Thailand, a great destination for gays
Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, good food, Buddhism and certainly the friendly people. Another important aspect that quickly stands out is the tolerance. Free sex, large age differences between partners, ladyboys, bargirls and homosexuals, they don't make a fuss about that in Thailand.
This also makes Thailand an excellent destination for homosexuals. Lesbians and gays are welcomed with open arms and left alone by everyone. Violence against these people is virtually unthinkable in Thailand.
More gays in Thailand?
Due to the many ladyboys (kathoey) in the tourist centers and the open flirtation of Thai boys with farang, it seems that homosexuality is more common in Thailand than elsewhere. This is not the case. It's just a little more pronounced.
The tolerant attitude manifests itself mainly in the lower and middle classes.
Gay scene well represented
Thailand's thriving sex industry isn't exclusively aimed at straight people; the gay scene is also well represented. Massage parlors, saunas, karaoke bars, restaurants, GoGo bars and discotheques for gay men. You don't even have to look for it for a long time.
In Pattaya there is a Soi called “Boyz town”. This is a number of streets with bars, restaurants and discotheques aimed at homosexuals. This mainly concerns commercial sex for men. Patpong (Bangkok) also has a number of gay nightlife options, such as Kings Corner. Other famous nightspots in Bangkok are @Richard's, Guys On Display, Tawan Club, Fake Club, Dj Station, GOD, The Balcony and Telephone.
In the big cities of Thailand and especially in Bangkok, more and more discos, bars and cafes for Thai gays are opening up, but without commercial intentions. Check with the locals for the addresses.
Caressing in public: better not
Everyone should know for themselves what adults do in the private sphere. But showing your affection in public, Thais don't really like that. This is slowly starting to change, partly due to Western influences. More and more young lovers walk hand and hand, especially in Bangkok. Something that was unthinkable a few years ago. Public kissing or other physical acts are still considered indecent. This is not an anti-gay prejudice, people also prefer not to see straight people kissing in public.
Sometimes you see Thai men walking arm in arm. This is only amicable and there is no question of a sexual relationship.
Despite the tolerance of homosexuals in Thailand, it is wise not to caress each other in public. On the other hand, Thailand also offers a vibrant nightlife for gays and all the other benefits of this special country.
My boyfriend and I have been going to Thailand with friends, also a gay couple, for years. I experience the feeling of freedom and being yourself nowhere else as intensely as in Thailand.
It goes without saying that I think it is important to behave as a guest in Thailand, with respect for all Thais and their habits and customs. That is answered with respect as well. Of course there are Thais who see you as a running ATM and want to earn money from you, but we also know many Thais who are helpful and have never earned a Bath from us. I have never felt discriminated against as gay in Thailand. Flirting even for fun with an obvious straight Thai is spontaneously reciprocated and often seen as a compliment rather than a 'threat'. In the Netherlands you are not even allowed to look at certain people or they are already acting aggressively.
Thailand, a must for anyone who respectfully experiences a great destination.
Do not forget Jomtien Complex in Jomtien (near Hanuman and Pattaya city. And Sunee Plaze near Tukcom. while you are in the center of Pattaya. And then of course GAY beach in Jomtien. Enjoy sunbathing and bathing without screaming children. Look up one http://www.Pattayagayguide.com
Also in Bangkok there are more sois than the ones mentioned here, silom, suriwon, and others
Phuket: Patong Beach and nearby an eros center.
Unfortunately, this site has been discontinued.
Indeed: Thailand does not discriminate: not to ladyboys (katoys), gays or lesbians. You feel free and safe here… in our culture, sexuality is something secret, still fraught, thanks to Calvinism!
Here it is free, easy and accessible.
I live with my boyfriend outside of Pattaya, in Jomtien. And Jomtien Complex is a livelier gay area than Boyz Town. Sunny Plaza is completely dead and Boyz Town is on its way out!
Many Dutch Gays and all other nationalities live in Jomtien. For holidays, wintering or permanent.
I've been coming to Thailand for 40 years, living here for 10 years, and with the same boyfriend for 10 years. Married 4 years ago, and always together. A wonderful life.
Once or twice a week we go to the gay beach, Dong Tan Beach in Jomtien. Totally great!
No sex (that is, if you don't want to) just "Us!"
Thailand is a must for gays, including Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya!
Thailand is definitely not a tolerant country. But it is accepted.
But if Thailand is seen as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, there is a wider acceptance there
than the rest of the country.
If a father notices that his son is not a "real" boy, punishment is often used to change this. Military service and a number of jobs are excluded for gays and lady boys.
During a bike ride I was given a gay boy as a guide in the LaPang area. Along the way I did not notice a Thai smile or a “wai”. More the feeling, there you have another Farang, who goes out with such a boy if necessary. It was accepted and I was not molested! Thanks Buddha!
Absolutely not true! I know dozens of gays and katoys from small villages in Isan because my own partner is from there. Hasn't been a problem for anyone. Not with us either!
Dear Mr. Lagemaat, your observations are incorrect. Military service is not an obstacle for gays. No, they too are called up and must serve when medically fit. My first Thai friend (deceased in 1999) was given a special function when he was considered a bit too soft (female, but not a ladyboy) for regular training. My current Thai husband has also just and openly gay done his military service in the Thai Navy. Also, both have never had acceptance problems with their family. My first boyfriend was from Rayong and my current husband from De Isaan. Regards, Paul Schiphol
That's completely right Paul, my Thai partner (male) has also just completed his military service and has never felt discriminated against or had negative experiences. Not in his native region Isan, not by his family, friends or colleagues!
What sometimes plays a role is the jealousy that many Thais have, and therefore also the jealousy of our happy and reasonable luxurious life. And they don't hide that.
However, that has nothing to do with gay discrimination, but everything to do with pure jealousy!
I read above that ladyboys are not discriminated against, but this is unfortunately incorrect.
After enough at all major discos in Pattaya walking street they are not allowed to enter.
There is a disco where they are allowed to enter, but then 100 baht must be paid first, where other visitors have free entrance. Ladyboys also avoid certain places, a walk with my beloved along the beach beach road Pattaya is unfortunately no longer an option. Afraid of being caught.
There is no mention of that Kings Corner in the well-known gay listings.
The fact that the number of occasions is “increasing” has also been history for several years. There too, as in most European countries, it is declining and many still existing businesses are struggling to survive. The typical Thai phenomenon also plays a role in this, that everything that smells like making money is imitated in no time by many, so that the flush is too thin for all. This is often explained by the great advance of online dating sites.
AND; GOD simply means Guys on Display. So that's double. It is not so much the 2 patpong streets, but other sois from Silom and Suriwong.
For more up-to-date info: travelgayasia.com.
And oh yes: for the possibly unknown and now curious future visitor: almost everything that is mentioned is "gayforpay".