MIDNITE HOUR - 01 January 2024

This is the original Happy Party Bar, and it resides where it always has... May they continue to abide...

7 CENTER POINT (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

The Heaven originally started out in 7 Center Point at the rear. It had to relocate to Soi Eden when several of the bars were torn down in 7 Center Point. However business was slow in Soi Eden, so they are now back full-tilt at 7 Center Point. Located between White Lion and La La Bar in the new (Bier Garten) section. Wish them luck as they step back into the line of fire.

7 CENTER POINT (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

The Make Love Bar, open the previous month, has now got it's new neon nailed up for all the world to see. May they continue to party...

7 CENTER POINT (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

The Phanny's Bar (pronounced 'Pahn Nee') has newly opened at the rear of the new section, and already seems to be doing well. Gotsta get paid...

7 CENTER POINT (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

SOI DEAD ARTISTS

MAP

The Happy Hour specialty massage has taken over, lock, stock and KY from the Casanova. Located in Subsoi 4. May they continue to slip and slide.

SOI DEAD ARTIST (Sukhumvit Soi 33)

Now that the Ten % Membership Disco has the remainder of it's neon up, it is time for another photo for the Archives. The beat goes on...

SOI DEAD ARTIST (Sukhumvit Soi 33)

SOI EDEN

MAP

Although we saw no change in the lineup of Nitespots in the Soi Eden Night Entertainment Area, we did note that it was getting increasingly busier. In the video below, we tale a quick peek in the Green Room.

VIDEO CLIP

SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)

In previous months, we saw signs of activity at what was once the Plame specialty massage. Now it appears that they (or their successor) are advertising for hostesses. We'll keep an ear to the ground, and report any developments...

SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)

TOP

Traces of Bangkok's Early Years

The continuous succession of well-known entertainers from the US and elsewhere in the '60's and '70's proved to be, in retrospect, a "Golden Age" of entertainment in Bangkok's nightclubs. That scene has long faded into history - should an entertainer of any celebrity come to perform in Bangkok today, it would be at an arena or stadium, and not in the intimate setting of a nightclub. Meanwhile, the R&R Night Entertainment Scene continued to 'explode' on New Petchburi Road and parts of Sukhumvit Road.

The Rock & Roll band Pretty Kittens passed through Bangkok after performing at U.S. Army bases in Viet Nam in 1967. This was the first mention of A Go-Go at the Cafe de Paris that we are aware of. Located opposite Patpong 1 Road on Surawong.

April 1967

The Mighty Pioneers played at a number of Nitespots during their extended stay in Bangkok. We note : 'A-Go-Go' was getting frequent mention at Bangkok's clubs that year. Located across the road from Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.

April 1967

Cinema buffs will remember Jane Russell as an American 'sex symbol' star of more than 20 Hollywood films in the 1940s and 1950s. Connie Haines was a songstress with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, and sang with Frank Sinatra. Beryl Davis sang with British and American 'big bands' in Europe and the U.S. April 1967

The C'est Se Bon was one of the few Nightclubs which regularly featured local songstresses. Located across Silom Road near Convent Road.

April 1967

The Honey was a popular Nightclub located on Surawong Road near the Manhora Hotel near New Road.

Susie's Little Inn began as a restaurant in Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area, but found that they kept busy later in the evenings as a 'lounge'.

April 1967

The Four Freshmen were originally a 'barbershop quartet' redording and performing group specializing in jazz harmonies. They got their start in 1948 - reaching peak popularity in the '50s. While the group currently continues touring internationally, the last member retired of the original foursome passed away in 1993.
April 1967

The Oriental Hotel hosted nightly entertainment in both the Bamboo Bar and the Riverside Supper Club. Margaret McKenna (note the typo) was an Australian TV and nightclub songstress popular in the early '60's.

April 1967

It's worth noting that the US forces in the '60's and '70's consisted of the R&R soldiers here on holiday, and those permanently stationed around the country. Both groups contributed substantially to the economy (and the beginning of the 'tourism-age'). The 'Utapao' reference here is the Joint Thai-American airbase at Utapao, near Sattahip. Note the use of klometer 'milestones' to indicate location..

April 1967