Pattaya Youtuber: And other true stories from Thailand

by Walt Gleeson

Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, but beyond the smiles there is a darker side to the kingdom. These seven true stories show that drugs, deceit, scams and sordid ping pong shows have become an undeniable and accepted part of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, namely Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. Caught on Camera and Pattaya Youtuber are two gripping modern stories that show the old saying ‘what happens in Thialand, stays in Thailand’ no longer holds true. Visitors to Thailand beware!

Genres: Short Stories, Asia, Travel, Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2020

Reviews

[Harry Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 7 "Pattaya Youtuber" is Thomas Andrew Howe who has a Youtube Channel called "Barfines and Powerlines" He really is the lowest of the low when considering those who Livestream in Pattaya. He has broken numerous laws in Thailand and amongst other things he has; stalked young girls in Pattaya; trafficked women for prostitution; broken the Covid Lock down rules for Thais and foreigners; he has earned 4 million baht since 2019 without paying taxes and he has disrepected the people of Thailand. Now in this story he actually informs us that his langauge has broken the law by allowing him to keep his visa whilst NOT attending classes. TheThai School is PRO LNAGUAGE in Pattaya who will not doubt be in serious trouble sinced Thomas Howe has literally "grassed them up." Thomas Howe`s days in Thailand are certainly numbered as he continues to give all Ex Pats a really bad name in Thailand.

[Jamie Rashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who has been travelling to Thailand for the last few years. Some of the stories are set in Bangkok, some in Pattaya, and one (I think) in Phuket. I guess these stories don't really give the reader an insight into real Thai culture, but they certainly paint a pretty vivid image of the main tourist areas around the country. The stories are fun and at times humorous. I look forward to going to Thailand soon and seeing how accurate the stories really are.

[Tea Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are amazing. The story 'Pattaya Youtuber' is a fascinating read, but I really loved the one about the ping pong show. That was both hilarious and shocking. I couldn't believe what I was reading!

[Kindle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic account of all the weird stuff that can happen to foreigners in Thailand. Drugs, dodgy women, sex shows and creepy youtubers in Pattaya and Bangkok.
I would love to know which pattaya youtuber the story 'Pattaya Youtuber' is actually based on. He sounds like a real low life

[Michael Velons · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing insight into some of the sleazeballs that live in Pattaya. That Thomas Andrew Howe (Barfines and Powerlines) is an extraordinary character. He gives alcohol to underage girls on the beach, insults locals, pimps out women to dance online for cash and he doesn't pay any tax on his earnings. What a lifestyle!

[Teddy Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven clever stories - an enjoyable read. Pity we won't be able to go to Thailand for a while

[Adam Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good read for anyone how plans on going to Thailand, or indeed to anyone who is missing the country and can't go back.
it's a good introduction to the scene over there.

[Callum Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven very interesting stories about Thailand. Two of the stories in particular have very good twists at the end, and two of the stories give a great insight into the weird culture of creepy Youtubers filming on the streets and in the bars in Thailand.

[Tim Wedd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could slap Tom Howe he sounds like a real loser. Thank you G.O.P

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

too many fake accounts to raise the rating of the book
shame on you

[Robin Bretton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed these stories. very authentic feel to them. Some great twists and interesting characters.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was better than it had any right being. The opening story is poorly written and had me concerned this was a low effort book. But, the second story and the writing got better. And the story after that, better with sharper writing. By the end, while the author is no Steinbeck, I was invested and intrigued. The stories expose a darker side of life in Thailand. And it does so without getting too graphic, thus making it palpable. The sub title claims these are true stories but I think they are true in so much as they are they generic stories of the every (Western)man in Thailand.

[Andreas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The seven short stories in this collection about Westerners in Thailand range from the sordid to the humorous. Several are cautionary tales featuring culture clash, drug use, and girlies bars.

The stories themselves are quirky, with an often interesting take through the viewpoint of both jaded and more innocent visitors to Thailand. Unfortunately, they somewhat lack in hooks to draw the reader in and rely too much on rather unsurprising twists. The prose, structure, and often even the spelling, could have been significantly improved with some professional editing. A vaguely interesting and quick read for those interested in the subject matter, but not much further.

http://www.books.rosboch.net/2021/07/...

[Yukio Nagato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what I expected. Could be retitled, "Close Calls!" since most of the stories involve not letting your girlfriend or wife find out that you've been with dozens of bar girls or ladyboys. Something fun and exciting for the whole family. Might not make for good bedtime stories for little ones though.

[Dan Szpek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhhhh. I mean, I enjoyed learning a little bit about Thai nightlife, but this book wasn't exactly well written. That said it didn't make the stories tough to understand or ruin the experience, just stuck out a bit. I also thought it was interesting the stories would mention drugs but sex would be glanced over.

[Mr. Classical · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great tales here. Especially the one about the guy who goes to Bangkok for his honeymoon. What was he thinking lol.

[michelle Wiggins · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only good thing about reading this book was that it convinced me that I NEVER want to go to Thailand!

[Stephanie Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting cautionary tales for Thailand tourists. The writing was very simple and to the point (not a great piece of literature), but the stories gave me an introduction to Thailand's red-light district.

The book is divided into a handful of different stories all told from the POV of 'falang' (white) men visiting Thailand. As a white woman, this book gave me little to no insight into possible "traps" I should watch out for, and I don't think any of the men I'll be traveling with on my upcoming trip would have been interested in any of the traps described in this book.

This will still make for an interesting conversation piece, and offered some areas to be cautious of. I wouldn't avoid any of the places described, but at least I'm aware of what I'll be stepping into if I venture there.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

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