellaneous ]

HUA HIN MARKET VILLAGE

E BKH NAE

T RO HAR

7 Art Jacky Gallery 63

OUT in Koh Samui J

Jungle covered craggy hills, lush coconut plantations, quiet beaches, balmy evenings, Koh Samui is the perfect place to kick back, recharge and of course, party. Samui is Thailand’s third largest island with a Thai population of 50,000 and measures 228 sq km.

Samui is a rapidly growing gay holiday destination especially for romantic couples where gay life is a relaxing, quieter, fun contrast to the exuberant gay life of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. As the spa capital of the region, Samui is also the perfect place to indulge in affordable massage and body treatments. For gay men the Emerald Green Mens Club in north Chaweng is the premier gay only destination for high quality, man 4 man massage and body treatments, their service also feature in the spa at the super chic X2 Resort Samui, south of Lamai – check their website below for booking details. The most popular way to get about on Samui is self ride motor bike, rental cars are available and hotels can arrange drivers. Taxis are notoriously expensive but songtaew pick-up trucks are a cheap 64

de facto public bus service. If you want a tour around Samui or go diving with a gay guide, contact Rainbow Scuba & Tour. When you feel hungry there is a huge variety of places to eat, from top of the bill restaurants to cheap eateries and Thai market stalls. Check out eating options on the website below or cruise the Internet; your hotel will have a copy of the Samui dining guide.

The center of gay day/night life on Samui is Chaweng. Most gay businesses hang off the 3-4 kilometre long Chaweng Beach Road, so taking this road from the north end opposite the Nora Beach Resort is the Emerald Green Mens Club. Further down the road in the main part of town, behind Starbucks is K Club, a small gay bar with take away staff. In south Chaweng is Boy Zone bar at the end of a soi opposite the Centara Grand Beach Resort, a smart bar with a gay/ mixed crowd and an 11.30 pm show. In the same soi is Tropical Fah Samui massage for girls, boys and transgendered customers. A little further south is Akwa Guesthouse and Restaurant, gay owned, catering to a mixed market. Samui has four cabaret clubs featuring Thai ladyboy and gay lip-synch performers. Starz Cabaret behind Khun Chaweng Resort is the largest, pumping out a classy show every night. Close by is Christy’s while 1 kilometre down Chaweng Beach Road is Starclub Cabaret, upstairs opposite Family Mart. In Lamai Beach on the main street beside Fusion Club is Zodiac Cabaret and Tina, a ladyboy icon on Samui. All shows kick in about 9.30 pm with bar service and free entry. If dancing, drinking and cruising is your number, remember Samui is a late hour party town. From midnight, Thai and Farang gays head to Green Mango and Sweet Soul bars in central Chaweng for a diet of loud music, no frills bar service and fun for mixed crowds until 3 am. Out of town on the ring road close to Makro Cash and Carry, in a housing estate is Mekkala Spa a small massage business in a private house, while on the ring road in Mae Nam is GK Mens Spa. Pick up a copy of OUT Magazine at any gay venue for an accurate gay Samui map and venue listings.

There are no gay hotels on Samui but with a wide range of accommodation from famous brand name hotels through to exclusive private villas or simple Samui style bungalows. There are good quality, gay only, owner occupied B&B. Check out the options on the website below. Websites for all the gay businesses in this article and more detailed information on gay accommodation, bars, restaurants, massage, things to do, what to be aware of at www.gaykohsamui.net

Koh Samui

To Fisherman’s Village Bophut

To Cheangmon

23 To Bangrak

NORA BEACH RESORT

To Maenam and Nathon

22 24 25

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ] Starz Cabaret, Chaweng Beach Road K Club, Chaweng Beach Road Christy’s Cabaret, Chaweng Beach Road Star Club Cabaret, Chaweng Beach Road Boy Zone, ChawengPlaza Zodiac Cabaret, Lamai

084. 744. 9074 086. 948. 3111

Chaweng Lake

Wat Chawent

H RD

12 Wat Jeekong

1 24

Gay & Lesbian Information, Chaweng Beach Road Rainbow Scuba & Tour

BAAN HAAD 3

087. 814. 2260 077. 414. 419 083. 394. 8650

[[ Shops / Services / Special ] 087. 814. 2260 086. 272. 0980

Emerald Green Mens Club, Chaweng Beach Road Tropical Fah Samui, Chaweng Plaza Mekkala Men Spa

10 11

[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] 1 15 20

CHAWENG REGENT BEACH RESORT

089. 587. 8774 081. 899. 1767 077. 332. 200 077. 430. 559 077. 247. 647

3 8 76

AMARI PALM REEF

RIN

Little Palace Mana’s Home Tropical Garden Lounge Resort, Mae Nam Wonderworld Samui Guest House Baan Shadis Resort, Mae Nam

Bangkok Samui Hospital

EAC

info@thegreenmangoclub.com info@thegreenmangoclub.com

[[ Accomodation ] 17 19 22 21 25

SAMUI INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

POLICE STATION

Tops Supermarket

Green Mango, Soi Green Mango Sweet Soul Cafe, Soi Green Mango

083. 521. 8720 077. 230. 611 089. 646. 1564

[[ Disco ] 10 11

CHA WEN

7 8 9 13 14 18

AIRPORT

13 15 14 SOI COLIBRI

CENTARA GRAND BEACH RESORT

[[ Restaurants/Cafe/Food Markets ] 2 Top Ten. Pacific rim/Asia food. Chaweng Beach Road. 077. 230. 235 3 Chaweng Food Market. European/Thai. www.gaykohsamui.net 4 Baan Boran, Heritage Thai & puppet theater. Chaweng Lake. 077 962 001 5 Otaru Sushi, Chaweng Beach Road. 077. 601. 222 6 Mad Greek Bar & Grill, Chaweng Beach Road. 082. 279. 7157 12 H.O.T. House of Thai, Chaweng Beach Road. 081 821 9388 16 Dalat Dow Market. Fresh fruit. www.gaykohsamui.net 23 Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut. www.kosamui.com/bophut/ 26 Five Island Restaurant, Sea food. Taling Ngam. 077. 415. 359 66

18 26

To Lamai

Massage Body scrubs Facial treatments Outcall service available

We want you in OUT OUT iT is keen to nurture the talents of budding gay photographers and writers. If you have a picture you want the world to see or a sensational story to share, we want you in OUT iT. Art, fashion or erotic images will find their place within our covers. Fact, fiction and fantasy features of intelligence, information and inspiration are invited.

Located on Chaweng main rd between Tesco Lotus and Big C, 200 mtr off the street, opposite Family Mart toward Chaweng Printing factory Nr. 20 on the Koh Samui Map 083 - 83 394 8650 www.kohsamuihomespa.com

1 gay Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no tor of

ribu Authorised dist

listings site

Magazine

We also welcome letters to the editor for our regular OUTpost, printed and online. Please send your work to editor@out-in-thailand.com

www.out-in-thailand.com

Opening Soon !! Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Gay Informatio

n Centre

WWW.PATTAYAHOTMALE.COM

OUT in Pattaya P

Pattaya has a bustling, vibrant scene 24 hours a day. Shopping starts at sumptuous malls- Central Festival, Royal Garden, Mike’s Plaza and The Avenue. For the Movies, cinemas abound. For dining, there’s a range of restaurants suiting all tastes and budgets, from local street stalls, to five star gourmet haut cuisine. Water sports include diving, jet skiing and parasailing. Try Go-karting or bungee jumping or a massage at one of the many salons. There are many gyms and exercise facilities.

Just some sample highlights around Pattaya; • Pattaya Elephant Village has guided tours through the jungle on elephant back, ox cart, rafting, and much more. • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has beautiful landscaped gardens and amazing panoramas. Don’t miss the French Garden and Orchid display. Also daily cultural and elephant shows as well as a charming zoo at this “Chelsea Flower Show” winning Garden. • The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm has interesting gardens with large stone outcrops, petrified trees and tropical plants. Hundreds of crocodiles, a daring show and an exotic zoo. • Tiffany’s and Alcazar Ladyboy cabaret shows, both on second road, are 70

a feast of glamour and glitz. Tiffany’s in particular is energetic and tours the world with its spectacular show. • The crystal clear waters of Koh Larn, are 45 minutes by ferry. This island, the nearest to Pattaya of many, offers relaxation in the most tropical of styles. Gay Pattaya In the day time, you can play at the gay beach at Jomtien. Dong Tan Beach is a short ride from Pattaya. Here you can relax in deckchairs or on loungers, and be waited on all day. It is, however, in the evening when the city comes truly alive. The longest established gay area is Boyztown. Here, and in the adjacent Pattayaland, you can find a selection of 25 establishments. The illuminated sign of Boyztown is the adopted logo for Gay Pattaya. Boyz Boyz Boyz is the oldest

and original male gogo bar in Pattaya and their show is a “must see”. The Copa Showbar has an exciting, twice nightly, cabaret show and a unique erotic underwater show. Funny Boys Gogo has recently been voted the best gay venue in Pattaya. Panorama Pub at the end of Boyztown is the place for “watching”. The stylish Wild West Boys presents two shows nightly, and is not to be missed. The Sunee Plaza area, with almost 50 assorted establishments, is the largest of Pattaya’s gay nightlife zones. It’s a vibrant and energetic area with lots of fun and enjoyment on offer, whatever your tastes. The trademark neon sign of Krazy Dragon will lure you into the “Number one male table top dancing bar”. Mike’s Bar La Cage on Soi V.C. is now an institution, with its parties - one a week in high season. Corner Bar has been open almost as long as Sunee and now has an authentic “Texas” feel and offers Texan snacks. Wonderland, Sunee Plaza’s cabaret show bar has twice nightly shows at

10pm and 12pm. Often described as being “more earthy” than Boyztown, Sunee Plaza is well worth getting to know. The third main gay area, over the headland in Jomtien, is the Jomtien Complex. Here you can find a variety of gay bars, restaurants, and hotels. The Venue is the flagship hotel, and cabaret show bar, with regular new spectacular shows. Of the many beer bars particularly notable are Question Mark Bar and Two Faces. Some of the bars also offer massage services and there are two specialist massage houses. You might like to try the newly opened Ganymede bar with its guest rooms above. Finally, for the true Night Owls, Pattaya offers a selection of world class late night discos. Dave Man Club and Nab are just two terrific venues where you can dance the night away, surrounded by super sexy Coyote dancers, until the wee small hours of the morning.

Luxurious Accomodation Swimming Pool & Spa Special Weekly & Long Term Rates 24 Hour Reception Lift To All Floors Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites available

Phone 038 30 37 87 72

www.thevenuejomtien.com

Greater Pattaya PA TTA YA NA KL UA RD .

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[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] IC SO

EE VIT RN O P IYA HA

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038 723 086 038 364 355

[[ Shops ] 038 251 808

[[ Discos ] 16 The Dave Man Club 17 Nab 13 X-yte

www.nabmenclub.com

[[ Accomodation ] 7

San Suk Guesthouse

038 364 356 75

Jomtien

JOMTIEN ORCHID HOTEL

1 2

JOMTIEN CONDOTEL

BIT RAB RT RESO

[[ Accomodation ]

SOI PATTAYA PARK

VIEW TALAY 1

THEPPRASIT RD.

GRAND CONDOTEL

VIEW TALAY 5

AVALON RESORT

EAC TAN B DONG

23 35

JOMTIEN COMPLEX CONDOS

VIEW TALAY 7

ROAD CESS H AC

VIEW TALAY 2

15 16 17 13 14

20 21 27 24 28 29 30

TIE

SOI 1 SOI 2 SOI 3 SOI 4 SOI 5

34 SOI 5

[[ Bars & Pubs ] 35 22 29 18 28 26 17 9 25 10

Bamboo Bar 038.232.315 Bondi Beach Bar bondibeachpattaya@yahoo.co.uk Dick’s Café Jomtien 038.252.417 Dolce Vita Bar and Guest House Mewie www.mewie.pattaya.de Festival Pub 087.972.7937 Ganymede Bar and Guest House 038.303.721 Lubov’ Boys Bar Question Mark Bar 038.303.949 Sugar & Spice Bar Two Faces Boy bar www.twofacesthailand.com

[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] 30 27 76

Derby Men’s Club Duo House

Ganymede Bar and Guest House

038.303.721

Dolce Vita Bar and Guest House Mewie

DD Inn

Dolce Vita Guesthouse Mewie

087.148.0382

East Suites

089.005.0012

Orchid Guest House

038.251.568

Poseidon Hotel

038.303.698

Room Club Guest House

038.251.461

Tui’s Place Guest House & Restaurant

038.251.432

The Venue

038.303.787

www.mewie.pattaya.de 038.232.995

[[ Restaurants/Cafes ]

THAPPRAYA RD. 31

ACH RD. JOMTIEN BE

038.303.439 081.692.3309

Antz Food and Drink

038.303.375

Aquarius Restaurant

038.251.895

A Touch of Class Music & Restaurant

Café Ritz

L’Arc Restaurant

L’Olivier Restaurant

038.251.669

Mignon Restaurant

038.233.763

Pagoda Restaurant

089.804.1450

Pan Pan Restaurant

038.251.874

Papa David’s

038.303.909

Poseidon Restaurant

038.303.300

084.564.4626

[[ Miscellaneous ] 1

Image Limousine Pattaya

Pattaya Storage

Vinegar Swimwear

038.251.755 www.pattayastorage.com 086.157.7640

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ] 6

The Venue

038.303.787 77

SOI V.C.

22 52

Sunee Plaza

SOI YENSABAI

19 18

12 24

33 40

34 41

35 42

36 43

37 44

28 29

SOI V.C.

47 48

[[ Bars & Pubs ] 47 38 48 33 36 7 25 24 45 10 17 40 6 1 15 18 28 27 5 26 44 78

Come In Bar comein@suneeplaza.info Corner Bar cornerbar@suneeplaza.info Country Club country@suneeplaza.info Crazy Pub crazy@suneeplaza.info C.U. Bar cu@suneeplaza.info Don Club donclub@suneeplaza.info Don Plaza Teraza donplazaterrace@suneeplaza.info Don Plaza Hotel 038.713.840 Duc’s Bar duc@suneeplaza.info Eden Bar eden@suneeplaza.info Forest House forest@@suneeplaza.info La Copa - Lek’s Bar lacopa@suneeplaza.info Marina Swimming Pool 038.429.232 Mike’s Bar La Cage mike@lacage-pattaya.com New Queens Bar newqueen@suneeplaza.info Oud’s Cafe & Bar oudscafe@yahoo.com Rainbow Bar rainbow@suneeplaza.info Redgy’s Place redgy@suneeplaza.info Sky Boy Bar sky@suneeplaza.info Sunee Plaza Bar (aka the Plastic Chair Bar) suneeplazabar@suneeplaza.info Three Zone Bar three@suneeplaza.info

SOI YENSABAI

treetz@suneeplaza.info uniform@suneeplaza.info 0895.427.703 0870.294.061 whatelse@suneeplaza.info wunderbar@suneeplaza.info 0891.376.243

[[ Go-Go Clubs ]

38 45

Treetz Bar Uniform Bar Up 2 U Boy Bar and Restaurant Wan’s Place What Else? Wunderbar Yaya Bar

49 35 20 13 50 8 46 37 16 42 51 34 31 32 52 3

Amazon Eros Good Boys Happy Boys Bar Krazy Dragon Night Club Mic My Bar Nice Boys Tom Yum Nightclub Wonderland

amazon@suneeplaza.info eros@suneeplaza.info good@suneeplaza.info info@happyboysbar.com info@krazy-dragon.com micmy@suneeplaza.info nice@suneeplaza.info tomyum@suneeplaza.info 0840.482.559

[[ Accomodation ] 24 19 23 53 54 41 55

Don Plaza Hotel Eldorado Guesthouse & Restaurant Galapagos Guest House Howard’s Guesthouse & Bar Marina Inn Plaza Hotel RS Room for rent Two Guys Guesthouse & Restaurant

038.713.840 038.713.259 galapagos@suneeplaza.info 038.713.664 038.429.232 rs@suneeplaza.info 038.713.652

[[ Restaurants ] 19 56 18 50 12 43 55 20 22

Eldorado Guesthouse & Restaurant Little Mango Restaurant Oud’s Cafe & Bar Po Pot Restaurant Song Kwae Restaurant Thai Food Two Guys Guesthouse & Restaurant Up 2 U Boy Bar and Restaurant Wan’s Cafe

038.713.259 littlemango@suneeplaza.info oudscafe@yahoo.com popot@suneeplaza.info songkwae@suneeplaza.info thaifood@suneeplaza.info 038.713.652 0895.427.703 0870.294.061

[[ Shops, Services, Special ] 56 6 29

Little Mango Internet Marina Swimming Pool NS Travel

littlemango@suneeplaza.info 038.429.232 038.713.556 79

[[ Bars & Pubs ] 16 Panorama Pub 23 Oscars 22 Serene

038 710 597 www. panoramapub.com www.oscarspattaya.com

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ]

1 PATTAYALAND SOI 1 5

Boyztown & Pattayaland 80

[[ Accomodation ] 18 25 28

Ambiance Hotel Copa Hotel Le Café Royale

038 424 099 www.ambiancehotel.com 038 488 694 www.copapattaya.com 038 423 515 www.caferoyale-pattaya.com

[[ Restaurants/Cafes ] 11

PATTAYALAN D SOI 2 12 14

15 17 18

16 22

BOYZTOW

24 25

26 27 28

SECOND ROAD

BEACH ROAD

13 A-bomb 17 Boyz, Boyz Boyz 038 424 099 www.boyzboyzboyz.info 24 Copa Showbar 038 488 694 www.copapattaya.com 2 Cupidol www.cupidolboys.com 3 David Cabaret 9 Dreamboys 038 429 569 7 Dynamite 20 Funny Boys 038 710 597 www.panoramapub.com/funnyboyz.htm 12 Happy Place Bar 5 Kawaii 6 Lucky 777 1 Sawasdee www.sawadeeboys.com 29 Toy Boys 0819 037 578 10 Vassa Bar 11 Wild West Club 0818 653 502 www.wildwestboyspattaya.com 8 X boys

27 14 15

Café Music Café New Orleans Street Life

www.caferoyale-pattaya.com 038 710 805 www.cafeneworleans.info www.streetlife-pattaya.com

[[ Sauna/massage/fitness ] 26 Body Club 19 Boyz Sauna & Massage 4 Narcissus 21 Scandic Massage

038 488 694 www.copapattaya.com 038 424 099 www.boyzboyzboyz.info

Welcome to the Sundowners Group

OUT in Phuket

All are Central and Convenient to the Phuket Paradise Complex Gay Scene

ATM

bar & restaurant

Phuket is the quintessential tropical resort vacation, complete with exotic nightlife. There are international flights directly to the island, or fly easily and affordably from Bangkok or Pattaya Utapao. VIP buses are available between Phuket and Bangkok. There are virtually no metered taxis on the island so book ground transportation from the airport with you hotel. From Phuket airport to Patong in a private car direct to your hotel is 600 THB. You can find a shared minivan for less. Motorcycle rentals are inexpensive. In the daytime there are affordable busses. Most Tuk Tuks have a 200-baht minimum rate and motorcycle taxis start at 40 baht.

Phuket is one of the world’s most exciting gay playgrounds. Parasail, snorkel, play golf, ride an elephant, canoe in hidden caves, sightsee, take a Thai cooking school course, dance the night away, or just spend lazy days on the beach. Phuket is such a popular international tourist destination for people from all lifestyles; they are not necessarily all gay friendly, so use a gay tour company at your accommodation or use the OUT guide. Phuket Fantasea is a vast outdoor theatre with a huge cast. Voted “best attraction” for several years running by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the ticket price (up 82

to 2,250 including transportation and VIP seating) also includes a buffet dinner, cultural parade and street show. No visit to Thailand would be complete without a visit to a ladyboy show and in Phuket, Simon Cabaret, is recommended. One of the best views available from anywhere on Phuket is Promthep Cape near Nai Harn beach near Rawai beach, with a nearby restaurant for romantic sunsets. Elsewhere, the Big Buddha overlooks Chalong Bay, and is over 25 meters wide and 45 meters high, adorned with 135 tons of white jade marble. Phuket has great shopping, especially

SUNDOWNERS BAR & GUESTHOUSE A hassle free place to meet and socialize Selection of cocktails, beer, wine and champagne Ground floor: Bar, Terrace Bar, Pool Table, Internet Second floor: Air con Sports Bar, covered Terrace Bar Telephone: +66 (0) 76 344 215 Fax: +66 (0) 76 293 241 Mobile: Aek +66 (0) 872773846 John +66 (0) 833014036 Email: info@sundownersinparadise.com www.sundownersinparadise.com Open from Noon to 2am

Become a Sundowners Frequent Flyer (600bt for Life Membership) and receive 10% discount on all your food and drinks at Sundowners Bar, ATM Restaurant and Orchid Lounge

ORCHID LOUNGE BAR & GUESTHOUSE

Nut and his crazy gang invite you to the Orchid Lounge Comfortable Rattan furniture with soft background music Selection of over 50 cocktails, fresh fruit shakes, beer, wines by the bottle or glass and champagne Full Bar, Terrace Bar and Guesthouse with Wi-Fi Open 5pm to 2am Mobile Nut: +66 ( 0) 8667 32789 John: +66 (0) 833014036 Telephone: +66 (0) 76 341555 Fax: : +66 (0) 76 293 241 info@orchidinparadise.com Website: www.orchidinparadise.com

The Gay Day Tour is great fun, every Saturday. Revellers convene at 11:00 a.m. at the Connect Guest House in the Paradise Complex and then go by minivan and then speedboat to a Koh Yao Yai private beach, equipped with private fresh water shower and toilet. The price, 1,850 THB includes, beach chairs and umbrellas, plenty of food and an open bar.

RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE ROAD

11 15 17 21

28 30 32 35

EXIT ROAD

MAIN WALKWAY

The epicentre of gay life on Phuket is on Patong Beach in the Paradise Complex, at the base of the towering Royal Paradise Hotel. A mix of gay and straight hotels and guesthouses, gay saunas, bars, cabarets, massage parlours, and guy shows, the Paradise Complex is a great place to hang out at night. If you book a room within the Paradise Complex, ask in advance about noise levels—most can offer you a room that is not on a main Soi. Paradise Complex has two types of cabaret shows: “Go Go clubs” and Discos. Much effort goes into the shows, so patrons bounce from one to the next. The oldest Go Go show bars are My Way and Tangmo clubs with other cabaret variations at Mamasan’s.

Paradise Complex

Go Go bars Dempseys, Boys & Boys and James Dean Bar are notable. The popular outdoor upscale “Beer Bars” as always packed. The most popular are Connect, Sundowner, James Dean & Friends. Chic, a stylish place converted to an openair lounge (where BB Boys used to be) across from the lovely Orchid Lounge, draped with Orchids, offers coffee, and snacks. For late night entertainment, try Kiss Club and Boat Bar. Both are Discos and have lively outdoor patios and free cabaret shows. Boat Bar is as friendly as they come, the owner is the host with the most, and the shows are incredibly moving, energetic and inspiring. The Backstage and Knud’s are recommended and superior accommodation can be found at the beautifully refurbished Club One Seven guesthouse and Restaurant.

ENTRY ROAD

in Patong. Sharpen your bartering skills with street vendors or check out the higher end offerings at the very modern Jungceylon Mall with its spectacular outdoor dancing water shows. Only a 20baht bus ride (daytimes only) away is another modern shopping mall in Phuket Town, Central Festival. Phuket Town is very quaint and filled with restaurants, galleries, and more. It feels very unlike Thailand but more like a quaint little “Western” town.

25 29 31 33 36 37 38

ROYAL PARADISE HOTEL

BAR+ROOMS

www.knudsbar.com 123/4 Paradise Complex

Tel: 076 345291

e-mail: knudsbar@yahoo.com

Phuket AMARI AMARI CORAL CORALBUS TOBUS TO BEACH BEACH TOWNTOWN

PHRABARAM ROAD PHRABARAM ROAD SOI CHALERMPRAKIAT SOI CHALERMPRAKIAT

SOI NAM YEN ROAD SOI NAM YEN ROAD

SOI C&N SOI SUNSET SOI C&N SOI SUNSET

SOI SANSABAI SOI BAAN ZAAN

SOI BAAN ZAAN SOI NANAI 1

SOI NANAI 1

2 5

HAT PATONG ROAD HAT PATONG ROAD

SAWATDIRAK ROAD

SOI RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE 1 JINTANA HOTEL SOI RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE 1 JINTANA HOTEL SWISS-BEL THARA PATONG KSR

KSR

SWISS-BEL THARA PATONG

BANG-LA ROAD (1 WAY)

SOI SANSABAI

FOUR SEASON

FOUR SEASON Add Mansion Lamai Inn Add Mansion Vech Guesthouse Lamai Inn Vech Guesthouse

SOI RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE2

SOI NANA SOI INANA I2 2

BANG-LA ROAD (1 WAY)

WALK SIDE

SOI POST OFFICE SOI POST OFFICE SOI SOI PINE TREE SOI SOI DR. WATTANA SOI PINE TREE

SOI DR. WATTANA SOI KEPSAS

PRACHANUKHRO ROAD

(SOI HOLIDAY INN) RUAMJAI ROAD

SOI KEPSAS (SOI HOLIDAY INN) RUAMJAI ROAD

Holiday InnHoliday Inn

PRACHANUKHRO ROAD

46 46

PISITKORANEE PISITKORANEE RD. RD. NANAI NANAI ROADROAD

45 45

44 43 44 43 42 42

RA TC HA PRA PRA TA TA NN NN US US OM OM RD RD . .

Club Club Andaman Andaman

RA TC PATONG PATONG HOSPITAL HOSPITAL

PATONG PATONG SAI 3 RD. SAI(ROYAL 3 RD. (ROYAL AVENUE) AVENUE)

PARADISE PARADISE COMPLEX COMPLEX

ROYAL ROYAL PHAWADEE PHAWADEE VILLAGE VILLAGE Sarathai Sarathai Resort Resort

RAT-U-THIT RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE 200ROAD PEE ROAD RAT-U-THIT RAT-U-THIT 200 PEE 200ROAD PEE ROAD

5 5

THAWEEWONG THAWEEWONG ROADROAD THAWEEWONG THAWEEWONG ROADROAD THAWEEWONG THAWEEWONG ROADROAD

Wat Wat Suwankhiri Suwankhiri

Welcome to the Phuket Gay Pride Festival.

23-26 February 2011

10th Annual Phuket Pride Celebration.

Phuket

[[ Accommodation ]

[[ Bars & Pubs ] 16 17 18

Knud’s Bar Y.A.N. Flying Handbag

083 1730 0083

[[ Go-Go Clubs / host bars / cabaret & show bars ] 2 3 6 8 10 12 15 21 24 25 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 40 41 43

Backstage Superboys Passport Ma Prang James Dean & Friends Dempsey’s Heaven Bar Kai Bar Sundowners Tangmo Time Kiss Orchid Lounge Chic My Way Boys & Boys Boat Bar Mama San Simon Cabaret Seed James Dean

080 1418180

08330 14036

08667 32789

076 342 206

OK Karaoke Twilight Bar Kar-Dor Karaoke

Kiss Boat Bar Galaxy

076 296654

Club One Seven

076 341917

Rendezvous Hotel

076 342433

Knud’s Bar

Connect

Blue Dolphin

0819 796220

Sundowners

08330 14036

Aquarius

Orchid Lounge

Adonis

076 345800

Fong Kaew Mansion

076 292440

Baan Nang Fa Guesthouse

076 292440

The Amethyst

076 366122

James Dean

Loennoe Palace

076 344858

Siam Hotel

076 297081

CC Bloom’s

0831 014036 076 294 195

076 346142 08667 32789

Seahag Restaurant

076 341111

Club One Seven

076 341917

Newspaper

Y.A.N.

Connect

ATM Restaurant

076 294 195 08450 72238

[[ Sauna ] [[ Discos ]

29 35 39

The Minotel

[[ Restaurants/Cafes ]

[[ Karaoke ] 9 11 13

076 342206

Spartacus

Blue Dolphin

Mein Shatz

Aquarius

081 9796 220 076 346142

OUT Publishing Co. Ltd. a Koolpuntville 12 | The Castle 22/97 Moo 3 | Tambon Pabong Ampur Saraphee | Chiang Mai 50140 | Thailand Publisher/Editor Rewat Kadmai

Coming OUT next month... February is our special Gay Pride issue with special features on all the fabulous events in Pattaya and Phuket. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be an exclusive interview with Jim Lumsden of Boyztown and we start a fascinating and compelling series with a unique perspective on gay love in Thailand, called True Love? Look OUT for a great feature on interior designer Vincent Chye and get his tips on how to make your home a designer palace. OUT post wants to hear your views too, write to editor@out-in-thailand.com to see yourself in print and online @ www. out-in-thailand.com 90

Editor in Chief James Barnes m editor@out-in-thailand.com p 085 707 9923 f 053 021 125 Marketing Director Ian Chenoweth m marketing@out-in-thailand.com p 088 412 1822 f 053 021 125 Print Santipab Print a 214-216 Kaewnawarat Tumbol Watket | Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai | 50000 w http://www.santipab.co.th/

You’re First Trip To Adam’s Apple Club Will Not Be Your Last…

PROMOTION 100 Piper with Free Mixers

999 Baht Maximum 4 Person

If you’re looking for an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE like no other, join us at Adam’s Apple Club Chiang Mai, beautiful and erotic Go-Go boys dancing all evening, and a show you will never forget

1/21-22 Soi Wiang Bua Chotana Road Chiang Mai, Thailand Open 8:30pm ‘til Late | Phone 053-220-380