Sometimes they close forever -- maybe if the operators don't think it is worth all the money and hassle. Remember Obelisks? which closed forever. It was the very greatest gay venue I've ever experienced -- so so many wonderful times -- was heaven in terms of the physical space and the clients.

Just tried calling.

No answer.

Bad sign.

Just called HERO, Tuesday 3 Apr 17:30. Their number is 0 2251 1033. .

They are open and all back to normal.

Good news, thanks!

Who is next?
 

This afternoon I went to Banana for a massage...or at least i tried to.

When I entered I was told they were closed. Another man immediately came to the entrance and ushered me out the door very quickly saying, " Sorry closed, please, police."

I may have misheard the word police but there was obviously some men talking quite loudly inside past the reception counter.

There was no sign of police or their vehicles outside but then there isnt anywhere to park in the immediate proximity.

Probably a new sheriff in town who wants all the vice dens in the district to know he means business (and who to address the checks to). I wouldn't worry too much about it; it's a part of being in an illegal business.

Experienced this kind of loud talking at the reception once in Urbanmale while actually having a massage. And that time, my door actually opened and closed very quickly, even though the masseuse insisted that he had locked it.

Hero Update
 

Any updates on Hero? Can it be confirmed as business as usual?

Yup. No news is good news.

It was open yesterday and busy as usual. But Ambassador massage at the Gym closed by police as it apparently did not have a licence - so now the boys take you downstairs to the Spa for the massage which does have a licence. No doubt more fund raising.

Was at Hero on Sunday the 22nd. Went early about 3:30 and was surprised to find so many guys working. I have never seen so many guys. Great selection. Made a great choice and had a great time. Nothing seems to have changed.

They are open now?

It's not clear enough from the dozens of posts above?

Still business as usual at Hero. Less staff then usual when I was there last week, but the staff on hand were up to the typical Hero standard.

Never have a problem finding someone to my liking and that was the case again. Had a good massage.

As I never stay in the Sukhumvit area it's always a pain getting to Hero. The BTS is always packed at rush hour and the transfer at the Siam Station is terrible at rush hour, and of course that's the time I usually go.

I had an equally good time at Arena Massage. Arena had a large selection, which is not always the case. Price at Arena is more favorable than Hero. Hero 1 hr: 600 THB plus 1000 THB minimum tip; Arena 1 hr: 450 THB plus 500 THB minimum type.

Just wondering if the posted minimum tips affect what you guys give the masseur?

I guess if it were a terrible experience I might tip the minimum; otherwise, though, I mostly tip the same whether the minimum is 500 or 1,000.