I disagree to some extent with the two earlier posts on this subject:

1. Boys are paid 25 Baht per hr
2. 30/50Baht turn up fee plus meal

Point 1 is totally incorrect.

Point 2 is true in some bars, mostly in Pattaya, but not in Bkk. Where it is paid it's normally on a monthly basis, say 1.500Baht per month, to try to ensure the boys turn up for work every night. If they dont turn up an amount is deducted and if they get an off with a client then a certain amount is deducted. In reality most bars end up paying out very little at the end of the month.

In addition many bars, both Pattaya and Bkk impose a 'late for work' fine, often 1 Baht per minute, which usually must be paid before they can start work on that night.

It's true that many, but not all, bars provide a meal, and again this is more prevalent in Pattaya. But fall out with the mamasan and ...

For total absence, many bars in Bkk used to have a very strict policy on this:

- One night absent, next evening the boy must pay the off fee for the previous night, and must be paid before he can resume work.
- Two straight nights absent, the boy must pay off fee for two nights plus fine of 200Baht, and must be paid before he can resume work.
- Three straight nights absent, and boy cannot return at all, ever.

The bar where this was applied very seriously was the old Barbiery in Suriwongse Rd. now defunct. This bar also had a policy if boy doesn't get say 4 offs in one calendar month they he had to leave.

Somehow I doubt that these points are still practiced.

Another associated point. It used to be fairly common for bar owners who either 1). lusted after one of the boys, or 2). had a young man who was offed every night, therefore a cash cow, to come up with the deposit money on a motorcycle (to be re-paid to the bar owner in installments), to try to ensure the boy didn't give up work or move to another bar.
Not sure whether still happens but not surprised if it does.

I'm aware of one Thai bar owner (who died perhaps 5 years) who did this regularly but always by making all the arrangements in advance. The boy turns up for work etc., and bar owner says 'I have nice surprise for you', sign here! Boy is trapped. Same barowner expected the working boys to drop their pants in front of whoever was present so bar owner could sucks their cocks. Most boys of course putting up with it to protect their employment.

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