A huge industry developed, especially in Bankok and Pattaya, to cater for likeminded folk. In Pattaya at one of thee gay hotels I stayed at in Boyz town there used to be 2 blocks of gay Go Go bats, host bars, massage and entertainment spots all 100% dedicated to the gay market.
Each year a couple closed and many did not appear so busy. An evening walk along the prom, you could expect a big smile and "Do you want some company". Some people would find that offensive, but I did not find it too hard most times to say "No thank you" and return the smile.
Over the past couple of years the city has torn up much of the old prom, installing very impressive paved areas with new planting. Smoking is banned on all beaches with very heavy fines for infractions.
I believe the junta goverment see covid 19 as an opportunity to change the image on Thailand.
They have shown the World Thailand is a safe place with excellent Covid controls. Right now with inernational travel not possible, already they are targeting the super rich, claming here is a safe haven. They don,t want backpackers or sex tourists. They have even changed entry requirments for a 90 day visa, requiring proof of 500,000 Thb (£13,000 ) running balance for six months in a bank account.
I think this shows them to be out of sync with Western Mentality.. How many wealthy folk would be willing to show their bank statements, even if they had such a balance. More likely they run huge overdrafts, getting a more lucrative return from more speculative investments.
Most tourists including myself go an a 30 day visa, so waiting to see what they come up with for that
I read in gaybuttonthai forum some guys are talking about Cambodia as an alternative. I have thought about it but I know my way around so well in Pattaya and B.K.K.
But the junta's vision of tourist grandour just got washed down the tiolet with water canons and tear gas T.V. images on most World networks of the Thai population protesters . Looking back to 2014, this could get a lot worse.
Take a 5 min motor/cycle taxi ride fro m Boyztown and you come to another gay complex, called Sunnee Plaza. 2 streets each way, also all gay. When I first went there 10 years ago, there where 12 or so Gay Go Go bars. Last year there were 2 going well and 2 so so. Now I hear it is all locked up and not likely to reopen being prime land for development
One of the most famous because of all it's videos was the Krazy Dragon. Many are still listed on YouTube, but some not recognized. The Krazy Dragon had a large open space with several poles for table top dancing..
The first time I was in there, I settled down with my drink and right away a young man (called boys in Th.) jumps up on the table in front of and starts dancing with the pole.
He was not at all my type, but I was not sure how to handle this, as I don't like to offend people. So I turned around and ignored him, but he just kept right on dancing. Then I saw a cute boy walking close by, so offered him a drink and he sat with me. That did the trick