A Basic Primer on Thailand’s Boy Bars

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not free. Most of these boys are from poor areas of Thailand and this is how they support their families. However, unlike commercial boys in western countries, Thai lads will usually make you feel quite special and for a few hours, you may forget that it’s even a commercial arrangement; and in many cases, the initial encounter can lead to something more long term. Of course, there are opportunities to meet young men in less commercial settings than bars, such as saunas, discos, online and, even, at the mall; but for now, we’ll concentrate on the commercial venues.

Tourist areas in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket have an assortment of “beer bars” and go-go bars. The former are usually smaller, open air establishments with a large variety of waiters or “hosts.” If one of them strikes your fancy, you are welcome to invite him to sit with you and buy him a drink. Depending on the young man, his ability to speak English may be quite limited, but you can usually get through the basics, such as what’s your name, where are you from, and how old are you? If you find that you’d like some more intimate time with your new friend, he will be available to “take off” the premises. You will be charged a “bar fine” of a few hundred baht for the privilege. Make sure your friend is over 18 and has an ID card. Some hotels, such as Bangkok’s gay-friendly Tarntawan Place, hold your guest’s ID until he leaves. The Thai boy will expect a “tip” when you part company. Although he will probably say “it’s up to you,” depending on the city and the venue, around 1000 baht for “short time” and, at least, 1500 baht for “long time” (all night) is usually appreciated. To avoid possible disappointment in the sack, establish with your new friend, what he’s willing to do. You can ask the mamasan (manager) or a waiter to help you with this. Don’t be shy. If you decide not to take your new friend “off,” a tip of 100 baht or so for his time will be in order; maybe more if kissing or other intimacies occurred.

In go-go bars, dancers, generally clad only in briefs, display themselves on a stage. They usually have a number pinned on their shorts and you can call over a dancer to sit with you; or you can tell the mamasan or a waiter which number you’d like to join you. The system is the same as in the aforementioned beer bars. If you want to take the boy off, you can pay the bar fine and he’ll gladly join you. That’s why he’s there. By the way, the waiters, doormen, mamas an, and DJ are also, generally, available to be taken off. The bar fine for staff, other than go-go boys, might be a bit higher. Many go-go bars have shows. If you haven’t experienced them before, your eyes will pop out. Let’s just say that not much is left to the imagination. Most of the bars on Soi Duangthawee (aka Soi Twilight), in Bangkok, such as The Boys, Dream Boys, Future Boys, and X Boys offer quite vulgar shows starting at around ten o’clock or so. The bars in Pattaya and Phuket offer slightly milder shows, with some exceptions. A few of Chiang Mai’s venues offer very bawdy performances, as well.

If you’re into really sleazy places, you’ll have no problem finding them here. There are several bars where, let’s just say, the boy will take care of you right at your seat—not for the bashful, though. If you’ve ever heard of a “blowjob” cocktail, they mean that literally in these places. In Pattaya, try Happy Bar on Soi Yensabai, or Rock Hard in Jomtien Complex. In Bangkok, some old standbys include the Golden Cock, and Nature Boys, in the vicinity of the Tarntawan. Again, don’t forget to tip the boy. If he makes you happy, be generous; and yes, a happy ending is definitely a possibility.

What “type” of lad do you like? They’re all here. Some readers may be attracted to the more petite, slightly femme, young man, while others prefer muscular, butch, “real” men. For the latter, check out Tawan Bar in Bangkok and Crystal Boys in Pattaya. I have a friend who prefers “straight boys”—guys who have wives or girlfriends. Many venues offer a variety of different types of boys. So whether you are attracted to ladyboys, “gay boys,” or muscle boys, you’ll probably find one you like. If not, just move on to another bar. Sooner or later, you’ll surely spot one that “knocks your socks off,” whom you can invite for a drink and, possibly, a smooch. By the way, you’ll find that many of the boys who sit with you in a bar can be quite forward. Their hands will be on all your body parts in short order and, as the guys are usually just wearing briefs, you get a pretty good preview of the whole package.

Inevitably, you’re likely to experience the best sex of your life and, who knows…you might just fall in love. It happens.