Not technically a colleague, but once while on vacation years ago, I did run into an acquaintance in the waiting room looking at the fish tank in a Thai soapy. Once we realized that we shared a hobby, we spent the next few days hanging out in the Big Mango. Fun times. We still keep in touch.
As it turns out, that story about the 6,000 baht bar fine in Bangkok was an April Fool’s joke even though the column came out on March 31st rather than April 1st. Shit, I fell for it.
Sorry.
https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/weekly-column/2024/04/6000-baht-please/...
Certainly, freelancers are always bound to be cheaper than go-go dancers.
That said, I remember an era when short time with a freelancer could be had for only 500 baht. Yeah, I’m f’ing old…
Slightly dated article, but the gist of it is still true.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2021-08-06/report-15-hourly-wage-isnt-livable-anywhere-in-the-us
It’s basically impossible to survive on minimum wage in the states these days unless you’re living with your parents or something like that.
The federal minimum wage for non-tipped workers is only $7.25 per hour. It hasn’t gone up since 2009!
Even in those states where the minimum wage has...
A company called Leopalace21 usually has monthly apartments for rent in various parts of Japan. Those apartments tend to be tiny yet private.
Check out their English website:
https://www.leopalace21.com/en
Filipina pros especially freelancers are often good at the GFE. They tend to speak better English than either Thais or Japanese for that matter. Just be sure to keep your wits about you.
The downside is that the Philippines is not as safe as Thailand let alone Japan. Metro Manila in particular...
FWIIW, some “business hotels” in Japan also have porn on TV. Not sure about connecting from a smartphone, though.
Of course, the adult channels would typically be censored JAV.