Thanks to everyone for the great reports "on the ground" of the situation in Bangkok. It made for some riveting reading.

What's the latest on the scene in soi Twilight and the rest? Has anyone been to the cinema in Saphan Kwai recently? I've had some very memorable times there that I hope to repeat.

Does anyone know what the Dusit Thani's joiner policy is? They've got some killer rates at the moment and am considering upgrading...

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Dusit Thani charges a joiner fee for anyone staying past 10 p.m. I think it's about USD 35.

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I'm going to BKK soon and sent some detailed e-mails to Dusit Thani with questions, because it appeared they had a first-day-full-rate and 50% for following days. I don't like how they respond: they give general, somewhat non-responsive, replies. I think (but still am not sure) that the 50% discount only applies to one day if you pay the quoted rate for the first day (and only for a two-day package). I noticed they add on tax and another fee. And breakfast is only included in some of the quoted room deals. And I was wondering about the joiner fee (thanks for answering that). I decided to just simplify everything and book with Jimmy at Pinnacle Hotel--great rates, breakfast is included for two, and no joiner fee. The only thing I didn't like 6 months ago was Pinnacle was using all-polyester bedding (including sheets and pillow covers) and it was very sweaty. This time, I'm bringing my own cotton bedding (I made sure not to have white--I don't want the maids to mistake it for the hotel's). You can write to Jimmy who books for Pinnacle: jimmyfirst@hotmail.com

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I decided against Dusit Thani also. But if anyone's interested I found a really good rate on AsiaRooms.com. It appears to be 65% off the rack rate. AsiaRooms also has a good rate for the Tarntawan--1500 per night.

And thanks stillthrobbing for the joiner info at Dusit Thani. That's a bit exhorbatant!

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Well, it's the Dusit Thani. The room rates are cut, but not the charges for other things. :-)

I recently stayed and found that the current special is 1 night full rate, 50% off the second night, third night full rate, 50% off the fourth night, etc. I got this confirmed in advance simply by asking.

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There are several consolidators showing Bht2300, or less, in a superior twin at the Dusit Thani in July. (Taxes included)

hotelscombined

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I stayed there just before the troubles. Got a great rate but on check in they pressured me to upgrade to a better room. Avoid joiners fee by booking a double room for 2 persons and signing in your guest on check in or before 10 pm. The location is great and the rooms very comfortable.

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Sounds like a good solution. The rooms are exceedingly comfortable--rather luxurious, in fact.

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-- Today, (04th.), walking-OUT of SILOM COMPLEX SHOPPING PLAZA and across the SkyBridge I saw three armed soldiers standing on duty on the walk-way;

-- An elderly farang info'd. me that he u'stood. from reading > Thaivisa.com - Home < that this is the result of bombings and/or grenade-throwings last night, and that all BTS./MRT. stns. & gov't. bldgs. have similar protection?
- E&OE. as 2nd. para. is reported speech.

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I just read that there is a new tougher top General who will be replacing the one who will be retiring soon. The new General supposedly will immediately stamp out any new protests--and pro-Thaksin supporters won't be able to get away with anything anymore.

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-- Today, (06th.), I left SILOM COMPLEX SHOPPING PLAZA at approx. 11.55.hrs. and walked-across the SkyBridge to the other side of Si Lom rd.;
- On the SkyBridge were three & youngish-looking soldiers - no grizzled veterans - none of whom was carrying a rifle or similar; instead all were holding what I'd describe as riot-control shot-guns;
- None was looking apprehensive or as though he was expecting trouble.

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So what exactly were YOU doing as you approached to put them off their guard!

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-- Ah ha - that's between them and me!

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-- Today, (12th.), tee rak & I walked along the SkyBridge from BTS. SIAM towards BTS. CHIT LOM, (E1.),;
- En route we looked through the safety curtains around the ZEN end of CENTRALWORLD, erected by the repair company, and saw the workers clearing-away still the section that collapsed as a result of the fire;
- We gained the R'PRASONG. I'SECT. at approx. 17.05.hrs. and saw a guestimated crowd of maybe as many as 200 people wearing red shirts and/or red caps, in attendance were the usual fellow-travellers, media pers., synpathisers, useful idiots and so on - maybe another 100 of them? Plus, of course, some of BKK's Finest. The protesters were marshalled at the LV. corner of GAYSORN. Rd.-tfc. & pedestrians were proceeding on their lawful businesses unimpeded.

-- Tee rak & I saw another gp. by LUMPINI PK's. KING RAMA VI. STATUE at around 18.30.hrs.. Again possibly as many as a couple of hundred. After a while a procession, carrying Thai tricolored flags, banners & posters formed and moved-off towards the MRT. Silom ent'ce./exit, several members of the media with shoulder-mounted cameras nearly fell-over backwards as the crowd advanced. Tee-rak, who hails from TRANG and who loathes the red shirts, and I walked amongst them; he started to become a bit agitated, but I told him not to worry - we would be quite safe as I was wearing red, too - my briefs: ;-)
- Left-on the paving stones in front of the King's Statue was a poster with a couple of quotations from former US. Pres. JFK. and, to its LEFT, another larger drawing.
- A small gp. was carrying posters advising onlookers that there would be another popular manifestation on 19 sep..

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Arrived from America on Thursday and went to Soi Twilight Friday night. Arrived for Show with a friend at 945pm at Boys Bangkok. Only because my friend is well known did we get a good seat. BY 10.15 at the start of the show the door was closed and no one else allowed in. They later told my friend on a smoking break that they had turned away over 100 people.

Before the Show about 50 boys maybe more rotated around the stage. There was something for everyone including Slim boyish types which has been missing at other visits. Official capacity is 240 people. Drinks are 300 for first drink and 260 after. Boy drinks are 260. I know ridiculous but you can't argue with success and at least this night he was making a fortune.

The crowd was 95% Asian and they love the Show. It was ok for me but I don't like shows period so to be fair there are great costumes and thought in the routines. There was a Fuck show with 6 boys. There were a lot of offs during the show. When the show ends they have a dancing show starting downstairs (Dreamboys) and within 10 minutes that was standing room only. This is the best part IMHO. 16 Coyote Dancers sweating like crazy doing their routines. When they finish the rotation starts again. Many offs also during this period.

So it would appear business is coming back in full force to Bangkok.
firecat69

Posts: 42
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2010 7:29 am

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