The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

Archive for the 'Street Talk' Category

WoWasis book review: ‘Red-Light Nights, Bangkok Daze’ by William Sparrow

When we here at WoWasis first saw William Sparrow’s Red-Light Nights, Bangkok Days: Chronicles of Sexuality Across Asia (ISBN 2008, ISBN 978-981-08-1076-4) at our nearby bookstore, our first thought was “sheesh, who needs another book about sex in Asia?” Fiction and non-fiction books on sexual themes involving Southeast Asia no doubt number in the thousands.  […]

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How can I tell ladyboys from ladies?

The Good Manner: Advice on Thailand from WoWasis’ Pa Farang This week’s dilemma: How can I tell ladyboys from ladies? Dear Pa Farang, I do not remember where it is, but I seem to remember that somewhere in your blog is a story of a gentleman who discovered his Thai girlfriend (who he was living […]

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Bachelor in Bangkok: Khun Lee on a trip to a Soapy Massage Parlor

editor’s note: for more on the nuts and bolts of the soapy massage experience, read WoWasis’ post on soapy massages For many years I have partied in Bangkok the traditional western way, which is to spend a great deal of my time in go-go bars and beer bars.  These places are filled with western men, […]

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WoWasis book review: Frank Visakay’s ‘Jasmine Fever’

In the experience of those of us here at WoWasis, most expat writers who have complimentary things to say about Thai women contrast them with disparaging views of Western women in general and Yank women in particular. Frank Visakay, a former New York chef, has penned a book that’s a hoot for guys who love the […]

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Russia invades Thailand: Big-bellied shock troops wearing thong bikinis storm Thai beachfronts

An estimated 200,000 Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) tourists have come to Thailand within the last 60 days, spurred by tourism incentives directed toward Russia by Thai tourist groups and agencies. Veteran travelers to Thailand have long noted a strong Russian presence in the seaside city of Pattaya, but large Russian tour groups […]

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Bachelor in Bangkok: Khun Lee on obese western women and shameless Thai ladies

Recently I have started to think that perhaps I need to work on my people skills.  Now, I have to say that I have never been the most diplomatic guy, and one of the things that I love about living in Thailand is the total lack of political correctness that is so pervasive in the […]

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Museum & soapy massage the same day: a must for Bangkok museum-goers?

Over the past several months, veteran Bangkok museum-goers have been raving to WoWasis about a museum experience that might be unique to Bangkok: a morning visit to a museum, followed by an afternoon soapy body-to-body massage. This occurs because the venerated Suan Pakkad Museum and the Chao Phya 2 soapy massage parlor are a mere […]

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In Bangkok’s electric showers, death is quicker than the electric chair!

Earlier this year, WoWasis reported on a deadly shower stall in the Philippines, but one we recently encountered in Bangkok certainly competes!  This Thai shower features an electric heating unit with the insulating cover removed from the control box, leaving all the wires and electrical stuff exposed to water and humans. There’s even a Buddhist […]

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US drug enforcement funds going to Bangkok girly bars?

Thousands of beer bottle coolers (known in Bangkok as “beer condoms”), in all probability funded by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),  have been distributed and remain in hundreds of Bangkok go-go bars, beer bars, and hotel bars in the aftermath of Operation Hot Spot. This law enforcement inititaive was launched as a joint […]

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The Good Manner: He likes big milk [large breasts] too much!

The Good Manner: Advice on Thailand from WoWasis’ Pa Farang This week’s dilemma: He likes big milk [large breasts] too much!  Dear Pa Farang,  I write for my sister, not for me.  She is Thai lady, 26 years old, very smart, very pretty, with good heart.  For two years, she have farang boyfriend.  In beginning, […]

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