Police raid Hero
 

Gay spa raided in Bangkok
Published: 21/03/2012 at 01:27 PM Online news: Local News 0
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Police last night raided a gay spa in Bangkok and arrested its owner and manager for allegedly operating an illegal adult entertainment business and supplying prostitutes.

Police said on Wednesday three undercover agents were sent to "Hero" spa on Sukhumvit Road in Wattana district. The first agent paid 600 baht to buy a one-hour massage service while the other two waited in the lounge.

The first agent went into a room with a male masseur, who talked the agent into having sex with him. After they agreed on a 1,000-baht fee the agent signalled a team of officers to make the arrest immediately.

Spa owner Dechmaitree Pornsuksirikul, 51, and manager Jaturong Palakawongse na Ayudhya, 34, were arrested.

Police also seized used condoms that were being sold at the spa.

Dechmaitree told investigators that he had opened the spa 10 years ago. The massage business turned into a gay spa because his staff did not earn enough money, he said.

The owner said he told the masseurs not to have sexual intercourse with their clients, but said he believed Thai society should accept prostitution as a legitimate business.

During the raid, police found a number of clients and about 30 masseurs in many rooms. They took drug tests and one of them tested positive.

One of the masseurs was also an illegal immigrant, police said.

They were selling used condoms???

someone did not get his tea money in time

Yup........

Hears hoping its back in business for my June trip. Its my favourite spot in Bangkok.

On quiet reflection I recall being in Bangkok some years ago when Babylon was raided. Urine samples from all present etc. It was widely publicised including the Bangkok Post including photos. Should I add that mercifully I was not there at time. Stating the obvious the Babylon is still going strong.

Aren't those rather hi-so names?

Not necessarily.

Raids usually happen when the authorities are not satisfied with their corruption money received from the operators.

I understood that use of 'na' in a Thai name - as in Jaturong Palakawongse na Ayudhya - usually indicates a distant connection to royalty

So distant as to be meaningless in most cases. I had a Thai teacher who was a na Ayutthaya -- there are tens of thousands of them. Some rich, some poor. One shouldn't assume much based on the name.

Any further news on Hero? Has it reopened?

Closed last night, Monday 26.03.2012, 1800, all the lights out.

Lots of talk (speculation) but from all I spoke to no one knows nothin

If was just a case of tea money, they'll be shut for 30 days penance and then if "commissions" agreed, back in business again.

I heard they were going to open again today.

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.

Thank you for the update. I was just wondering if the have big fit guys in Arena as they do in Hero last week?

Arena massage ...
 

-- Last sat., 08 dec. - two mature farangs & I visited ARENA MASSAGE - Si Lom rd.;
- ETA. approx. 17.hrs.;
- While I did not make an exact head-count I'd guestimate that there were approx. a score or so of masseurs in the line-up, several of whom I'd classify as possibly late 20s. and/or in to their 30s., with a good few of whom are well-muscled, (as opposed to being twinks and skinny.),.
- Looking-at the price-list I'd write that prices looked reasonable for a massage-parlor not too far away from Cent'l. BKK., and with a MINIMUM TIP. of 500.Bh.;
- One of my two acquaintances availed of a hour's oil-massage at 450.Bh., wch. he thought was good enough - with its apres-massage extras - to merit a 1K.Bh. TIP.; he added that he'd be prepared to return on another day for another massage etc. etc..

Thank you sextile..as I am currently in Bangkok, it might be worth a visit

Arena massage ...
 

-- Khun Roy.,
- Thank you for yr. ack..
- Should you decide to visit then perhaps yr. readers might be favored with your report?
-- :)

Did not go to Arena but did visit Hero instead. Arrived at 1900 and there was about 20 boys working. Besides me, there was only 2 other customers. There are some of the older boys still working but lots of new ones but less muscle and less fit. There are about 3 - 5 boys who consider muscular and fit. I went with a boy name Third, as he said he is the third son of the family. Has a good fit lean body. Speaks very good english. Claims that he is a law student and going to US next year for his MBA. He gave a very sensual massage concentrating more on my ass which I like. And he is a very aggresive top. Lots of kissing and very eager to please. He showers with me and best of all, he actually brought his own scrub lotion, where he scrubs my body after the massage and after shower and apply lotion to my body after the scrub. Very attentive to your needs. Price is still the same. 600 baht for oil or cream massage and 1000 baht minimum tip. Will be going back for more.