Gay Scene Pattaya

Pattaya Gay Scene

As the rest of Thailand, Pattaya is extremely gay-friendly and features a fairly developed gay scene including gay bars and GoGo bars, transvestite cabaret theatres, show bars, gay massage parlours and related gay-friendly establishments where gay men from all around the globe can freely enjoy themselves and their sexual orientation in the company of the local boys.

Due to the Buddhist conception that human beings are equally made of both masculine and feminine parts, homosexuality in Buddhist Thailand is neither a taboo nor as stigmatized as in many Western societies. Homosexuality in Thailand is not just accepted or tolerated, it is a normal feature of everyday life. The ubiquitous sight of gay and (less) lesbian couples and the tolerance displayed by the public makes it easy for homosexual visitors to feel readily at home in Funtown. Even a Pattaya Gay Festival is held on an annual basis (November) on which occasion funds are being raised for community charity projects.

Pattaya's colourful gay scene is a true paradise for foreign gay tourists and residents of Funtown. Whereas especially elder gay men might find it hard to find a suitable partner in their home countries, there is no shortage of young and attractive Thai men who are all ready to become your special friend for a night or who are looking for a foreign boyfriend. As in "straight" relationships, age difference between male partners in gay relationships is fully accepted in Thailand. Please note, however, that underage sex with local boys under 18 is not only strictly prohibited by Thai law but may also lead to prosecution in your home country. (Thailand's age of consent mau be 15 but, in the case of prostitution, a higher minimum age of 18 applies.) Of course HIV and Aids as well as other common STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are prominent issues in Pattaya's gay scene, so please do yourself and your partner(s) a favour and practice safer sex!
To read more on homosexuality in Buddhism & Thai society and related topics (HIV/ Aids) please click here.

Albeit less developed than Pattaya's straight bar scene, the local gay bar scene is similarly organized. There are both beer bars and Gogo bars which feature erotic dance and show performances. The only difference to straight bars is that the service staff and the dancers are young and attractive local males instead of female working girls.

The two most popular gay entertainment areas in South Pattaya are Sunee Plaza/ Soi Day-Night (off Pattaya Tai Road) and world-famous "Boyztown" (Pattayaland Soi 3, off Pattaya Second Road) where an abundance of gay beer bars, GoGo bars, gay-friendly restaurants and related establishments are located. Quite a few gay GoGo bars can also be found on Pattayaland Soi 1.

For those who prefer a quieter environment Jomtien Beach has developed its own popular gay scene. Whereas during daytime Dongtan Beach (near the Dongtan Police Box at the junction of Jomtien Beach Road and Thappraya Road) is a popular meeting point for local and foreign gay men alike, Jomtien Complex (Thappraya Road) features an ever-increasing number of gay bars and nightclubs.

"Massage by men for men" massage parlours and gay karaoke bars can be found most conveniently in the gay areas of Soi Day-Night and Sunee Plaza. Additionally there is an ever-increasing number of gay-friendly restaurants to be found all over Pattaya and Jomtien.

Ladyboys ("katoeys" as Thais call these "women of the 2nd category") are a transgender phenomenon ubiquitously found all over Thailand. "Katoeys" are either males who simply dress as females (transvestites) or who have been surgically transformed into women. Lady-boys can be found both in straight and gay establishments but most commonly work as freelancers. Kathoeys seem to attract both straight or (secretly) bisexual male tourists who either fancy a sexual experience of a different kind or are simply unaware of what
is hidden beneath the sexy female looks. Pattaya Ladyboy Scene

Pattaya's lesbian scene, unfortunately, is less developed and organized than the gay or straight scene. Lesbian Thai girls or "tom girls", however, can be found both in straight and trans-gender venues alike. Lesbian relationships are fully accepted and surprisingly common in Thai society, and many bar girls in the straight scene are happy to accompany foreign lesbian visitors. As the lesbian scene in Thailand, however, is much more discrete than the straight or gay scene, women will have to be more persistent and patient in order to find a like-minded girl. A visit to one of the listed Thai Dating Sites where many local lesbian girls are looking for foreign partners might be of helpful assistance before visiting Thailand.

Gay Culture In Thailand

Back To Homepage

Back To Homepage

Copyright © 2008 Pattaya-Funtown.com. All rights reserved.