Gay Thailand

Thais are generally accepting of homosexuality and Bangkok has a very active gay nightlife scene, concentrated in Silom Sois 2 and 4 and a short strip of gay go-gos bars off nearby Th Surawong. Most of these bars, however, are aimed at gay men and the lesbian scene is much more low-key. However, there are two full-time lesbian bars (Zeta and Shela) and one open Saturday-night only (Lesla). The most popular gay bars are Balcony and Telephone bar at Silom soi 4 and for the disco club is DJ Station which located at Silom soi 2 (crowded everynight from 11 p.m.). Bring along your passport for entrance age checking (they do not allow people under 20 years old). Closing time is 2-3 a.m.

In a league of their own are Bangkok's numerous transsexuals (kathoey), both pre- and post-operative, popularly known as ladyboys. Some work in the famed transvestite cabarets and there are some dedicated kathoey bars as well, but most do their best to blend in and many have the art of deception down pat. Telltale signs to look out for include tall height, large hands and an Adam's apple.

Note that some Thai regulars in the gay nightlife scene skirt the fine line between partying and prostitution, and the Western visitor, being considered richer, is expected to pay any food and drink expenses and perhaps provide some "taxi money" in the morning. It's usually wise to ask a boy you pick up in a bar or club if he is after money, as it's not uncommon for them to start demanding money after sex.

The government tourist office vigorously promotes the transvestite cabarets in Pattaya and Phuket, both of which are advertised as family entertainment. Katoey also regularly appear as characters in soap operas, TV comedies and films, where they are depicted as harmless figures of fun.

The scene - Gay Pride Festivals in Thailand

Thailand’s gay scene is mainly focused on mainstream venues like karaoke bars, restaurants, massage parlours, gyms, saunas and escort agencies. For the sake of discretion, gay venues are usually intermingled with equivalent straight venues. As in the straight scene, venues reflect class and status differences. Expensive international style places are very popular in Bangkok, attracting upper- and middle-class gays, many of whom have traveled or been educated abroad and developed Western tastes. These places also attract a contingent of Thais seeking foreign sugar daddies.

The biggest concentrations of farang friendly gay bars and clubs are found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. The gay communities of Bangkok and Phuket have both hosted flamboyant Gay Pride festivals in November. Thailand’s gay scene is heavily male, and there are hardly any lesbian –only venues, though Bangkok has a few mixed gay bars.

Although excessively physical displays of affection are frowned upon for both heterosexuals and homosexuals, Western gay couples should get no hassle about being seen together in public – it’s much more acceptable, and common, in fact, for friends of the same sex (gay or not) to walk hand-in-hand, than for heterosexual couples to do so.

The farang-oriented gay sex industry is tiny but highly visible part of Thailand’s gay scene. With its tawdry floor shows and host services, it bears a gruesome resemblance to the straight sex trade, and is similarly most active in Bangkok and Pattaya, Patong (on Phuket) and Chiang Mai. Like their female counterparts in the heterosexual fleshpots, many of the boys working in the gay sex bars that dominate these districts are under age. A significant number of gay prostitutes are gay by economic necessity rather than by inclination.