Odd one out (part 1)

Paew is aged in his early 20s, was once married, and even has a child - but now lives life as a effeminate young gay.

His marriage was an arranged one, and ended in disaster, as the couple did not love each other. The mother of Paew's former wife now brings up the child, in Esan.

Paew, meanwhile, studies Thai classical dance in Bangkok, where his student friends include his wife's younger brother.

The first night I met him, he came with the wife's brother, whose name is Nong. I noticed the difference between them immediately: whereas Nong is straight, drinks hard and carries on boisterously like any young man fresh out of his teens, Paew appears stand-offish and detached.

Paew is obviously gay - the affected, mincing way he walks, talks, holds his hands. His straight friends know about him, and accept the way he is.

'How on earth did you hide all that, back when you were married?' I asked him.

'I was not myself back then,' he said.

I met Paew and Nong together at Mum's shop. They live in the area - as do other student friends of mine, who go to the same performing arts school.

I am eager to hear their thoughts on Paew, who seems too much like the black sheep to be an easy friend. It is odd that at his age, when most kids are happy just to fit into the group, he seems keen to stand apart.

Last night, he turned up with Nong and about six other student friends.

Nong and his friends sat at a different table, while Paew sat with me. 'I see you two like each other,' one boy called out, naughtily. Paew smiled, but did not respond to his friend's playful teasing.

Paew and I met for the first time a few nights ago.

I am not usually drawn to young guys who are so openly fem - but Paew does have his charming side.

Last night he chatted first to me, then turned to a well-dressed, respectable-looking Thai man in his 50s, who appeared to know about Thai traditional performing arts.

It is not often that I see these young ones have long conversations with adults. They might pass brief, respectful exchanges with teachers they know, even offer them a sip from their beer as they walk past. But most older folk can't be bothered, and keep moving.

The older guy wore a smart-looking gold watch, and ring with a red ruby set in the middle. I could not hear them, as Paew, who sat between us, turned his back on me to talk to him.

However, he continued filling his glass with my whisky, and within a short time - not even an hour - was visibly drunk.

now, see part 2