Essentials to Remember

WARNINGS:
Drugs: Thailand, like all its neighboring countries, has very strict, anti-drug legislation; don’t even think about bringing drugs. Also, poppers are illegal.
Underage sex: Having sex with anyone under 18, especially if accompanied by any kind of compensation whether money, food, or a gift which puts the act into the category of prostitution, carries very serious penalties. You can be jailed in Thailand and/or deported for further punishment in your home country.
CAUTIONS:
Food – The Thai cuisine is world renowned and there are wonderful restaurants all over the country that offer delicious food that won’t upset your western stomach. Street food does not necessarily fall into the same category. Remember that Thais have grown up with food that is much hotter and often less hygienically-prepared than you are used to, so choose dishes that are well-cooked in front of you.
Getting Around – Tuk-tuks are romantic but hard to see out of, are noisy, and some take routes that are longer than necessary. Please note that while temples are open everyday and don’t close, a tuk-tuk driver may tell you they are closed and try to take you somewhere else. They often do the same thing if you are carrying your luggage and ask to go to a specific hotel…they get commissions to take you somewhere else.
So we recommend you take a taxi-meter. Be sure the driver turns on the meter, and don’t take a parked taxi if you can get one that is moving. Unfortunately, taxi drivers increasingly refuse to go where you ask. Just try the next one. Beggars – Please ignore them. The “mother” may very well have rented “her” baby as a money-making prop. Don’t forget the “blind” man who begged in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC for 40 years…he had $400,000 in his bank account when he died.
Crime – Bangkok is one of the largest cities in the world and is not without crime. Just like at home, be careful where you go at night, don’t wear expensive watches, gold, or jewelry and don’t carry anything in your back pocket; there are pickpockets.
MEN’S HEALTH:
HIV Risks and Prevention:
Nearly 31 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand are HIV-positive. Always practice the following safer sex techniques:
• During anal sex always use a condom. Condoms are safe and rarely fail, fall off,  or tear; when they do it is usually due to bad technique.
• Use plenty of lubricant on the condom and anus.
• Do not bareback and withdraw before ejaculation as the pre-cum of a person living with HIV/AIDS contains the virus also.
• There is a very small risk from oral sex, but ensure your teeth, gums, and mouth  are healthy, or use a (flavored) condom for oral sex.
• Avoid alcohol and drug use; both tend to loosen sexual inhibitions.
• Silom Community Clinic, serving men who have sex with men, offers the following services: HIV and syphilis rapid testing; HAV and HBV testing, HBV vaccine, syndromic evaluation for other sexually transmitted infections and CD4 count, TB evaluation and early HIV care and referral for antiretroviral and antimicrobacterial treatment for those who are HIV positive. All services are free of charge. Open Tuesday to Saturday 16.00 – 22.00, Bangkok Christian Hospital, 3rd floor, Silom Road.
Bringing personal prescription medicines into Thailand When bringing your own prescription medications, keep them in your carry-on bag and make sure that they are in their original packets that include the pharmacy/hospital label. It is wise to include a note or letter from you doctor that should be on his office or the hospital’s notepaper or letterhead, listing your daily requirements.
• Bring an extra supply with you just in case there is some unforeseen event that will delay your return home.
• Make a complete list of your medications with the internationally approved name and not the company trade name.
• Declare liquid medications like insulin, and show a medical certificate at the airport security check, or pack in your check-in luggage.

BARS, CLUBS, AND MASSAGE PARLORS:
Thailand is noted for its sex trade. Tourist areas in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket have an assortment of “beer bars” and go-go bars where guys are waiting to meet you. Many of these guys can earn more money than many senior business managers, and certainly hundreds of times what they can earn at home on the farm. Significantly, many of they are not gay, but most are more than willing.
• If one of them strikes your fancy, you are welcome to invite him to sit with you  and buy him a drink. If you are on a budget, ask the price of drinks before you
enter; expect to pay about 200 baht a drink even for a coke.
• If you’d like to be more intimate with your new friend, he will be available to “take  off” the premises (that’s called “offing”).
• You will be charged a “bar fine” of a few hundred baht for the privilege.
• To avoid possible disappointment in bed, 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.
• One other point, while an 18-year-old go-go employee can be “offed,” he must be 20 to go into another club or bar.
• Make sure your friend is over 18 and has an ID card. Some hotels, such as
Bangkok’s gay-friendly Tarntawan Place, will hold your guest’s ID until he leaves.
•The guy 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 a “short
time” and, at least, 1500 baht for a “long time” (all night) is usually appreciated.
•Once in your room, do not leave valuables or passports un-attended. If you shower
do it together so he isn’t left alone.
•Be careful—Thai guys can be very charming and make you fall in love easily. Many
of them meet visiting foreigners who send them a monthly allowance after they
have returned home from their Thai holiday. Some of the guys have several such
“contributing boy friends” each of whom has no idea that he is only one of several.
•Our advice is that you understand the commercial necessities of Thailand and leave
it at that. Don’ t continue communication, and don’t send money for anything in
cluding sick mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, or buffalos!
•Outside of the regular beer bars and go-go establishments, guys don’t speak much
English but while many speak some, they sometimes don’t tell their dates that
they’re expecting money until it is too late. So, to avoid turning an exciting date into
a disappointing commercial transaction, ask if he’s expecting “taxi money” or much
more.
•If you don’t like to pay, try to steer clear of guys who seem too eager to get to know
you, and avoid flashing money around or acting rich.
•Remember, nearly 31 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand
are HIV-positive.
Massage Parlors usually offer more than just a massage.
•Massage usually involves oil, and since many of the masseurs aren’t professionally
trained, they tend to over oil and then expect condoms to provide a reliable barrier…
they won’t.
•Oil and oil-based lubricants such as hand creams, baby oil, and Vaseline can damage
latex and cause latex condoms to tear more easily.
•Use only water-based lube such as KY Jelly, Astroglide, or Wet.
•Remember, nearly 31 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand
are HIV-positive.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Planning your trip; want to meet someone in Thailand? Favorite websites:
•It is easy to meet guys on www.gaydar.co.uk but understand that the majority using
this site are only looking for sex. The fee for full functionality is $89.95 per year.
•The next best is www.gayromeo.com. This site is based in Amsterdam but has a very
busy Thai section. While most of the functions are free, you can have unlimited
messaging for $89.95 per year.
•Singapore is home to www.fridae.com. Sign up for “Perks” at $49.90 per year for
full functionality.
•www.dragoncastle.net is a popular site for Thailand and gay Asia.
•Lots of guys think www.manjam.com is a great way to meet guys.
•www.ratefun.net/amisexy.php is fun.
SPICE! Magazine and Website Principles
SPICE! is dedicated to being The Essential Guide to Thailand for Men. As such, it must operate under, and be seen to have, the highest legal, moral, ethical, and editorial standards. Some of our principles include the following:
•SPICE! will continue to list only those venues that it believes are complying with both
the letter and the intent of local and international law.
•SPICE! reserves the right to edit or modify any images or text submitted for advertising
or editorial purposes, and to exercise its editorial controls to ensure the contents of each
issue meet high, internationally-acceptable standards.
•SPICE! reserves the right to refuse to accept advertising from any business at our
sole discretion.
A Final Warning: Thai culture embraces all people, but you better understand what is polite and what is not. In any event, regardless of your sexuality or your interests, you can’t go wrong being kind, friendly, courteous, respectful, and by obeying the laws; for example, Don’t even THINK about having sex with someone under 18!