The Million-baht Boy
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This is a work of fiction.
The fiftyish, banking executive from London was excited beyond description at the prospect of coming to the Orient. Niles had saved up vacation and sick time and took an extended six month leave of absence from his job. He found a gay friendly hotel in Bangkok on the Internet. The website promised a secluded location, nice accommodations
and “room boys to meet your every need.” Unfortunately, the boys at the guesthouse, although eager to act as escort and bedmate, were not to Nile’s liking, primarily because they seemed to be on the young side. However, he soon discovered the nearby Babylon Sauna. He had so much fun there on his first visit that it became addictive. He returned several times. One night, he had an encounter with a tall, muscular, smooth-skinned, young man from Chonburi Province. The boy, nicknamed Net, was strong, assertive, a great kisser, and quite well hung: a great asset for Niles, who is a size queen. After terrific sex, an exhausted Niles asked Net to join him for a drink. Net had a personality
to match his physical attributes; and as an added bonus, spoke reasonably good English. It turned out that he worked as a masseur at the sauna and was taking a “busman’s holiday” on his free day. Although
the physical attraction and great sex had been the deal maker for Niles, the two seemed to hit it off in a nonsexual situation, as well.
They continued to see each other, almost daily, as Net’s schedule would allow continuing to have, at least for Niles, mind-blowing sex. Eventually, Niles rented a one bedroom unit in one of Bangkok’s condominium projects and Net moved in with him. Things went well. However, the idea that Net’s occupation necessitated him to have physical contact with other men (although Net assured him it was strictly legitimate and there were no “happy endings” involved), started to gnaw at Niles. He finally suggested that Net quit his job. In return, Niles would offer some financial support until Net could find more suitable work. As a bonus, they would now be able to spend a lot more time together. Weeks stretched into months. They went on a jungle trek in Chiang Mai and visited Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist destinations. Then, Net suggested that they visit his family in Chonburi. Niles felt honored that Net wanted him to meet his family. As Net’s family lived in a modest house without amenities such as air conditioning or hot water, they would stay in a nearby hotel. Of course, he eventually came to understand that this honor entailed certain obligations, such as throwing a big party for the extended family and offering a tribute, in the form of cash, to Net’s parents. Additionally, he was asked and agreed to pay Net’s little sister’s school tuition and to buy a motorcycle for his older brother, who wanted to work as a motorcycle taxi driver. Observing village life, first hand, was an eye opening experience, but also a lot more costly than Niles had anticipated. However, he did get to see a side of Thai life that he otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.
Time passed and Niles and Net were fairly happy together. However, Net never seemed to be able to find acceptable
work and didn’t seem inclined to attend school or, in some other way,
hone his skills. Every now and then, he’d tell Niles that he needed to
talk to him about something, which Niles came to recognize as a
precursor for a monetary request. Once his mother was sick and needed
to pay medical bills. Another time, an aunt needed help in starting a
small business. Then, of course, there were the recurring bills for his
sister’s education, and repairs
SPICE! www.spicemag.net December 200�� 20082001 4
by Blake Allen
on his brother’s motorcycle. Net, himself, enjoyed wearing gold and
possessing the newest mobile phones and iPods as well as frequent trips
to DJ Station and other discos. Although Niles would sometimes balk at
first, he usually acquiesced. It seemed a small price to pay for living
out his Asian fantasy. One night, shortly before
he needed to return to London, Niles took stock and realized that his largesse had totaled over one million baht. He realized
that if things continued in this way, he’d be broke in no time. On
balance, he loved Thailand and his life with Net, and was attempting to
get himself transferred to his bank’s Thailand operation. He sat down
with Net and said things have to change. He explained that he would be
going back home to sort things out and hoped to return soon. He would
continue
to pay the rent on the condo and give Net a small stipend for food and
other necessities. When he returned, Net would need to find a job.
Niles would continue to pay for living expenses, but the requests for
money, including family emergencies would have to end. When Niles was
so inclined, he would provide gifts to his lover. If money was the main
basis for this relationship, then he should find other accommodations.
Net took all of this in, quietly, but didn’t say much in response.
When Niles returned, several weeks later, an affectionate Net greeted
him warmly. Net wanted to enroll in the university and take business
courses. Niles happily agreed to this. The idea of his boyfriend
bettering himself was quite appealing. Two years on, they’re still
together and Net is employed by a travel agency. Gifts and help for
family members are still, occasionally, forthcoming. However, Net,
recently, told his parents that a new house for them was definitely not
in the cards. He didn’t even burden Niles with this request. Niles
hasn’t been back to The Babylon in over a year.
The author wrote, “This is a work of fiction.”
(You bet; because this typical tale, told so often by one farang after
another, usually ends with the boy pocketing the one million and moving
on to find another mark…and there are plenty. My best friend is at ten
million and counting!) Uncle Ted