Welcome back, Sam's 2000. An "early opener" - opening 'mid-June', on an otherwise blacked-out Soi Cowboy.
To further clarify our "Coronavirus now rare" headline (before the comments come flooding in), we of course are referring to the Coronavirus as it now affects Thailand, and not the world at large. During the just-concluded month of June, Thailand has seen Phase 3 and Phase 4 rollbacks of the Coronavirus clampdown as dictated by the Emergency Decree. We are now, as of 1 July, entering into Phase 5 - which is partly good news, and partly the same old bad news. As at this juncture, the Emergency Decree will remain in effect until at least 31 July 2020. We shall go into detail in later paragraphs, however first let's have a look at some of the good news in the 3 charts immediately below.
Coronavirus In Thailand A LOOK AT THE RELEVANT CHARTS 01 July 2020
A quick glance at the current Thailand charts will show that Coronavirus curves have not only flattened, but in some cases, have nearly bottomed-out. (The only recent "new cases" for over a month were observed in infected Thais returning from overseas and not from a local outbreak.)
All charts sourced at www.worldometers.info from W.H.O. data.
Proceeding item-by-item through our headlined "Bars, Borders, Bubbles" will be the 'Fast-And-Furious' way to quickly provide an update on our present conditions:
Bars:
In the beginning of June, restaurants were allowed to reopen, while exercising safe practices, but were not allowed to serve alcohol. On 15 June, with the implementation of Phase 4, restaurants were once again allowed to serve alcoholic beverages (with conditions). Many Venues, some calling themselves 'bars' or having 'Bar' in their name, had a second look at their license(s) - the ones they had tacked up on the wall. Many had 'restaurant' licenses, so conveniently 'became' just restaurants for the remainder of the month (they are now busily reverting to their original formats). Now that Thailand, and specifically Bangkok, has been allowed to reopen its bars, many have done so (some even getting a head-start).... However many have not yet done so, and several of that group have already permanently gone out of business. It has been apparent all along that opening the bars alone would not be the cure-all, the magic silver bullet to get the Night Entertainment Scene back on its feet. Without tourism opening back up (say; too few customers), it is likely many more Nitespots will not be able to survive the coming days.
Borders :
The partial reopening of borders falls into 3 categories : 1. Expanded travel freedom between Provinces, 2. The opening of 9 border points only for the purpose of resumption commercial trade (Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia), and 3. The opening of international borders to allow an additional 6 select types to enter the country. This includes family members of foreigners currently authorized to be in Thailand, Foreign residents, Spouses married to Thai nationals (to include children). The 5 major items on the current Phase 5 rollback, and the details of these 3 categories of travel can be found below in the Emergency Decree - Phase 5 Conditions immediately below.
Bubbles :
The concept of bilateral 'Bubble Tourism" is being discussed at highest Thai Government levels, however at the present time, there are no bilateral or other agreements. Several different proposals have been made, many having the common element of medical checks, travelling in tour groups and staying at approved hotels which are monitored for CoV-19. The success, and even the existence of such Bubble Tourism will require that Thailand and the other country or countries can come to agreement on specifics - this is not something that Thailand can decide to do on its own. It is anticipated (not guaranteed) that some agreements will come into being by the end of July 2020. Countries currently being considered for Bubble Tourism are: Laos, Viet Nam, Japan, China (some cities), Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. As noted, none of these proposed agreements has been finalized by Thailand and the countries mentioned.
Emergency Decree - Phase 5 Conditions
1 July Through 14 July 2020
These 5 conditions provide further allowances to businesses/ activities that Soon Borihan Satanakan Cov-19 previously agreed to reopen on 1 July 2020,
1. Use of educational facilities, and educational institute facilities. May opened on obtaining permission from the appropriate authority through registration and following the policies for prevention of the disease. And Ministry of Education the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and Ministry of Public Health will publish guidelines on the policy to follow for disease management, including Govt sections and affiliations/ units responsible for evaluating the readying of schools or educational institutions before opening / proceeding.
2. Department Stores, Shopping Centers, Community Malls, may now have opening / closing times suited to the premises: Department Stores to close at 22:00 hrs, and convenience stores can now operate 24 hours.
3. Service Venues : Pubs, Bars , Karaokes and similar service venues. Example; Beer & liquor halls, beer gardens, pubs and restaurants can stay open until 24:00 hrs. Each venue must maintain distance of stand / sit of 1 meter. Limit of use depends on the size of the available area, but not less than 4 square meters per person. Individuals/ groups can not join with other groups at these venues. Distance between tables not less than 2 meters, or have partitions of a height of not less than 1.5 meters, with proper air circulation and exhaust. Venues must provide a separate area for smoking. All customers must enter and leave using the Thai Chana registration app. As per Wisanu Kruangam, Deputy Prime Minister, consideration in detail will be given for the punishment for not following restrictions.
4.Gaming and Internet shops for youth under 15 years old - can operate from Mondays through Fridays 14.00 hrs - 20:00 hrs, and holidays from 10.00 hrs - 20:00 hrs. Ages from 15 - 18 years old can use the service from 14:00 hrs - 22:00 hrs and holidays 10:00 hrs - 22:00 hrs. Ages over 18 years can use services for full 24 hrs. All persons must wear cloth or surgical masks at all times. Limit of customers, based on criterion of not less than 4 sq. meters per person. Social distance for seating / standing / walkways not less than 1 meter. These conditions are Inclusive of a time-limit of 2 hours per gaming session, and will allow for a 15 minute break for venue cleaning and sanitation after each session.
5. Venues offering Ap-Op-Nuat : Tea houses must have legal permission / documents in order to operate. All customers must use Thai Chana app when entering and exiting the venue, or sign in, and further, must wear cloth masks/ surgical masks/ face shield at all times (except when taking showers). The venue must maintain cleanliness in rooms, bath tubs and bathrooms. Areas / surfaces that come in contact with customers on a regular basis must be cleaned before and after using services. Staff must check for Covid-19 virus periodically , while keeping aware of other diseases. Consideration is being given to setting up CCTV in the reception (public) area of these venues.
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Further, individuals/ businesses must follow these policy steps for implementing Phase 5.
1. Registering to use Business / activities. Persons must implement the Thai Chana App. Before resuming business, Businesses must have a plan for supervision.
2. All business /activities must make arrangements beforehand for registering entering and exiting their facilities. Also, additional policy/ procedures for authorities to inspect application and procedures.
3. Implement policy for screening fever, coughing, fatigue, sneezing or having a cold for service staff and persons using the service.
4. Consider developing innovations : Examples: Ways of registering when entering and exiting the location, and systems for teaching / learning, and how to do online bookings for new long term services on how to control the disease efficiently.
5. Reports & evaluating results. Follow the main policy for controls and report as required to Provincial Headquarters - Center for Correction of Emergency Conditions. The reports are to be submitted to Soon Boriharn Satanakarn Kovid.
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Transport & Commerce
A. The reopening of the border for Commerce: at 9 points.
1. - Permanent checkpoint Nong Khai province river landing
2. - Permanent checkpoint Baan Kok Phai, Amphur Pak Chom, Loei.
3. - Border Checkpoint / natural crossings along Thai- Burma border, Tak.
4. - Border Checkpoint for trade at Baan Huay Ton Noon, Amphur Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son.
5. - Border Checkpoint for trade at Baan Jaam Pong, Amphur Wieng Kaen, Chieng Rai.
6. - Permanent checkpoint Baan Phak Kat, Amphur Pong Nam Ron, Chantaburi for bringing in tapioca.
7. - Permanent checkpoint Padang Besar and Permanent checkpoint Baan Prakop, Song Khla.
8. - Special Border Checkpoint Sing Khon, Amphur Muang, Prajuap Khiri Khan.
9. - Permanent checkpoint Baan Pu Nam Ron, Amphur Muang, Kanchanaburi.
B. Relaxing the policy on persons coming into the Kingdom - extending additional groups of foreigners that are coming into Thailand. The Foreign Ministry includes these 6 groups :
1. - Allow for bringing in families of persons authorized to work in country.
2. - Persons who are not Thai citizens that are staying in the Kingdom.
3.- Couples where foreigners are legally married to Thai citizens, to include children.
4. - Persons who are not Thai citizens who are coming for hospital treatment, to include caregivers.
5. - Foreign students including University students and parents.
6. - Persons who are not Thai citizens that have obtained permission through special arrangement.
Last issue (last month), we 'went to press' prior to the implementation of the 15 to 30 JunePhase 4 rollback. This month we provide this rollback below - to show the sequential progression of the Emergency Decree conditions, and for record purposes, only. Note: These below conditions have been expanded upon as shown immediately above, and Phase 5 conditions take precedence in cases of overlap.
Note: this is NOT the current rollback.
See above for the CURRENT rollback. We have included this Phase 4 rollback in this month's edition to clear up several readers' misconceptions as to the details of the rollback.
Emergency Decree - Phase 4 Conditions
15 June Through 30 June 2020
1. Cancellation of curfew on 15 June onward. Still limiting arrivals from outside, land, air, by sea.
2. Reopening of International schools, private schools and private tutoring classrooms. Reopening of Government offices used for seminars and courses.
3. The reopening of schools of 120 students or less, to include border schools. (This means the small schools at the border run by the military. (Bet you didn't know about them....).
4. Alcohol can be served in restaurants, however entertainment venues remain in lockdown.
6.Theaters and cinemas may reopen, as well as government places for meetings, training, seminars, but seating one person per 4 square meters (2m x 2m).
7.Permission must be obtained for events: product launches, contests, sports competitions. One meter distancing for both seated and standing persons.
8. For concerts, cannot be crowded, no more than 1 person per 5 square meters - (approve 2.3m x 2.3 m). (Who will be measuring when the young-girl screaming starts?)
9.Dr Thawee, Soon Boriharn Satanakarn Covid-19, elaborated that selling or drinking of alcohol is authorized in restaurants, garden restaurants, hotel restaurants, regular restaurants[ Except entertainment places : pubs, karaokes, beer halls (Tawan Daeng type) ] , however must follow the law (spacing etc.) and must maintain order. [ He repeats entertainment venues still off limits. ]
10.Health Massages may also reopen but not'Ap-Op-Nuat' (steam-&-cream).
11.Other. The following may now reopen. Nurseries (for young children), Child Development Centers, Pre-schools, Child-Care Centers, Special Children Centers, Elderly Care Centers (assisted living), Day Care Centers. Spacing (children) 2 meters distancing.
12. Movie crews on Movie and TV Studios, increase to allowed max 150 persons, with audience limited to 50 persons.
13.Sauna, Herbal (Op-Samun-Phrai), and Thai Massage are reopened except 'ap op nuat', while obeying all distancing, masking, etc measures. If multiple massages in a single room, as with old fashioned Nuat Pan Boran, spacing between customers - 5 square meters.
14.Exercising is now allowed in the open and open-roofed areas. Maximum 50 persons at 5 square meter spacing between persons. Water parks and children's playgrounds & playlands, now reopened, except that apparatus that allows proximity or touching may not be used, example: play areas full of balls at malls or playgrounds may not be used,
15.Sports fields, fitness centers and sport areas & similar open activities are now allowed to resume operation.Competitions may resume, however in the case of live broadcasts, no audience (cheering sections, etc) are allowed, and multiple events may not proceed simultaneously.
16. Open gaming machines and coin-operated machines may now be used provided they have received permission under the law (legal), such as exist in department stores, community malls, and shops.
17.Transportation. Inter-provincial travel now allowed by air, with 100% seating, however wearing of masks at all times is mandatory. Transportation by bus also now allowed at 70% seating capacity, and passengers must register (with ID).
READER : Hello there,
As a long-time fan of Bangkokeyes, let me first say keep-up the good work. Your posts are always a treat .... I'm usually just content to read, but with the entire Nightlife scene now being in deep-freeze, this might be the right time for me to ask my question, which is also a bit of a request. While a lot of my fun in Bangkok has been of the straight kind, I have sometimes wondered across onto the side and had quite a good time in the late Soi Twilight. Nowhere on the net have I ever found a proper history of Soi Twilight - not even on Midnite Hour (at least not one that appears in your "History" section.)
With the lack of current events in the Nightlife scene, would you be able to share the history of Soi Twilight? You touched upon it briefly in your farewell tribute to Soi Twilight in June 2019, but surely there is more that can be said by the lore masters of Bangkok's nightlife?
Some of the obvious questions would be whether the early clubs that operated on Soi Twilight / Soi Pratuchai were new clubs or whether they had been operating elsewhere before that; and when Soi Twilight might be said to have reached its peak. Also, what happened to the original Twilight Bar? Did it simply get shut-down or did it get sold-of and renamed, so that one of the current bars can claim to be a direct descendant of the original Twilight? Of particular interest to me would be the history of Dream Boy, which was probably the most popular boy bar on the Soi and in Bangkok for many years. Finally, who actually owned Soi Pratuchai? I gather that it was a private Soi.
Many thanks and hoping that you will be able to answer.
P.S. One would think that many of these questions have been answered on the blogs on gay Bangkok nightlife, but they haven't. In fact, you'd be surprised by the complete lack of information on those blogs (most of which appear to be about octogenarian blog members saying hello to each other and bitching about the cost of drinks in bars). To take one example, Sawatdee Network, supposedly the oldest forum on gay nightlife in Thailand is relying on a map from Bangkokeyes for the locations of the boy bars following their relocation to Patpong. They have pinned the map to the front page of the forums, but have no idea where the map came from, given that they lifted it from some other forum (according to the discussion on the blog) and clearly have never heard of Bangkokeyes. Yet those fora get a lot of eyeballs and some of that traffic would probably head to Bangkokeyes if they knew how useful your site was.
P.P.S. Regardless of my adventures on both sides of Surawong Road, I think it is deeply disappointing to see the boy bars having invaded Patpong. Patpong is about pussy and that is what it should remain. If any of the boy bar owners have asked for your opinion on where they should have relocated to, Soi Than Tawan would have been the obvious choice. Not only would rents have been cheaper, but that place already has a long-established gay scene and has been waiting to pop for the longest time.
P.P.P.S. Yes, I know that Bangkokeyes/ Midnite Hour is mostly about the straight nightlife in Bangkok, given that most of the nightlife in Bangkok is straight anyway, but someone has to do it!
MIDNITE HOUR:
Your email much appreciated. Most importantly, a reminder to us to update the "History" page to include Soi Twilight. We are at a disadvantage being 'straight', but on the other hand, not to include Bangkok's major gay areas in our 'ongoing history' would be 'historically speaking', less than accurate.
Our inclusion of gay areas elicits 3 different categories of responses from our Readers:
- First, there are those who ask why we include these gay areas at all - as, certainly, there could be no general interest in these areas.
- Secondly, there are the gays who thank us for including such things as maps of the locations, which other online sites do not provide.
- The third group is those who are straight - and thank us for advising them of these gay areas, thereby saving them wasted time and effort finding out on their own.
Our first venture into Soi Twilight was at the invitation of
Jerry Hopkins<link>, author, now deceased, who, like yourself, played in both houses. At that time he recommended we include Soi Twilight in our monthly updates on BKK Eyes. He recommended we call it "Soi Hard-On", but as the gays and taxi drivers (and a surprising number of bar girls) already knew it as Soi Twilight, we ran with 'Soi Twilight'. However at that time (2005), there were too few Nitespots on the soi (it had not reached "Critical Mass"), so we adopted a "wait-and-see" position. We revisited Soi Twilight some six months later to find it had in fact reached the 'tipping-point' - the magical 'critical mass'. See our
2006 story here<link>.
As a result, our history (genesis) of Soi Twilight is very sketchy. Our only meaningful interview with anyone on the Soi (who had been there for any considerable length of time) was with the owner of Banana (became New Banana, later relocated to Soi Katoey, Silom Soi 4 on the closure of Soi Twilight). Banana was just across Soi Twilight from the then-Hot Male. He recalled that the original Twilight bar had been there at least 20 to 30 years, and perhaps since as early as 1966, but he was unable to give a precise timeframe. We also asked
Bobby De Cozier<link> of Bobby's Arms, now deceased, if he knew how long Twilight bar had been there. (Bobby had a more-than-passing knowledge of the gay community). He recalled that it had relocated there from New Road many years ago, some time in the early 1970's, but likewise could not recall an exact date (-Note: this is unsubstantiated as of this date, so we have not included this in any 'historical' writings on Soi Twilight ). The only thing clear is there is no clarity.
For a long time, Soi Pratuchai remained without any Nitespots other than the Twilight, which was at the Surawong entrance. We, regrettably, have had no access to any accounts of the build-up prior to our visit there towards the end of 2005. Also, there is unsubstantiated chatter that a number of gay venues transferred to Soi Twilight from Surawong's Soi Than Tawan<link> during the 2005-2010 timeframe. The original Twilight bar became the New Twilight at some point in time not known to us, and eventually went out of business, those premises being picked up by Hot Male at that juncture. (Hot Male remained at that location until they relocated to Patpong 2 on the closure of Soi Twilight).
Soi Twilight (Pratuchai) was a privately owned soi, which allowed it to become a 'Walking Street' at night - keeping out vehicular traffic. At its 4-year peak, (December 2010 - November 2014) Soi Twilight maintained on average 19 Nitespot venues. It was recently purchased by the Chang brewery people, and is in the throes of becoming a major redevelopment. On a similar note, the same group is bidding to take over Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4), which is another privately owned soi, for yet another redevelopment project. No news yet on the status of those negotiations.
Regrettably at this point in time, our only chance of improving / expanding on the history of Soi Twilight would be from readers' submissions of old photos and/ or accounts.
READER :
Hi!
Reporting from Sweden: Without lock-down, we have a slow but firm reduction in daily deaths. From around 100 dead/day to 40/day. Some kind of herd immunity is building. New York and Milan are most likely on the same path.
But what will happen in countries like Thailand when travel is resumed? Most likely infection rates will increase. Will Thailand choose to lock-down travel again? Should I rebook my cancelled trip (April) to November or December? Not sure!I might be forced to isolate for 2 weeks at a specified airport hotel. And since I usually travel to Thailand for like 2-weeks at a time (2- 3 times per year), that would be useless! For now I just wait and follow the news. A bit annoying!
MIDNITE HOUR:
Part of Thailand's phenomenal recovery is the early implementation of 'closed international borders', and it may in fact be the most important part of the recovery. It is predicted that the last of the restrictions to be rolled-back, or removed completely, is the international border issue. As it now stands, we have little to no deaths in Thailand, and virtually all the new cases of Coronavirus are from Thais being repatriated home from other countries. All returnees, infected and uninfected, are required to enter quarantine for 14 days at Government sponsored (reimbursed) hotels.
Social or tourist travel to Thailand will not be practical as long as the 14-day quarantine is being implemented, and the borders closed to all but 'essential' and repatriated Thai nationals and the 6 special categories listed above.
It is envisioned that when the virus has diminished globally, some countries will enter into bilateral agreements where 'medical passports' of some sort will allow travel between those two countries. (An example might be Thailand and Australia - both currently having low to nonexistent infection rates.) It is envisioned that when enough bilateral agreements exist, it would pave the way for broader agreements, such as pan-Southeast Asia, etc.This will likely take a considerable amount of time. This of course is speculation at this point, as there are too many unknowns - the main unknown is whether or not there will be a 'second wave', and if there will be, how serious will it be?
You are, of course, taking the right approach by watching the news. I would suggest you not bother with airline bookings until the virus is further suppressed and 'herd immunity' better quantified and understood - and wait to see how Sweden & Thailand arrange bilateral travel. As it now stands, airline bookings are not secure / guaranteed - I have just received news from friends that their bookings to Thailand for later in the year were cancelled by the airlines. The airlines are not only restricted by the travel guidelines of the countries of departure AND arrival, but whether or not their flights are profitable. This makes for a very unpredictable situation. Very annoying indeed.
As you will already know, Bangkok has a thriving used vinyl market, with some occasional good quality buys.
READER :
I've noticed yr issues lately have some old clubs out of the 60's and such, each time featuring Philippine entertainers. Were there any places that had mainstream groups from the U.S or other countries, or did the Philippines have the corner on the market? I still remember in the late 70's some places had Filipino groups.
MIDNITE HOUR:
Well, in answer to your question, yes, and yes. While the Philippine performers were greater in number by far in the 60's & 70's, there were a number of Nitespots that either had occasional International entertainment, or full-time International entertainment. However, the 'king' of Nighteries offering International shows during the 60's and 70's was the Cafe De Paris (corner of Patpong 1 and Surawong Road) - which had non-stop entertainers from a number of countries. Another venue of almost equal International 'stature' was the Sani Chateau - (we hope to locate a pic of them in the near future.) The Cafe De Paris usually had two International groups in at a time, alternating throughout the evening. The Cafe De Paris drew the occasional big names as well, names we remember to this day. Note: this was before the "Concert" format became big in Bangkok - the earliest of these were also in the 70's.
Bangkok'sNight Entertainment Venues, closed down in late March, are now once again officially allowed to reopen (while observing safe practices). And with the reopening comes the ongoing task of tallying-up : - who has reopened, who has not yet reopened, and who will not be reopening (and even the rare instance of who has opened newly). Note: this will necessarily be an ongoing evaluation - as long as the nation's international borders are not open to tourism, assessing the full extent of the Coronavirus lockdown damage to the Night Entertainment Scene will not be possible.
Patpong 1's longest survivor, the Madrid not only reopened, but reopened one day early (as a restaurant they could have technically opened 2 weeks ago and served alcohol - but as PP1 was otherwise dead, no one was opening..). Welcome them back home...
PATPONG 1
Opening in what was, until the lockdown, the upstairs Power Puff Girls, is an unnamed 'ping-pong' show-bar. Ugh... the thrill is gone... or is it just me?
PATPONG 1
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Patpong 1 Road. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Madrid *Shenanigans
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Powerpuff Girls Bar *Hanuman Massage *Twilo *Beerbar SuperStar
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Derby King *Pussy Magic (Queen's 1) *Rose *Takara Massage *King's Body House Massage *Kiss *Asia Herb Massage *Thai Lady Bar *Thigh Bar *Safari Bar *SuperStar *Queen's 2 (Queen's Castle 2) *King's Castle 1 *King's Castle 2 *Happy Bar *Muzzik Cafe *King's Castle *Pussy Magic *Kamakazi DJ Bar *The Emperor Club *King's Corner Beer Bar *Kings Corner 2 *The Club King's
Over a month ago we received the same story from several sources : Somchai has "Hung Up The Keys" - Cosmos was closing. Well, when a whole lot of nothing happened, we inquired around and found that "The Keys" were still in Somchai's pocket, and that he was looking for a buyer (say: sub-lessee). Which isn't altogether bad news... it is possible that Cosmos could spring back to life....
PATPONG 2
The Black Pagoda is back in action, full pedal to the metal. They had their "Welcome Back" party on 30 June... until the early, early light... Good rocking was had by all... Wish them continued successes...
PATPONG 2
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Patpong 2 Road. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Black Pagoda
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Bada Bing (by Twilo)
*Patpong Cafe *Crystal Palace *Dream Boy Paradiso *Dream Boy Bangkok *Matador (Linda) - On 'The Ramp'
*Spanish Eyes - On 'The Ramp'
*Qeen 501 Studio Bar - On 'The Ramp'
*Swing Club - On the Ramp
*Hotmale - On 'The Ramp'
*The World (Linda's Place) - On 'The Ramp'
*Three Ladys Cocktail Lounge - On 'The Ramp'
*(An unnamed bar beer) - (Next to The Strip)
*Triple XXX Lounge *Crown Royal *Paddy Fields *Spanky's Bar *Tavern 3 Saloon *Le Bouchon *Old Other Office *Tavern Two (Tony & Tooey) *Pinocchio's Club *Sixty Nine Bar *French Kiss - On the Island
*V.L. Gallery Beer Bar - On the Island
*Chicken Divine Bar Beer- On the Island
*Dragon Bar Beer (no sign)
- On the Island
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Glamour *Vinai's Cosmos Club * (*See details in Sign of the Times)
*De Talk *Bangkok Massage *Top Less Pool Bar *Lucky Boys Bangkok *Shenanigan's Sports Club (Upstairs)
*Fresh Boys *Triple 888 Massage - 3rd Floor The Ramp
*Bar Bar (Fetish) *Patpong Museum Annex (Not main Museum)
*The Strip Bangkok 2 *Vinai's Bar *Star Of Light *Thai Room Pool Bar *Top Light Bar *Midnite *Screw Boy *The Pink Panther
The @ Corner was one of only two Nitespots that opened on Soi Cowboy prior to the beginning of Phase 5 on 1 July. Welcome back to what we hope will be the neon jungle...
SOI COWBOY
The After Skool was one of the first out of the blocks on 1 July, and with their new neon already strung up and on fire... There's good rockin' tonight...
SOI COWBOY
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Soi Cowboy. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Sam's 2000.
*@ Corner bar beer.
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Spritz *Suzie Wong *The Peep *Lucky Star Long Gun *Crazy Cat *Penny Black *The Corner (Live Music)
*Baccara *Shark *Sunshine After Skool *Lighthouse *Tilac
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Crazy House (on Soi 23)
*Kazy Kozy *Club Rio *Cockatoo *Oasis *Moonshine *Jungle Jim's *Spice Girls *Cowboy 2 *Cactus Club *Toy Bar *Midnite Bar *Shadow Lady Boy *Dollhouse *Fanny's *Kiss Sahara *Deja Vu *Five Star *Country Road.
Although a few Nitespots did reopen in Nana Plaza, it looks like the implosion we mentioned last month hasn't rectified itself. The photo immediately below not only shows all the 3rd level bars closed, it shows the entire 3rd levelcordoned off with barrier tape. We haven't seen the 3rd level Off-Limits since September 1995... Further, the seven Venues we noted last month as 'permanently closed' do not show any outward sign of having new sub-lessees... Perhaps once the international borders are once again open to tourist travel, the once-fabulous Nana Plaza will again shine...
NANA PLAZA
The Stumble Inn was Nana Plaza's one bright spot in June, opening (somewhere around) the 20th... Taking advantage of it's Restaurant license and 'safe distancing', cold beer was had by all.
NANA PLAZA
The Rainbow Group's enthusiasm for playing 'Musical Chairs' with their bars has gone unabated these last few years - even during the Coronavirus lockdown... What was the Rainbow 5 is now "4" and the Twister Bar is now the new Rainbow 5. Kudos to the Group for their new, standardized 'Big Bold' signage. Welcome back to the bright lights, big city.
NANA PLAZA
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Nana Plaza. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Stumble Inn.
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Morning Night *K & S Bar *Rainbow 2 *Twister Bangkok *Big Dogs *Rainbow 5 - Brand New - (Was Twister Bar - 2nd floor)
*Rainbow 4 - (Was Rainbow 5)
*Sexy Night *Spanky's
The photos below, starting with Strikers Sports Pub, show off those 'early birds' that opened their doors on / about 20 June - most of whom had 'restaurant' licenses to keep them 'legal' during the Coronavirus Phase 4 rollback. Welcome them back to partytown...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
Hillary 2
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
Hillary 1 Pub-Restaurant
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
The Tavern
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
Bus Stop
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
Fitzgerald's
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Soi Nana. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
*P's Thai Massage *P's Thai Massage Deluxe *No Name Bar - (In subsoi Big Mango)
*Red Zone *Apsara Day Spa *Lannana *Swan 1 Bar Beer *Country Road *Naree Massage *Chaos 9 *Always Beers & Wines *Rest Hub 2 *Asia Herb Association *Heaven @ 4 *BK pool bar *Angels 4 - In Rajah Hotel
*Jersey Pub - @ Soi 6
*Bangcockney - @ Soi 6
*Hang Out Pub - @ Soi 6
*The Cabin - @ Soi 6
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Hollywood Salon / Relax Time Massage *Heidelbergs *Golden Beer Bar *Bad Shah Club - In Nana Hotel
*Fortune Bar Restaurant .
*Elegance Salon & Massage *Yardbird - in Rajah Hotel compound
*Toh Roong - in Rajah Hotel compound
*Super Bowl - in Rajah Hotel compound
*Goody Massage - in Rajah Hotel compound.
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4). Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*G's Bangkok - (Plus - open for Take-out food from the outset.)
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Banana Bar *Welcome Bar *Jupiter Annex *4 Sports *Bas Living Room *Sugar Bowl *The Balcony *Jupiter *Fork & Cork
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*The Adam Massage *Connections *Stranger *Telephone Pub *Eat Drink Man Woman *Eat Drink Izakaya & Sushi .
*Nakarat Massage *Tapas Cafe *Hugs Bar Karaoke
Hip Bangkok Massage popped up out of nowhere on the main Soi 22 drag (between Subsoi Lemongrass and Subsoi Hana). Brand-new to the Soi, but looking at their rather ragged exterior sign, it looks like they might have relocated in from another part of town... Nevertheless, welcome them to the slippery slopes.
SOI 22
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Sukhumvit Soi 22. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Cali-Mex Bar & Grill - in Holiday Inn
*Happy Bar - Soi Starlight
*Bit Style Fantasy Massage - Soi Starlight
*Love Me Bar & Massage - Soi Starlight
*Keep In Touch Bar - Soi Starlight
*Hangover *Butterfly Massage *Green Tree Massage *Bangkok Passion Massage - Soi Lemongrass
*New Yorker Cafe & Cocktail Lounge - Soi Lemongrass
*Exotic Bangkok Massage - Soi Hana
*Ban Sabai Thai Massage *Yuuka Snack Bar *Otto Bar & Bistro *(Unnamed Beer Bar - Internet) *Angel Bar 22 *The Connection *Am's Bar *Too Easy - Soi Titanium
*Craik - Soi Titanium
*Double Chill - Soi Titanium
*Orchid Massage & Spa - (Subsoi Family Mart)
*Dio Massage & Spa - (Subsoi Family Mart)
*Bar Black Pinkie *New Cowboy Bar
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*59 Bar *Jasmine Massage & Barber - (Open Last Month, now CLOSED)
*Stronger Bar & Restaurant - Soi Starlight - (Gone, now a restaurant.)
*Butterfly Bar & Restaurant - Soi Starlight
*Bangkok 48 Massage - Soi Starlight (Open Last Month, now CLOSED)
*Iyashi Barber - (Open Last Month, now CLOSED)
*Lily Relax Massage *Honey Bee Massage - Soi Lemongrass
*Parador Massage - Soi Lemongrass
*Kiss Bangkok 3 - Soi Lemongrass
*Kiss Bangkok 1 - Soi Lemongrass
*Bangkok Bunny Massage - Soi Hana
*Bar Ion *Terminal 69 Bar Beer *Shag Bar II *Healing Thai Massage - Soi Titanium
*Squeeze Inn (Squeeze Bar) - Soi Titanium
*Lan Massage - Soi Titanium
*Tina - Honey Plaza
*Infinity Japanese Snack - Honey Plaza - CLOSED permanently.
*Siri Massage *Mo Na 22 Massage
While (most) other established Night Entertainment Venues were waiting until 1 July to reopen, the brand-new Tewly Cocktail just went ahead and opened when it felt like it (...sometime in June). And it opened - of all places - in the temporary Night Market across the Soi from the Ambassador Hotel. May they continue to rock 'n roll...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
Follows is the Status of Nitespots on Soi Ambassador(Soi 11 Sukhumvit) which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Old German Beer House *Hemingway *Market Rooftop *Ava *Harmony Massage - Subsoi Havana Social
*Mon Spa - Subsoi Havana Social
*Oskar Bistro *Calimex Bar & Rest *Brew Beers & Ciders *Lek's Last Stand - On Sukhumvit
*Pocket Pool - Soi 11/1
*Clear Massage & Spa - Soi 11/1
*Tewly Cocktail Bar Beer - In roadside Nightmarket NEW OPEN
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Hillary 3 Climax *Baan Thongdee Massage - Already reopen previous month.
*Phoenix Massage - Already reopen previous month.
*Havana Social - in Subsoi Havana Social
*Above Eleven *Ya Dong Potion bar beer - in Subsoi Havana Social
*Score Sports Bar
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Zanzibar *Wax Late Night *The Australian *Bilbos *Kon Kord *Pregame Bar - In subsoi
*WXYZ Bar - In Aloft Hotel which is closed.
*Crave - In Aloft Hotel which is closed.
*Levels - In Aloft Hotel which is closed.
*Club Koreana Karaoke *Marshmallow .
*Insanity *One For The Road *Apoteka *Soul Salt / Liquid Elephant *Harmony Massage - In Fenix building
*Chaba Massage *Cozy Spa - Soi 11/1
*Bai Po Massage - Soi 11/1
*8 on Eleven *Alex Bangkok *Mulli's Sports Bar *Hot Stone Spa
We were expecting the worst when it came to Soi 7 Plaza's chances of reopening on implementation of the Phase 5 rollback. We were therefore doubly surprised to see that most of the Nitespots reopened immediately on 1 July 2020. There were, however, a couple of bars that opened early - Moonshine Pub, and the strangely-named After Sammy Bar. (We mistakenly labelled the After Sammy as "PERMANENTLY CLOSED" last month.) Pics below. Welcome them all back to the neon circus...
SOI 7 PLAZA
SOI 7 PLAZA
Follows is the Status of Nitespots on Soi 7 Plaza which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Moonshine Pub *After Sammy Bar - (Previously thought to be closed.)
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Lucky Bar *Rumours *Our Place *Together *Day & Nice Bar *'Welcome Open' *Leo's Wall - (Now at two locations - took over a food stall also)
*Rich Bar *Long Shots *D-Nice *Drop In Bar *Players *Beers & Birds *Nana @ 7 bar beer
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Cho Cho *Butterfly Bar *Meaw Meaw Bar *The Star *Friendly Bar *N' Joy - CLOSED permanently - absorbed by D-Nice
The long-standing Survey Entertainment hostess bar reopened as expected on 1 July 2020, immediately kicking off the Phase 5 rollback. May Lady Luck continue to smile...
SOI DEAD
ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)
Follows is the Status of Nitespots which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown - for Soi Dead Artists - Sukhumvit Soi 33. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Kyoto Massage *Fortune 17 Karaoke
.
*Tokyo *Hera's Massage *Akane Fashion Massage *Dream Heaven Massage
.
*Love Teen / Mask Tattoo *Thanks Massage. - Soi Pan Pan
*Japanese Snack Bar - Soi Pan Pan
*33 Bangkan Japanese Karaoke - Soi Pan Pan
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Mainichi Club & Karaoke - S 33 Compact Hotel
*Tsubaki Expatriate Japanese Club 2 - Subsoi 6
*Tsubaki 33 - Subsoi 6
*Survey Entertainment *Charming Massage - Subsoi 33/2
*Love & Service Massg. (Mitu's Bangkok) - Subsoi 4
*Fortune Club Girl's Bar & Massg - Subsoi 3
*Daisy Dream Massage - Subsoi 3
*Demonia *Club Kitty - Soi Pan Pan
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Dozo Massage - S 33 Compact Hotel
*Joy - S 33 Compact Hotel
*Footjoy Massage *Bar Kizuna *So Ra Japanese Massage - Subsoi 4
*Soba Juban - Subsoi Pan Pan
*SKV 33 - CLOSED - Will not reopen - vacated premises.
The Nannie (Brown) Blue have removed their sign and taken their chattel - and are 'in the wind'. May they find things more to their liking a little further on down the road a piece.
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
Follows is the Status of Nitespots on Soi Eden (Sukhumvit 7/1) which were closed down due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Venues reopening after 1 June 2020 will be shown in next month's issue.
Early Reopeners - Reopening in June 2020
*Wood Bar - (Also open discreetly in May)
*Kawinya Massage - (Also open in May)
*Good Times Massage - (Also open in May)
Reopened 1 July 2020
*Dalah Massage *The Cool Sports Bar *Our Place *Down Under *Chrome Bar *Shots Bar *Magic Table *Sip Song *Sweet Heart Bar
Not Yet Reopened - Status Unknown
*Tarntip Massage *Bangkok Beer Cafe *Mike's Corner Bar *Nannie Brown Blue (CLOSED permanently - signage/ chattel removed)
*Plame Relax Massage *The Eden Club -
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
OTHERNITESPOTSOFINTEREST
The Soi 7 Bier Garten reopened quietly a day early (30 June 2020). It suffered through the worst of the Coronavirus pandemic with the rest of us, and then further suffered at the perverse hands of the Rumor Mill : "It was closing," they said... And, "Girls who worked there have died from CoV-19," they said... Obviously it hasn't closed, and it remains moot as to whether any staff or freelancers who frequented the Bier Garten have died (although having said that, some of the latter were of the endangered age grouping...). Welcome back to the machine.
SOI 7 (Sukhumvit Road)
During the Night Entertainment Venue shutdown through the 'heavy' part of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Thermae Coffee Shop was leaning forward in its foxhole, waiting to reopen. And this is exactly what it did, come 1 July 2020. By all accounts, a number of customers and freelancers found their way back down into the underground...
Bangkok Eyes goes back in time to see
Who was New - And Who was Through
in the Expat Night Entertainment World
How many of these old 'Oases'
Do you remember ?
As the Coronavirus Pandemic peaks-out in most parts of the globe, graffiti artists and muralists continue in grand style with the Covid-19 theme - this time around, many street artists convey a message of 'hope'.
And none have told the story better than one of our favorite Graffiti sites - Graffiti Street <link>. We have excerpted a few of those pics below, however we recommend visiting their web page for 'more and better' on the Graff scene, to include current projects and cooperatives...
"Superfreak" - Jack Arts.
"Very Happy" Ben Eine - Jack Arts
"And Another Fine Mess" Ben Eine - Jack Arts
"Holy Moly" - Jack Arts
Bangkok Eyes is an historically based news outlet, and as such, all graphic excerpts herein are considered, under current legal precedents and prevailing interpretations, 'Fair Use' under Copyright Law. Copyright of excerpts of any original artwork and excerpts of photographs resides exclusively with the creators.
Graffiti #1188
All Dressed Up
11 ft high x 5 ft (center image)
Graffiti #1189
Wine Punch
5 ft high x 7 ft
Graffiti #1190
Shadow-Dee
8 ft high x 8 ft
Graffiti #1191
Welcome Smile
7 ft high x 5 ft (center panel)
Graffiti #1192
Wall-Eyed
9 ft high x 12 ft
Bangkok Eyes is an historically based news outlet, and as such, all graphic excerpts herein are considered,
under current legal precedents and
prevailing interpretations, 'Fair Use' under Copyright Law. Copyright of any original artwork resides exclusively with the artists.
Bangkok's original site !
SINCE 2005
The MIDNITE HOUR Graffiti Page is prepared by Staff Contributor "Boge" Hartman.
(Boge's photo, above, is not a graffitiper-se, although there are those who have insinuated....
-
Ed)