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The answer is yes, but the key is how much the asking price is for the dowry. If it is an outrageous fee (say 5-10 million baht), you know they are seeing you as the "farang" meal ticket. If they ask a regular price that most Thai grooms would pay - say in the hundreds of thousand baht range, then you're being accepted as a regular groom.

Another contest I was able to see last year. Miss AC/DC is a big pageant, but a whole different vibe than Miss Tiffany Universe. Entrants include lbs, gay queens, drag queens, etc. The contestants all choose a country they want to represent, and then create costumes and talent numbers to go along with their selected country. Unfortunately I cannot comment too much as I don't know the contestants, but the photos pretty much speak for themselves. So here we go!

It really depends on the family, but generally she is right. However, if they are able to financially support the family, then things change. This is part of the pressures lbs face and why a number get into p4p. My ex-gf had pressure not only to support her immediate family but also her extended family, some uncles, aunts and cousins. It got too much for her and she moved out of LOS and cut them off except her immediate family. She changed to giving them a fixed monthly supplement that would not increase.

The after show photo session. Calypso is much less pushy than the other cabarets. Management monitors things closely and if any performer is pushy, they will get disciplined. Of course with someone like Leo (2nd last photo) who could resist? Tik (3rd last photo on the right) has been with the show for over 16 years, when she first started she was performing part time and going to university. Now she's one of the main stars, and is an incredible dancer.

The end of the show - of course they only do the Christmas theme finale in December.

LR, - well, actually she's not so grumpy if you treat her nicely, However, if she's in a bad mood and you're not on her good side, watch out! For all those reading this thread - unfortunately Grand Business Inn is not listed on Agoda - so you won't see it on the LBR master list for Bangkok. Keep it in mind though - this is still a good choice for the Nana/Sukhumvit area.

Excellent contributions to the forum Macdick - a skilled photographer with great models - can't go wrong with that! A good way to get started here, and welcome aboard!

The name is probably King's Castle 3 (KC3), which is a preop lb bar on Patpong. It really isn't pressure to buy everyone who lines up around you a ladydrink. If you understand the drill, choose one who you think you're interested in and the rest will disperse quickly, until the next new customer walks in the door. You won't get an ashtray tossed at you for not buying a drink for the ones that you turned down.

Woofer1 - thanks! They do work hard, with 2 practices a day and maybe even 3 if they are introducing some new numbers. Getting close to the end of the show!

This has been going on for a long time - even before 9/11, but increased on a massive scale afterwards. This is similar to the installation of cc TV cameras all over London, England and in other parts of the world. In reality they don't listen to every individual conversation - they have program that looks for certain key words - ie: plan, raid, explosives, fertilizer, etc. If those words show up then it will trip a flag for further monitoring. If you don't involve these key words in your conversation, nothing will happen. To avoid problems it's best not even to joke about such matters on the phone.

LR, good stuff, thanks for posting! There are many hotels in the Sukhumvit area that are good value and many of the older ones are renovating/refurbishing to stay competitive. Good to see you've tried Grand Business Inn! They are in the processing of upgrading the TVs to flat screens. Something else I've discovered. If you're a frequent repeat guest, they will allow you to borrow a wifi router for your room (of course with a refundable deposit) so you don't have to be tied to the high speed network port.

The other obvious possibility is the profile is fake. There are no trees and grass like that in the UAE.

Must be all Pattaya hands on this forum! Here's my favorite BKK hotel: Grand Business Inn Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 11, right beside 7/11 Superior room 1,600.00 THB. Premier room 1,600.00 THB. Premier Suite 2,500.00 THB. Executive room 2,000.00 THB. Grand Suite 3,000.00 THB. Guest friendly, very helpful, friendly staff, nice 24 hr restaurant. Excellent travel agency associated with hotel. Free high speed internet ports (can pay refundable 100 Baht deposit for network cable in case you don't have one) in rooms, and free internet access and wifi for hotel and restaurant guests in lobby. Safe deposit box in lobby, kettle in rooms. Cable TV, UBC, flat screen TVs, DVD players. No pool, about 12 min walk away from Nana Plaza. Right by Nana BTS station. Guest friendly, no joiner fee. I have never had a problem with bringing an lb either for short time or long time (although I prefer postops!). Visitor must leave ID card at front desk. Recommend to book in advance, a popular hotel http://www.grandbusinessinn.net/index.htm

pacman, actually it isn't commonly included in most Thai restaurants, unless they also mainly specialize in Chinese dishes. I buy the youtiao's from a sidewalk vendor just around the corner from the hotel. 10 Baht for a bag of about 10 pieces, can't beat that! The fried dough description on the Yum Cha place sounds right (the direct translation means oil fried stick) - give it a try the next time you order congee.

Have to agree with pacman here, except he's missing a key addition - the youtiao (Chinese donut). Pacman, you have to give it a try! It's kind of like rice porridge or gruel, depending on what consistency they prepare it, but really delicious when done right. My favorite BKK hotel serves this as one of the complimentary breakfast choices.

And now the Red Shirts will be using the same masks, except they will be Red to show their support for the current government.

Since I prefer postops, my answer is a foregone conclusion. However, I think that with some lipstick and a touch more makeup, a few here were answer in the affirmative.

Discovered some videos on Youtube promoting a Vietnamese ladyboy cabaret show. Unfortunately, not clear where it is located. The webpage seems to be down as well and the newest videos are year old - so it may not be in business anymore. Regardless here are a few videos to give you a taste of what KenW writes about.

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Lone Ranger - thanks for the tip - that's great if you have an lb to bring to see the show! More photos

Glad you enjoyed it SiamSam. Thailand does not have much in the way of social services - there is no universal pension for senior citizens, they do get low cost health care (but often of dubious quality from the gov't hospitals), and free education up to grade 12. People who do get pensions are generally gov't employees (a small pension, unless they're high up), and those lucky enough to working for private companies that offer it as a benefit. Most Thais rely on their children for support as they move into old age. This is also one of the main reasons why lbs face such insecurity when they are old - who will look after them since they cannot have children?

The common view of lbs on lb forums is pretty jaded probably because the usual interaction we have with them is via the p4p scene. Here's a documentary that shows a bit more than that, and although it's a few years old, it's a revealing look into the lives of cabaret lbs.

There is another difference that a few have not yet mentioned. Filipina lbs are usually desperate for a ticket out of the Philippines. So they will probably be more focused on looking for a boyfriend to take them "away". Thai lbs usually want to stay in Thailand, and while they will be happy to have a sponsor, they aren't looking to move away and live with you in your home country.