This last week I was offered an advisory position with an international organization to work in Bangkok, Thailand for 18-24 months to help with the modernization of the country's information/communication infrastructure.

I did some preliminary research on Thailand, but in truth I am not that familiar with south east Asian countries culture, traditions, language and specifically the nightlife. From what I have read so far about the nightlife, seems more focused on "Ladyboys" or what they call "Katoey" I think, which is not my thing.

Also, I will have the same salary as I do currently, so I will have a large amount of disposable income to play with, as I am single and have no dependents. Also I have the choice of either a 1 bedroom small apartment or a suit at a hotel.

So what I was hopping for, is some info on the nightlife, P4P, Dating, the general cost of living, the social structure, etc. from people who have traveled/lived there or are more familiar with that region of the world than I.

I just stumbled on this website while doing research, and they have an article and a test on how to spot a ladyboy, I failed it, and that is what's worrying me.

I have included the link, give it a try.

My momma always said  "what I don't know might hurt me"

You will live like a king on your American income!
SE Asia is one of the poorest areas in the world!
P4P,,,how many ladies can you handle at once!!!!!
Understand,that the women,if they dont P4P,they don't eat,period!
They are wonderful people and they love Americans!
The nightlife,,,i had trouble deciding which club to party at! (their are so many nightclubs)
I'm speaking of Bangkok,,,it's a circus! (loved it when i was 18-20).
Their are places you can go,outside of town that are quieter and still P4P!!!
Prepare yourself for the great sex you are gonna have at such low,low,very low,cost!!!
Have Fun!!!
I love Asia and Asian women!!!
(every man's dream)

Wow,i scored 4/10!!!!
To the OP,don't worry about it,the real ladies will keep you informed!

He would make a great ladyboy.

Really, there's quite a lot beyond the katoeys in Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy.

Try Wikitravel and Wikipedia for starters. Unfortunately, this board is NOT primarily oriented towards expats doing P4P. I suggest judicious use of Google ("International Sex Guide" for starters).

I predict you will live there, and after a few months of bliss you will think back about your post, and say, "I can't believe I asked such a dumb question!". You are going to the world's top destination for a smorgasbord of the best and cheapest pussy. Try the "Body Massage" places. The top ones have knockout girls that lather you up and massage you naked with their hot bodies. 2 hours of playing and sex will cost you around $100.  Then check out Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza. Those are the 3 top red light districts in Bangkok. Google those and see what you find. Bangkok also has the worlds best food. The best is from the street vedors everywhere, and a good meal costs about a buck. On an American salary, after living expenses you will have enough money left over to get laid every noght by hotties you will never find in the states. Bottom line: Get over there as fast as you can, and worry about details when you get there.

I guess I better stay here with will reviewed real ladies.

I was in thailand earlier this year visiting a friend who's been living and working there for the past year.  The short answer, DO IT.

Dont worry about ladyboys.  First of all the real women outnumber them like 1000 to 1, plus the ladyboys are not allowed into any bars or clubs unless its a ladyboy only bar, meaning they wont be blending in with real girls trying to trick you.  Plus, you may "think" you wouldnt know, but trust me you will spot 90% of them in a second as they really do look different.  Other than that the sights are amazing, food is awesome and you really can have a good meal for $1 USD and most importantly they really do love Americans.  Do yourself one favor though, take a bottle of pepto pills for the first month.  HAVE FUN! you lucky bastard

Will live like a King and be treated like a King...Everything is soooo cheap there...the night life is Awesome and there is so much to do...as far as P4P...You Will Enjoy Everyday and Night if You like...for what You pay an hour here...lol...You can get a hours all week long....and personally I would recommend taking the suite at a hotel...check out Nana Plaza for sure...and You have an Awesome time...You are Not going to want to come back...and as far as the Ladyboys...they are beautiful and the way to know they are male and Not female...is they are tall...so stay away from tall women...lol...and almost Everyone speaks english...Have a Blast and Enjoy!!!!

never been but know many who have.

I'm with John...I've taken many biz trips to BKK over the years, at least once a year whether I had a business purpose or not.  But, most of the comments here are based on relative short term quick fixes.

To sum up my reponse quickly; as an ex-Pat on US wages you can live like a king and come home with a ton of dough.  

Now...more detail on P4P...sure, Soi Comboy and Nana Plaza are great for picking up working girls but  if it appeals to you, you can find a girl to live with you for the entire time you are there for almost nothing.  Or, make arrangements for a girl to spend one weekend a month with you, you can find that for less than USD300 for the entire weekend.  The sex trade is based on business travels not locals so Saturday night is realtively slow (most biz travelers arrive on Sunday and leave early Saturday), the girls that work in the clubs typically pay to work there, and get room and board in the exchange.  Not unusual for 5 girls to live in a boarding house type room, sleeping on floors with no AC...had a girl offer to spend the night with me for 100 BAHT (about USD3.50) just for a air conditioned soft bed to sleep in.

There are lady boys for sure but they are realitvely easy to pick out and will sometimes be honest with you, clubs tend to lean one way or the other so if single night action is all you are looking for just find your favorite club and go for it.  You will also probably be most satisfied with non-BKK girls, tons of girls travel from Malaysia or Indonesia and in my opinion they are more accomodating and more attractive than the Thai woman.  If its any indication, I'd say that 60% of the guys I know who spent more than 12 months in country brought someone back to the States with them.

Last suggestion, definitely plan to visit Phuket, most beautiful beaches in the world.  You might even be able to make a fractional purchase of a home there which will give you 5-8 weeks a year in a house you own in partnership with other buyers.  It will cost you around $25-40K (mortgaged for 30 years thats $250-300/month) but you can resell when you leave.  Phuket is still not rebounded completely from the tsunami so the market is still on the rise.  Put all that together...you own a part of a beach house, visit once every 2 months or so, and bring a girl with you....run don't walk to BKK!!!!!!

and the above post is right...you will live like a king! Some things to watch out for....the Thai ladies see Western men as walking dollar signs and will promise you the world as long as you're spending money on them so don't get taken. There's more than just KaToys there- plenty of real, hot ladies in the redlight district. Which is memory serves me is near Soi 11 Suk 11 (one street over) in Bangkok. There is the very real issue of Burmese children forced into the sex trade so watch out for that as well. The term "karaoke" there generally means "club where you can buy the women".

Nightlife=amazing
P4P= more legal than here and readily accessible
Dating=ya might get used
cost of living= live like royalty for like $$600-800/mo all expenses included
Social Structure= totally different from here

As for a 1 bedroom or a suite- the high end hotels there are more like a 2.5-3 star hotel here. I would opt for a one bedroom in a swanky, gated community.

Have fun stay safe....and wrap it up!

Veronica Sweets