Today’s story is about a man’s first time in Thailand. Seeking to fix a broken heart, he falls for the wrong person—someone who is not who they claim to be in more ways than one.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Hi, my name is Frank, and I am 49 years old from Manchester, United Kingdom. I found myself at a crossroads in life after going through a painful divorce following nine years of marriage. I was hurting, and depression was creeping in. I had always had my life pretty much sorted out, but for the first time, I didn’t know what to do next. I needed a change. That’s how I ended up on a plane to Thailand, the Land of Smiles.
During my lowest moments, I found myself searching online for ways to fix a broken heart and deal with loneliness. Surprisingly, Thailand kept popping up in my searches, albeit for reasons I hadn’t initially considered. What I saw was a place known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, an exciting nightlife. After a few weeks of going back and forth, I thought, what the hell, you only live once, right? I bought my ticket, and before I knew it, I was on a 13-hour flight from London to Bangkok, with absolutely no plans—just a hotel booking. Traveling alone at my age with no itinerary made me feel like a teenager again, breaking some kind of rule.
Little did I know this trip would lead me into a love story unlike any other.
My First Night in Bangkok
After landing in Bangkok, I headed straight to my hotel, which was located on Soi 11 on Sukhumvit Road. It seemed fancier than it had looked in the pictures when I booked it. Although I was exhausted from the flight, I was eager to explore the city. It was early evening, and on the drive to my hotel, I had already noticed how lively the streets were—packed with cars, food carts, and people everywhere.
As I wandered the bustling streets, I stumbled upon a small bar and I decided to have a quick drink. Just one or two since I was still feeling jet-lagged. The bar was dimly lit but had a decent crowd. I had no idea how the bar scene worked in Thailand, but I was about to find out.
I sat on the balcony overlooking the busy street, enjoying some people-watching. A girl approached me and asked what I’d like to drink. There was something different about her, the way she spoke, the way she carried herself. I asked her what a popular drink in Thailand was, and she replied, “Chang,” in a slightly deep tone. That was when a lightbulb went off in my head. I realized she was a ladyboy. This was my first time interacting with one, let alone seeing one in person.
When she returned with my drink, she sat down and started chatting with me. She had this aura of confidence and charm and she was sweet but also slightly mischievous. Her name was TangMo. She asked me questions about my job and why I was visiting Bangkok. I didn’t want to bore her with my divorce story and mental health struggles, so I simply told her I was on holiday to let off some steam.
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and for the first time in years, I found myself laughing wholeheartedly. It never bothered me that she was a ladyboy. Although I’m straight, I couldn’t deny that I was attracted to her. Maybe it was the excitement of being in a new place, or maybe it was just nice to have someone pay attention to me again. Whatever it was, I liked it.
I stayed at the bar for about four or five hours, drinking and talking with her. Every time I got a drink, I bought her one too—though I later realized that “lady drinks” cost more than regular drinks. Lesson learned. But I didn’t mind. Throughout the night, she left occasionally to serve customers but always came back to sit with me. I thought that was sweet.
Around 1 AM, I was feeling the effects of alcohol, tiredness, and jet lag. I told her it was time for me to head back to my hotel. She asked if she would see me again, and I said I’d come back the next night if she wanted me to. She smiled and said, “Yes, please.” I paid my bill—which was higher than expected due to the lady drinks—and went back to my hotel. That night, I slept for nearly ten hours.
Falling for Tangmo
The next afternoon, I grabbed some street food for the first time—it was delicious and cheap. While eating, I noticed my phone vibrating. Apparently, I had downloaded an app called Line, Thailand’s version of WhatsApp, and added her—or she had added herself. She had sent me a message: “Thank you for the drinks last night. I enjoyed your company. I hope you return again tonight.”
I was surprised—someone was actually interested in me. It felt great. That night, I went back to the bar, and like the previous night, the drinks were flowing, and Tangmo was giving me all her attention. At one point, I asked if the bar was specifically for ladyboys. She giggled and said, “Yes, you didn’t know?” I told her I had no idea. She then asked, “You know what I am, right?” I said, “Yes, but you look like a very beautiful girl.”
As the night progressed, she asked if I had ever been with someone like her. I told her no, but I was interested in her. She laughed and said, “That’s what they all say.” But I was being honest—this was my first time.
The next day, she had a day off, so I asked her out on a date. We spent the day drinking coffee and getting to know each other. I finally opened up about my divorce and struggles. She was very affectionate and understanding, which I appreciated.
Days turned into weeks, and my connection with her deepened. We explored Bangkok together, visiting temples and learning about each other. It felt natural, and I wasn’t embarrassed to be seen with her. I even extended my visa for another 30 days just to spend more time with her. Since she wasn’t working during this time, she asked me to support her with 1,000 baht a day. I agreed without much thought.
A Painful Lesson
One morning, I woke up to find my ATM card missing. My heart sank. I checked my bank account—30,000 baht was gone. Panicked, I quickly transferred my remaining money to a separate account to prevent further withdrawals.
I messaged Tangmo repeatedly with no reply. Hours later, she finally responded: “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I will pay you back.” That night, I went to her bar to confront her. She admitted to stealing my card and withdrawing the money. She tried to justify it with desperation and misguided intentions, but the damage was done.
With a heavy heart, I cut all ties with her. Looking back, I wonder if this had been her plan all along—to take advantage of a vulnerable man. It’s a painful thought.
Back to the UK
Returning to the UK was bittersweet. Thailand had given me a mix of unforgettable experiences, both good and bad. This experience taught me that love can be found in unexpected places, but trust is essential.
I don’t regret my trip to Thailand—it made me feel alive again. But I do regret trusting too easily. It was a lesson learned, and I’m happy to share my story.
What do you guys think? Have you had a similar experience? Let me know in the comments or send me an email. See you next time!
