MIDNITE HOUR - Bangkok Eyes July 2013

Historical Minutiae Dept.

STD Testing

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO IT ?

Hello, Bangkok Eyes,

Back when I first visited LOS in 1983, the bar girls reputedly had government health cards and monthly check-ups. Now I hear nothing of health cards or regular check-ups. Was it just a hoax back in the 80's? Are there any check-ups nowadays?

REW

Greetings, REW

Certainly a very relevant question.   Back in the 1980's most of the ladies in the Night Entertainment business did in fact have regular health checks, and had their cards to prove it (not that most curious expats could read Thai).   Most bars employing A Go-Go dancers and others insisted that the cards be kept up to date.   But those checks were for STD, which at the time, was syphilis and gonorrhea.

However, with the specter of AIDS raising its ugly head not too long after that, lesser forms of STD seemed inconsequential, and by the turn of the Millennium testing for syphilis and gonorrhea eventually faded to almost zero.   AIDS tests then came to the fore, but were expensive for the ladies, and were done not more than (on average) every 6 months, sometimes only annually.   Hardly within the expat visitor's 'comfort zone'.

Now with the newer AIDS 'cocktails' available for treatment, the fear of AIDS has also apparently almost vanished - although many ladies on the game still pay lip service to it.   Today, very few (entertainment workers or expats) talk about, or expresses concern over AIDS.   Generally, STD testing, in all its forms, is currently hit or miss, with most expats not even bothering to ask their prospective lady-of-the-evening.

Likewise, condom use in Bangkok's Night Entertainment Industryis hit and miss.   Many expats refuse to use condoms, or will use a condom for the 'first round', but not the later 'morning shot', or subsequent liaisons with the same partner.

Consequently, while not rampant, STD in all it's forms is still with us.   The old medicine is the best medicine - protect yourself.

Best,
Boge

? ASK US (ALMOST) ANYTHING !

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	We can answer virtually any (reasonable) question on the Expat Night Entertainment Scene in Bangkok - be it Historical or very recent. Send us an e-mail and we will do our best to answer you soonest.
'Boge' Hartman Historical Research

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Let the July 2013 Follies begin...
BANKOK EYES' Expat Night Scene.

PATPONG I

MAP

Miss Marlboro and friend enjoy the live music at the Muzzik Cafe.

PATPONG I

A 'for the archives' pic of the upstairs Super Pussy.

PATPONG I

PATPONG II

MAP

Something For Everyone
... BUT ONLY IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT...

Call me old fashioned, call me what you will, but what in tarnation is 'boot worship'? Nevertheless, it is most definitely available at the popular fetish bar Bar Bar at the Silom Road end of PPII.

PATPONG II

SOI COWBOY

MAP

Another 'for-the-archives' pic of the Rawhide A Go-Go.

Sometimes I Will....
THEN AGAIN I THINK I WON'T.......

If you are looking for a place where you can actually carry on a conversation over the wretched techno or the grating rap found in most of the Soi Cowboy bars, you may want to try one of the outside 'street-bars' such as the Fantacy (sic) pictured above. Good company, good prices, good conversation.

Near SOI Cowboy

NANA PLAZA

MAP

Door Art Of The Month
Award

Monster Ink Tattoos Piercings and Cocktails isn't even open yet, but we like what we see. Wild. Perhaps they should marquee the 'cocktails' before the 'tattoos and piercings', so you can actually get drunk enough to go through with it. But what do I know? More pics next issue.

NANA PLAZA - (Sukhumvit SOI 4)

The Holly Wood Rock has quietly slipped over the rim of the Abyss. But all is not lost - by this time next month we should see the brand new Angel Witch II. We'll be watching for it.

NANA PLAZA - (Sukhumvit SOI 4)

SOI NANA

MAP

We hope the rumor isn't true - that the Big Mango will soon be putting the last chit in the last cup, then turning out the lights as they lock down the building. But on the off chance this is true, we thought it appropriate to get a pic up on the site 'for the record'. We shall advise.

SOI NANA

Although in operation for quite some time, we had to actually trip over it to see that we had failed to notice that 'Thai Massage' was even there. May they continue to slip and slide. Located next to Finnegan's ...

SOI NANA

SOI KATOEY

MAP

It looks like the For Fun has even more new neon nailed up. We somehow doubt that the "Black" is part of their name, however....... May they persevere.

SOI KATOEY - (SILOM SOI 4)

SOI 22

MAP

The Miraku Massage (located in Soi Lemongrass) is no more, having sold out lock, stock and Tiger Balm to the Cosy Massage. Welcome them to the sharkpool.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

Likewise, the Relax Massage, also on Soi Lemongrass, has closed it's doors for good. Taking over where they left off is the just plain Akasuri & Massage - with most of the original staff remaining on. Welcome to them to partytown.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

A second Jasmine Massage has just opened across the Soi from Queen's Park Plaza (the original Jasmine Massage for Health is further down the Soi across from the Jade Pavilion). May the fates smile on both venues.

- File photo

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

The long-established Lek Massage located at the Queen's Park Plaza, has some new neon nailed up. Low-key, but tasteful - may they keep on keeping on.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

The Overground Bar & Cafe has opened up in the old Boogie Bar digs in the Honey Plaza. Welcome them to the machine.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

Likewise, and also in the Honey Plaza, the S 22 Massage & Spa has opened up in the previous Honey Massage & Spa digs (now closed). Welcome to partytown.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

The Sidewalk Cafe bar beer at the old entrance to Washington Square was mysteriously closed when we passed by the other night - however, in that all the booze is still on the shelves, we suspect this to be a very temporary situation. We'll keep an ear to the ground, and get back atcha.

SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)

SOI DEAD ARTISTS

MAP

The Chillax Spa has opened new in the previously closed Bliss Massage. Format unchanged - prices up slightly - and menus aimed at Japanese, however, all are welcome. Welcome them to the neon jungle.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Ikemen 33 Japanese lounge has opened up in the Number One Japanese lounge digs - a smooth transition. (Located just behind Tenderloins.) Welcome them to the bright lights, big city.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

The Red Wine Snack has changed names to the Sakuranbo Snack - all else remains the same. Located in Soi Pan Pan. May they keep on keeping on.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Strawberry Farm Lounge has bought the farm. May they find things more to their liking a little further on down the road a piece. Just not enough walk-in foot traffic there at the back of the S 33 Hotel.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Tuk Tuk was unexplainedly closed when we passed by the other night - lights still on, staff still inside.... hmmmm. We will assume they will be reopening forthwith, and make a double-check next time around....

- File photo

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Sabai Sabai Massage & Beauty has succumbed to Darwin's harsh call - and this time, they really mean it - all the furnishings have been stripped. Perhaps they will catch the brass ring the next go-round.

- File photo

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA

MAP

The Good Luck Bar has taken up from where the Away From Home bar left off this last month. Wish them luck as they cast their dice against the pitted wall of Fate.

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA

The 3-Sister Bar has once again sprouted new legs, and has reopened their doors to customers, new and old. May we suggest that a bar is likely to have more customers if it is open than if it is closed..........

- File photo

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA

SOI EDEN

MAP

The The Country has reopened in what was, several months ago, The Terrace. Once redecorating is complete we will snap a few new pics - the photo below is a file photo of the old Terrace.

- File photo

SOI EDEN - Soi 7/1 Sukhumvit

SOI TWILIGHT

MAP

At the Rama IV end of the Twilight Zone the @ Chai Massage continues to march. Unique in that Soi, it is geared to customers of both sexes.

SOI TWILIGHT

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A PAGE FROM BANGKOK's NIGHTSCENE HISTORY....

Bangkok Eyes jumps back in time to have a look at who was new - and who was through. We'll be willing to bet that many of you "Old Bangkok Hands" will be reminded of some bars you'd almost forgotten. (We also will be willing to bet you WON'T EVEN REMEMBER an even greater number....)

10 YEARS AGO :

July

Patpong I
   *   No changes that month / year.

Patpong 2
   *   Platinum up on the second floor on Soi Bookstore (connecting PPI & PPII) closed it's doors.   There is no venue currently at that location.

Soi Cowboy
    *   No changes that month / year.

Nana Plaza
   *   The Mercury Club opened newly in the old Casablanca digs, up on the 2nd floor.   Mercury still exists, having moved to the other side of NEP, and the original digs are now occupied by Erotica Pool House.

   *   Up on the 2nd floor, Fantasia reopened after a brief closure.   Fantasia is currently still at that location.

Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4)

    *   Samsara opened for only 2 months in the old Rome Club (Part II) closed again.   Now currently the For Fun.

    *   Both the Speed and the HipHop reopened their doors that month, that year.   Neither are open today, but were co-located at today's Bearbie Bar.

Soi Dead Artists    (Soi 33)
   *   The Club Ayano opened new on the 2nd floor of the Peep Inn Park (the Peep Inn is now the S 33 Compact Hotel).   It is no longer in operation.

   *   The Akane Massage opened new in what was the Athena Massage - on the ground floor of the Peep Inn Park (the Peep Inn is now the S 33 Compact Hotel).   The Akane has moved out of the hotel to a location directly across the Soi.   There is no Nitespot at the original location.

Queen's Park Plaza     (Soi 22)
   *   The Friends started calling themselves New Friends.   Those premises are now held down by the N'Joy Bar.

Washington Square (Closed down April 2013
         - the 3 bars remaining in the entranceway now counted as "Soi 22")

    *    The Crystal Bar located in the center section closed.

Clinton Plaza   (Closed down on July 2003)
   *   The Living Room, located in the main building, closed.   It was the last venue to close in Clinton Plaza - the Plaza ceased to exist as a Night Entertainment Area after that time.

Tobacco Road     (Soi Zero) -   (Closed down on July 2006 )
   *   No changes that month / year.

Cowboy Annex   (Asoke Corner/Asoke Plaza)
        (Closed down on Feb 2005)
   *   The At 10 - 2 Bar closed.   Located on the right side in the Asoke Corner area.
   *   The Request closed.   Located on the left side in the Asoke Corner area.
   *   The Only You Bar closed.   Also located on the left side in the Asoke Corner area.

13 Night Market    (Atop the original Thermae digs)

(April 2003 - March 2005   - Now closed down.

Newly opened venues : 13 NIGHT MARKET :

   *   Sweet Home Bar (Originally the seminal bar in Sukhumvit Plaza)
   *   Today Airport Bar 2
   *   Catch Up Bar (newly named)

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VICARIOUS ART CRIMES # 93

MIDNITE HOUR's

But is it .... ART ?

New to the world of 'Graffiti'? See our "INTRO "
"The ART and the CONTROVERSY" - CLICK HERE

Graffiti's HISTORY <

link>

[ Check out Bangkok's dedicated Graffiti page at "BKK Graf.com" <link>. ]

GRAFFITI IN THE NEWS

ART SCENE REVIEW
Crime Doesn't Pay
EXCEPT FOR WHEN IT DOES.....

Graffiti, the scourge of thousands upon thousands of municipalities the world over, has been repeatedly reviled as unrepentant vandalism. And in many communities even worse - it has become a felony. These lawmakers felt that legislating an increase in the seriousness of the crime, increasing the punishment, would stifle the urge of taggers to go out and deface the town. They of course were wrong - graffiti is an ever-growing pursuit of that -mostly youthful- sector of society.

On the block: Banksy's mural 'Spring Is In The Air'

- Excerpted media reproduced above is solely for the purpose of illustration of this review :
copyright 'fair use' allowances and restrictions apply.

         It would therefore seem contraindicated that such vandalism would have any real value, any perceived worth.   But in recent years, graffiti works, especially those works of a more artistic nature, or more controversial, or done by well-known personages, have been hung in some of the world's most famous art museums and auctioned in virtually all the major auction houses in Europe and North America.   (See our coverage in previous issues.)

         A recent occurrence of such an art auction was held in London's, reputed Bonham's auction house.   While several 'avant garde' pieces were up for auction, the piece being headlined was Banksy's mural Spring Is In The Air.   The piece, a mostly spray-painted stencil was expected to bring in 100,000 British Pounds.

         Of course, Banksy is no ordinary graffiti artist, his reputation precedes him.   His art has been featured in several books.   He has made an award-winning film on graffiti (Exit Through The Gift Shop), and has had his pieces featured in museums and art shows....   And, of course, he has had previous pieces auctioned off at renown auction houses - much to his financial benefit.   Banksy is also guilty of being an accomplished artist in his own right - which he has also unsurprisingly 'abused' :   He has been known to have painted 'legitimate' spoof oil paintings, which he then smuggled into famous museums and surreptitiously hung them up right under the noses of security and curators. Many such spoof oils (such as: faux prehistoric art depicting cavemen pushing shopping carts) have gone unnoticed by museum staff for weeks on end.

- And now to Midnight Hour's own brand of Bangkok Graffiti ....

Graffiti #645
Timebar
10 ft high x 12 ft

Graffiti #646
Tangerino
7 ft high x 10 ft

Graffiti #647
Veldbeaters
8 ft high x 12 ft

Graffiti #648
Tin Poppers
8 ft high x 12 ft

Graffiti #649
Jawbreakers
5 ft high x 9 ft

Graffiti #650
Dragonpipe
6 ft high x 12 ft

Graffiti #651
For Your Rove
7 ft high x 11 ft

Graffiti, Graffiti , and more Graffiti - Bangkok's original graffiti Site !

The MIDNITE HOUR Graffiti Page is prepared by Staff Contributor "Boge" Hartman .

(Boge's photo, above, is not a graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated.... - Ed)

--- Datzit Fernow

William R. Morledge

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