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MONTHLY NEWS
COLUMN

Bangkok,
01 October 2020
William R.  Morledge


October's Nitelife News
Bangkok's Bars - 20 Years Ago  
A Smile in the Land of Smiles.
Reader's Corner: Naturist A Go-Go 1967
Bangkok's Graffiti Update  - #173

        Fillin' our heads full of figgers and angles, and tellin' us stuff we already know...," or so says Billy Joe Shaver...   One of the things we 'already know' is border closures under the Emergency Decree was necessary in controlling the Coronavirus.   We also 'already know' Thailand's ongoing border closure continues to cripple our Night Entertainment Industry.
Although Venues on Patpong 1 Road are slowly reopening, it remains quiet, virtually deserted and without customers...

Coronavirus Overview
GLOBAL 2nd WAVE FADES FURTHER
01 October 2020
      This month we again review the global figures alongside several 'typical' individual countries.   For purposes of comparison, this month we are publishing data for the same countries we analyzed in previous months.   Note: 'typical' countries are so selected because of their accurate record-keeping and, not coincidentally, their implementation of internationally recognized precautionary and medical treatment procedures used in containing the Coronavirus.   As was the case last month, it is immediately observable from these graphs that the 2nd Wave generally rose, then began falling - both globally and for each of the individual nations, during the same timeframe.   The only geographic area glaringly slow in beating the 2nd Wave is Europe (including the U. K.) - it appears they are just now starting to experience falling case rates.   This is likely due to their less-than-organized implementation of precautionary containment measures.

      It also becomes apparent from the analyses of the graphs of these countries over the last 4 months, and from analyses of countries who have not been successful in implementing adequate isolation protocols, we can now reconfirm, yet again, which measures work, and what does not work - at least as far as 'isolation' and 'control' are concerned.   However, isolation is not the full answer - see the detailed discussion following the graphs below.














      As the above upsurges and declines are recent, we have used both 'new case' and 'death' data to best illustrate the actual trending by the most accurate and visually observable means.      Bangkok Eyes has reproduced the above information as a public service - this information is readily available to the public on the Internet and through other sources.   This information is not to be construed as a prediction, or an estimate, or a projection relating to changes in the prevalence of the Coronavirus, either as to length of time, location or severity.

All charts sourced at www.worldometers.info from W.H.O. data.


               -But the borders cannot remain closed forever.   Thailand, wisely, subscribed early on to 'border-closure' as a primary element in controlling the transmission of the Coronavirus - an essential first step.   But this measure created a 'bubble', making Thailand 'an island of its own creation'.   As it worked out, this isolation 'bubble' and like 'bubbles' throughout the globe were generally successful - doing their part in stopping cross-border transmissions.   But the ensuing politicization and emotional debates over isolation in general, and each and every bit of minutiae relating to Coronavirus has caused (global) 'Coronaphobia' to reign supreme, while the Coronavirus itself has taken the back seat.   What has been lost in the highly charged muddle of politicians playing scientist (and vice versa) is that isolation -at any scale- was intended to SLOW the spread of the virus - to buy time while medical resources could be mobilized.   That original goal of 'locking down' until medical resources had been mobilized has long ago been reached - yet 'isolation' remains 'the order of the day' in Thailand, and in much of the world, in the belief that it is somehow going to be the way out from under the dread shadow of the Coronavirus.   Again, isolation was not intended to be, and is not, 'the cure'.

          Even under the most ideal border lockdown scenario we cannot expect to "win" the battle with CoV-19.   The very best we can do is to continue on in endless Stalemate, specifically because herd immunity will not spread throughout an 'isolated' population (self-evident, by definition).   In short, there is only one way out of the CoV-19 global nightmare, and that is through immunity.   And there are only 2 possible ways to get immunity - herd immunity and immunity by vaccination.   An unwillingness to grasp this is 'denial'.

         It should not go unnoticed that, as infection rates remain relatively high, globally, and the death rates are continuing to drop noticeably (without a vaccine), it is either because of (1) increased care or (2) herd immunity.   In that people almost always get over CoV-19, developing antibodies in the process (and rarely if ever become re-infected), and in that many have developed antibodies without symptoms, and in that we are into the pandemic for 9 months, there is a single incontrovertible conclusion : the emperical evidence unequivocally substantiates medium-term to long-term immunity from direct infection.   The second path to immunity (mentioned above) is through a vaccine.   

         Firstly, we shouldn't be pinning our hopes on a vaccine - vaccines have not, historically, always been possible - as with AIDS, for example.   But there is the likelihood that a vaccine of at least partial efficaciousness will be developed.   (The Annual Flu vaccine is just such a partially successful vaccine.)   Should a vaccine be developed.... even if it is only partially effective, it could provide the psychological nudge world governments and medical communities need to break away from the current global Coronaphobic "isolation mentality" that has brought the progress in the fight against Coronavirus to a snail's pace.

         But even without the development of a vaccine, it will be necessary for the world to proceed much as Thailand is now proceeding, with talk of a Quarantine Island (Phuket) and the recent passing of the "Special" long-stay visas for those willing to do the 2-week quarantine.   But this can only be the start : programs such as these will need to continue to be created and implemented just as fast as they can be approved.   Consider the alternative - an isolation without end.

         In summary, the statistics speak for themselves, the Thailand Government
has, to date, handled the Coronavirus Pandemic as well or better than any other nation.   The various restrictions implemented under the Emergency Decree and the incremental rollback of those restrictions have demonstrated 'what works', and 'that which does not - relative to 'isolation' and 'control'.   However, it is now time to move away from the Coronaphobic "isolation mode" and to go forward with the step-by-step process of integrating back into the world.   Final Note: Phase 5 conditions, and the subsequent addenda, for controlling Coronavirus are still in effect in Thailand (as outlined in our previous issues).   In practice, however, 'social distancing' is almost nonexistent, to include in Bangkok's Night Entertainment Venues, and the wearing of masks is reserved for public transportation, commercial and government buildings and facilities - and of course, medical buildings.   Save for the border lockdown, the "New Normal" in Thailand has proven not to be substantially different or intrusive.

             *We note the local Thai Night Entertainment Areas are open and doing reasonably well, as, of course, their main source of custom is not foreign tourism.   (Examples of local Thai Nitespot Areas: Sri Nakarin South, Soi Thonglor, Soi Udomsuk, Soi Ekamai, RCA.)









October's Thai Smile wins the evening...



BOOKS ...worth a read !

( Click on book covers to order. )



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MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX         



Join the 'Comments' page...


NATURIST A-GO-GO  -  BANGKOK's  FIRST
JANUARY  1967  &  JULY  1967  RESPECTIVELY
   READER :
      Going back to your August column, I saw where you had published that there was A Go-Go in Bangkok before it was introduced to the Grand Prix in 1969.   It seems there are a lot of other sites who are saying that the Grand Prix on Patpong was in fact the first to introduce A Go-Go.   Your article says there were A Go-Go 'shows' in other bars and clubs?   Do you have any examples of these?

   MIDNITE HOUR:   
      Bangkok Eyes has previously noted that there were A Go-Go 'shows' of brief duration in a few other Venues prior to Rick's inclusion of A Go-Go as a permanent fixture at the Grand Prix on Patpong 1 Road.   In that the Grand Prix was noted in print as the first to have A Go-Go as a full-time feature, we gave the Grand Prix the nod as having been Bangkok's seminal A Go-Go Nitespot.   We are currently putting together an article on the 'A Go-Go era', and have already collected a number of examples of Nitespots having A Go-Go, at least in some form, in the early days.   However, while collecting those old adverts and (with some luck) receiving input from contributors, we noticed that a Venue named Naturist A-Go-Go appeared a number of times, and over an extended period.   Naturist A-Go-Go has appeared continuously from at least 1967 through 1969 (to include the timeframe that Rick opened the Grand Prix).   As it was a dedicated A Go-Go, Naturist A-Go-Go was arguably the first to introduce A Go-Go to Bangkok on a regular basis. (!)
      The Grand Prix, however, is credited as the Nitespot that introduced A Go-Go as a regular feature on Patpong Road (and sparked the A Go-Go revolution there, just not in greater Bangkok.

      An extract from the booklet that JUSMAGTHAI Support handed out to arriving G.I.s coming from Viet Nam for R&R.   This booklet was for the year 1969.   Naturist A-Go-Go was one of many listed Nitespots.

The Grand Prix - December 1969
       Proto-A Go-Go as Rick Menard rolls out A Go-Go dancing at the Grand Prix.   Although the Grand Prix opened 6 February 1969, it was some time before Rick introduced his first A Go-Go dancers.   Note the subdued 'costumes' (street gear) behind a beaded "modesty curtain".   Wow...   The above pic is not from the Nite Owl's column, however judging from the telltale phraseology, we can say with some certainty Bernard Trink is the 'culprit'....
BANGKOK's  NIGHTLIFE  DOLDRUMS
   READER :  Hi,
      I have been an avid back seat reader of your monthly reports since I arrived in Thailand 20 years ago.   And now I feel really sorry for you guys having to strain the rhetoric to find something new to say or report.
      I must say that I agree with critics who say you spend too much space on Covid statistics, because you do.   And I know why you do - to fill space.   But we can get that (if we want it) from other sources.
      I look to you for in-depth surveys of Night Scene.   But of recent months it's been a light scan rather than in-depth.   I sympathize, of course.   The night scene has changed from vibrant and exciting to limp and boring.
      But please can you do some more reports on Venues that are open.   And tell us bar times.   What time do they open?   Close?
      Nothing in latest report about Beer Garden Soi 7.   A staple of Bangkok bars from before my time.   Is it open?   Do they all sit 2 metres apart?   Wear masks?   Interesting things like that we (I) would like to know.
      Is Pickled Liver up and running in its new guise?   Report on Soi 7/1 was minimal this month.   What is actually open there?
      And some info about hotels actually open would be good.   I went to Bangkok for one night in June with a confirmed reservation only to find the hotel abandoned.   That was 2 hours before curfew.
      So please, instead of sticking to the old formula, reinvent yourselves as the entire entertainment industry itself has to do too.   
      I will not desert you.   I await your monthly offering eagerly.

   MIDNITE HOUR:   
      As an historical site (rather than a typical Nightlife site), we are more-or-less compelled to report Covid-19 first, as it has had far-and-away the largest impact on the Bangkok Nightscene in its entire history.   To paraphrase ourselves, "As the Pandemic goes, so goes Bangkok's Nightlife".   In this manner, we hope, through an accumulation of monthly surveys, to create an historical record (of that which has actually transpired) for future Internet browsings - (should our site "make it to the future" at all.... Ha!)
      Note: we do mention each month, by Night Entertainment Area, those bars that have reopened or re-closed, and continue to list new bars that have opened, and those which have closed permanently.   We believe we are the only website keeping detailed tabs on the expat Nightscene in Bangkok.
      "Historical" aside, your comments are helpful indeed, and we really do need to provide an updated, comprehensive review of the entire expat scene.   This would include updating our maps of each of the expat Night Entertainment Areas (which would clearly show those Venues which are still open).   The first stumbling block along this path is that the scene is changing too rapidly, we can't get a map completed without it having already changed substantially a month later.   Nevertheless, it still needs to be done, and we shall get it done, as soon as the waters calm a bit.
      It has been two months since the bars have reopened (restaurant-bars opened earlier), and there have been a number of bars that have reopened, then re-closed.   A number haven't reopened yet, but we are giving them "the benefit of the doubt", not writing them off entirely until we see what 'eventuates'.   This is a difficult choice - when does the "decent interval" expire, where we can say a venue is truly 'closed"?   A hard call - one we will surely not get 100% right - at the expense of being abused by disgruntled bar owners (as happened this last month with Chrome Bar).
      We have a number of awaiting 'stories' we would like to lead with in future issues, but as we are a 'volunteer team', time runs short as we get on with the rest of our lives.
* In reply to your immediate questions :
      - Pickled Liver has not reopened, and progress on the extensive renovations has ceased entirely since the Pandemic.
      - Soi 7 Bier Garten.   Please see our July issue, where we note its reopening, and have a couple of pics  ( bangkokeyes.com/2020jul01.html <link> ).   It remained open - as of the 31 August survey.   We will be re-surveying at the end of this month and will of course report any change in status.
      - Masks :  Technically speaking masks are required while out of doors and in public buildings and on public transportation, but once seated in a bar or a restaurant, masks are not worn.    - Social distancing :  Likewise, social distancing is technically on the books, but generally ignored once in a bar or a restaurant.   Tables may be spaced apart by 1 or 2 meters, but groups at tables, or persons sitting at a bar do not practice social distancing.   And of course, the hostesses do not practice social distancing with customers, once seated.
      - Closing times have reverted to the old times, now that the curfew has been lifted.   Many bars and bar areas (such as the new Soi 7 Plaza) are doing the same old "lights out-stay open" - along with a 'wink-and-a-nod' from the local Men-In-Too-Tight-Uniforms (varies depending on Police District).
      - Hotels.   - The hotels are now slowly reopening - how, we do not know, as there is no increased source of foreign custom.   Example : The Nana Hotel opened on 2 September, and some of the 'permanent resident' guests moved back in, as well as general use as a short time hotel (ladies seen coming and going), but hard to see the hotels turning a profit...
      Please continue to send in any criticism and questions.   (We can't depend on friends to criticize, they are too kind....)
'THAI  SMILES'  -  GETTING  PERMISSION
Madrid in its heyday

   READER :   
      I have a photo of a massage girl from Soi 22 that I took 10 years ago.   Do you accept pics like that for publication in your column?   Do you need the permission of the girl?   I have no idea where she is now.


   MIDNITE HOUR:   
      Ah, a 'FAQ' - Frequently Asked Question:   Re: 'usability' of photos for our Thai Smile, we have either taken the pics ourselves, and have personal knowledge of, and/ or have done the 'permissions', and/ or the 'due diligence' regarding "Fair Use" etc, on (almost all) the individual pics appearing on Bangkok Eyes.   -However, this has not always been the case, as in the Thai Smile for last month. -   The young lady was a bartendee-cashier at The Trolley (Sukhumvit Rd., opp. Soi 26), and later moved to the Gold Label, when it was the only bar on Soi Cowboy [Bernard Trink called it 'the small soi behind the Shell Station', as the Soi didn't have a name then (1975).]   Therefore, we suspect we are at least technically at risk of having to remove this young lady's photo, even though she, of her own volition, gave the photo to us without conditions.

Generally, the Bangkok Eyes' policy on 3rd party submissions to us of any type is: they are assumed to be in the public domain (and therefore publishable by us) unless the person submitting the material states that he/she is unsure of the status re: copyright, or unsure if it is in the "public domain".   -Or, the person submitting the material states it is copyrighted, or may not be published for other reasons.   Our website policy further states that if a third party wishes Bangkok Eyes to remove any material which the third party claims is copyrighted or otherwise belongs to him, we will do so, should he be able to show reasonable proof of ownership.

In the case of your 10-year old photo, while all submissions are welcome, in that it is a photo of a presumed living person, regretfully, it would require permission of the young lady.

Over the last 18 years, we have been required to remove a single photo from the website, precisely because we did not receive prior permission.   Another time, also several years ago, the husband of a young lady (married after the photo was taken) wrote in and was elated to see the old photo of her (even though I did not obtain permission at the time).   He did not want her photo removed.   Nevertheless, we learned our lesson on getting permissions first.
Thanks for reading and for writing in.
Don't hesitate to send your questions and comments - always welcome.
Note: Text may be edited for brevity and/ or clarity.
'Reader's Corner' moderator -


'Boge' Hartman
Historical Research
*   Zootramp Publications


 


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BANGKOK EYES
Let the October 2020 Follies  begin-

               Bangkok's Night Entertainment Venues, closed down in late March, have officially been allowed to reopen since 1 July.   This month, as was the case last month, we have seen a number of Nitespots reopen, and several that have gone out of business permanently.   Additionally, we have noted in our last two monthly surveys that a number of Venues will close on some days, and will be open on others (without putting signs out front to inform customers of temporary closures).   In such cases, we will report those venues as "closed", however, during this time of 'Coronavirus Crunch', we will not remove them from our monthly surveys, and duly record any eventual reopenings.


 PATPONG  1  
MAP
            This last month the only Nitespot to reopen on Patpong 1 was the Kiss.   Nevertheless, it joined the ranks of the small handful of other bars on that Soi, rarely having even a single customer.
 PATPONG  1 

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*  Kiss
*  Tip Top (restaurant).
*  Thai Lady Bar - (2nd floor, rip off) - Re-reopened.
*  Derby King - Re-reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*   - (Nil)


 PATPONG  1

 PATPONG  2  
MAP
            Glamour was open when we passed by at the first of the month (having been closed on our last month survey).   We note most of the young ladies are out on the front stoop, all on their hand-phones.   Prospective customers shouldn't have a hard time finding someone to talk to... provided they could get them off their phones...   Glamour is one of the bars that opens and closes without prior notice, thereby causing regular customers to go elsewhere.
 PATPONG  2

            The Club Kings reopened for the first time since the Emergency Decree clamp-down.   Located on the corner of Patpong 2 and 'Soi Bookstore' (connecting Patpong 1 and 2).   May they continue to find a customer here and there...
 PATPONG  2

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*  Glamour- Re-Reopening
*  Bada Bing - Re-Reopening

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*   - (Nil)

 PATPONG  2

 SOI COWBOY  
MAP
            Last month, Fanny's was playing at being open, sometimes only out in front.   This month they are nailed down tightly.   Their destiny unknown... we'll keep an ear to the ground...
 SOI  COWBOY 

            Oasis has reopened for the first time since the Pandemic.   They are an upstairs-downstairs Pool Bar-Pub (English-American menu).   The food, should you not be playing pool, compares favorably to the now-closed The Old Dutch.   Check out their 'specials' on drink and food...
 SOI  COWBOY 

 NANA  PLAZA  
MAP
             Nana Plaza had a total of nine (9) bars closed on our end-of-the-month survey.   This includes the 4 bars that have been permanently closed since the beginning of the Pandemic.   The 5 bars recently noted as closed at the end of 30 September were Rainbow 2 (another permanent closure), Enter (temporary?), Diamonds (temporary?), Temptations (temporary?), Straps (temporary?).   [Photos below.]   We give the benefit-of-the-doubt to the last 4, as many Bangkok bars are now closing at a whim for a day here-a day there, without posting a sign or note on the front as to the closure or the time of scheduled reopening.   (This of course causes them to lose any "regular customers" they may have had, who come to their front door, not knowing what is going on - so they go somewhere else...)   Just sayin'....

 NANA  PLAZA

 NANA  PLAZA

 NANA  PLAZA

 NANA  PLAZA

 NANA  PLAZA

             If there was something supposed to be going on in the old Casanova digs, they were hiding it from us...   Next time, we'll try sneaking up on it...

 SOI  NANA  
MAP
            The Why Not Bangkok opened newly this last month (noted as under renovation last issue).   It has an open-front bar beer area, and an enclosed Pool Bar within.   Much improved over the old BK, which closed a couple months ago.   Welcome them to the machine...
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

         A photo for the Archives.   The No Name Bar bar beer located just inside subsoi Big Mango reopened almost 3 months ago, and they have recently done some minor sprucing-up.   A belated welcoming back to the streets...
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            Unheard of...!   The Heidelberg closed!?   The Heidelberg is the grandfather Nitespot on Soi Nana - open when the Rajah was an R&R hotel, and the Nana Coffee Shop was the hottest free-lancer spot in the Kingdom - (well, not counting the Thermae...).    Hopefully this is just a temporary closure - we'll be keeping an eyeball peeled and get back atcha....
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            The Jersey Pub, at the junction of Soi 6 and Soi 4 Nana has up and disappeared.   This - just after reopening and putting up some new signage.   The new signage now gone, we hope they found a spot a little further on down the road a piece...
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            The Pine 26 (a 'Club'), open just two months, has closed down like Alcatraz.   Located across from the Omni Hotel.   We'll swing by next 'round and see what's up...   Will definitely update then if there are any changes...
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)



Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*  Why Not Bangkok - Newly opened.
*  Apsara Day Spa (Closed and reopened again)
*  Swan Massage & Salon - Reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*  Heidelberg
*  Jersey Pub - Permanently closed.
*  Pine - Open 2 months, then closed.
 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

 SOI  KATOEY  
MAP

            The Banana Room Club, closed down last month has re-reopened.   Gotta let the train roll on...
 SOI  KATOEY 

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*   Banana Room Club - Re-reopened.
*   4 Sport's - Re-reopened.
*   BAS Living Room - Re-reopened.
*   Sugar Bowl - Re-reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*   - Nil
 SOI  KATOEY 

 SOI  22  
MAP
            Oh, Bar Black Pinky we hardly knew ye....   You opened at the start of the Pandemic, and made your way through the worst, and now you are gone.... gone... gone....
 SOI  22  

            A pic for the Archives.   Last month we noted Secret Story Massage's opening, but had no pic - this month just playing catch-up.   Let 'em slip and slide...
 SOI  22  

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*   - Nil

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*  Hip Bangkok Massage - Opened during the Pandemic, now closed permanently.
*  Bar Black Pinky - Closed Permanently.
 SOI  22  

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  
MAP
            The Apoteka Blues Club opened 2 September, as scheduled.   The live blues/ rock bands are still at it.   Healthy crowds on weekends, week nights, except Mondays, are better for some...   Let the good times roll...
 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            With the reopening of the Crave, all three Nitespot Venues in the Aloft Hotel are open for business (the other two, the WXYZ Bar and Levels had opened previously).   Let's see what the future brings...
 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            The Sugar Club open last month when we dropped by, was closed at month's end.   Perhaps they, too, are taking the occasional day (late night) off?   We're going to be checking back on this one...
 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            Baffling," is the word we are searching for....   The Bafros isn't physically closed (not locked up), its just that there are no lights on, or people inside (upstairs)...   Another 'Wait-and-See" item...
 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 


Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*  Insanity Disco -
*  Crave - In Aloft hotel.
*  Apoteka
*  Cali-Mex Bar & Grill Soi 11 Re-reopen
*  Tewly Cocktail bar beer cluster - Four became 3 as one absorbed another...

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*  Soul Salt / Liquid Elephant
*  Wax Late Night Club
*  Bafros
*  Suntaree Massage 5- Soi 11/1
*  Bai Po Massage - Soi 11/1

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

  SOI  7  PLAZA  
(AKA "Nana Plaza @ 7")
MAP
            There were no changes in the bar survey for Soi 7 Plaza again this month, so we will be posting a pic of the Rumours Bar (originally from Queen's Park Plaza) - one for the Archives...   We note that 5 bars from the original launch of the Night Entertainment Area have yet to reopen, but it appears that they are maintaining their lease... (?) - Wait and see...   To answer readers' questions, yes, the Soi 7 Bier Garten is still open...   (We will include news on the Bier Garten in this section as the facilities are contiguous ).
 SOI  7  PLAZA

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  
MAP
            33 Society Chill Lounge & Bistro has opened newly on Soi Dead Artists.   That is, when it isn't closed...ahennnh....   We make note of a couple of items : firstly, they are employing the 'bouncer format', and we have not seen this format succeed -ever- on Soi 33.   Secondly, with the exception of the original Christies (owned by the property owner) - which closed a few years ago - none of the series of successor Nitespots has succeeded for more than a number of months.   We hope this latest entertainment group has done all the necessary feng shui and have memorized their copy of Business Plans For Dummies.   Welcome them to the fray - may they keep on keeping on...
 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            What was the casual Bar Kizuna has become the brand-new Kiss Japanese Snack Bar.   Welcome them to the now predominantly Japanese Night Entertainment Area historically named Soi Dead Artists.
 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            The Mainichi Club & Karaoke existed for a considerable time on the ground level of the S 33 Compact Hotel, however it closed down a couple months back.   This month it was replaced by the Club Sapporo, modus operandi unchanged.   Welcome them to the nightcircus.
 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020
*  33 Society - Opened newly.
*  Sapporo Snack Bar - Opened newly,    In S 33 Compact Hotel
*  Kiss Snack Bar - Opened newly, Upstairs, next door to Pan Pan Restaurant

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020
*  Love & Service Massage - Mitu Bangkok - Reclosed - in Subsoi 4

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

 SOI  EDEN 
MAP
             The New Victoria Pool & Bar opened newly in what was, up until 2 months ago, the Caribbean (2).   (Upstairs was the Victoria Restaurant & Bar).   We wish them constancy...
 SOI  EDEN  (Sukhumvit 7 / 1) 

             We are pleased to report the sister specialty bars, just across the Soi from one another, Chrome Bar and Wood Bar have re-reopened, prime agendum unchanged...

 SOI  EDEN  (Sukhumvit 7 / 1) 

 
  TOP  

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

20 YEARS AGO

October
With thanks to Cool Text -cooltext.com

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 ?

Patpong I
October 2000

   *  - No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 34 )

Patpong 2
October 2000

   *  - No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 58 )

Soi Cowboy
October 2000

   *  Susie Wong reopened after a one-month hiatus.   They are still there today.

   *  Bluebird Club closed permanently.   Today, those premises are home to Baccara.

(Total Nitespots that month: 34 )

Cowboy Annex
(Asoke Corner + Asoke Plaza)
[ ~June 1998  to  04 February 2005 ]
October 2000

   *   The U-Turn - NEW - Replaced the just-CLOSED   Tup Tim Siam - along the back fence.

   *   The 'Night Fever' - NEW - Replaced the just-CLOSED   Lucky - Located on the Island.

(Total Nitespots that month: 21 )

Nana Plaza
October 2000

   *  Obsession closed temporarily for renovations.   They are still at that location today.

(Total Nitespots that month: 40 )

Soi Katoey
( Silom Soi 4 )
October 2000

  *  The upstairs Icy Hot (upstairs) took over the old Deeper digs.   Today those premises are occupied by Hugs Bar-Karaoke.

(Total Nitespots that month: 14 )

Soi Dead Artists
( Sukhumvit Soi 33 )
October 2000

  *  No changes that month / year.


(Total Nitespots that month: 26 )

Buckskin Joe Village
(~ December 1988  to  9 June 2006)
(Also called 'Tobacco Road',  'Soi Rot Fai',  'The Tracks',  'Soi Zero' & 'Machim' [Thai] )
October 2000

   *   The Nui Lucky Bar opened newly in the just closed Lucky Luke.   (Not related to Lucky Luke's at Nana Plaza.)

(Total Nitespots that month: 20 )

Washington Square
(~ April 1999  to  April 2014)
October 2000

   *   No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 17 )

Clinton Plaza
(Originally ''Entertainment Plaza'')
[ ~February 1999  to  June 2003 ]

October 2000

      *   Saloon Bar - CLOSED - Outside against the main building.   

      *   White House - NEW - Outside against main building.

      *   Doll House - NEW - Located outside against outer wall.

      *   The Candy Store - NEW - Ex: Flowers A-Go-Go - Clinton Plaza's first A Go-Go.   Located outside against outer wall.

(Total Nitespots that month: 21 )

''13 Night Market'' Entertainment Area
(Originally 'Old Thermae Compound')
[ April 2000 - March 2005 ] 

October 2000

      *  All Nitespots - CLOSED during renovations.

(Total Nitespots that month: 0 )





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 TOP  

VICARIOUS ART CRIMES   #173


MIDNITE HOUR's

But is it ....ART ?



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



GRAFFITI IN THE NEWS


      Banksy, the artist who made graffiti famous, oh, and lucrative, has taken some of his 'profits' and purchased the German-registered M.V. Louise Michel - a vessel looking very much like a WW-II PT boat.


      After decorating the vessel profusely with a pink spray can (more like 300 spray cans), and adding to the superstructure an original 'Banksy' of a young girl holding a heart-shaped life preserver (somewhat reminiscent of his other works), he hired a crew and set about rescuing migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea.


      Since a number of European countries have stopped coming to the aid of adrift migrant boats and have started arresting other boats which attempt to help them, Banksy knew he would have to have a boat that would be able to 'move-out', that is, be able to outrun the local gendarmerie vessels.   His pink Louise Michel does over 28 knots (exact top speed not revealed) - and he hasn't been caught.... yet...

      To date, the Louise Michel "Lifeboat" has rescued 89 adrift migrants, and has recently set off on another mission from Spain to continue the good works.   And, of course, the Louise Michele is appealing for donations to keep themselves afloat....    Our only concern is - nowhere do they say where the Louise Michel is rescuing the migrants to....

      With thanks to Graffiti Street <link>, a great graff source...




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.





With thanks to Cool Text.com

Graffiti #1200
Kids T'day...
8 ft high x 8 ft


Graffiti #1201
Romeo # Five
7 ft high x 19 ft


Graffiti #1202
Briar Patch
7 ft high x 22 ft


Graffiti #1203
Pea Chowder
8 ft high x 14 ft


Graffiti #1204
The Magic Planger
7 ft high x 18 ft


Graffiti #1205
Silvergreen
7 ft high x 17 ft


Graffiti #1206
In The Name
7 ft high x 15 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 graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated....
- Ed)




--- Datzit Fernow

William R. Morledge

Click
for
LEGAL

"The Archives" - All Our Back Issues Here

- 2020 -
01 JAN -   Soi 7 "On The Map"
01 FEB -   Soi 33's Dead Artists - RIP
01 MAR -    Queen's Park Plaza gone
01 APR -    Coronavirus Crunch
01 MAY -    Coronavirus Ebbs
01 JUN -    Coronavirus is killing bars
01 JUL -    Coronavirus now rare
01 AUG -    Thais curb Coronavirus
01 SEP -    Covid blockade foils 2nd Wave
- 2019 -
01 JAN -   Soi 71 + "W District"
01 FEB -    Back to Soi 26
01 MAR -   Soi 1 & Soi 3
01 APR -    Mizu's of Patpong
01 MAY -    Mississippi Twins
01 JUN -    Gay Patpong ? -Twilight Gone
01 JUL -    Bars - 50 Years On
01 AUG -    Soi 8 Reviste
01 SEP -    Copyright & the 'Net
01 OCT -    Historic Honolulu - Chinatown
01 NOV -    The Patpong Museum
01 DEC -    Queen's Park Fades - Soi 7 Opens

- 2018 -
01 JAN -   The Pub Crawl
01 FEB -   Bobby Passes On
01 MAR -    Nana - The Plaza - The Soi
01 APR -    Soi Dead Artists - Downsizing?
01 MAY -    Soi's 5, 7, 7/1 Eden
01 JUN -    Soi 24 - Going Nowhere
01 JUL -    Street Bars - They're Back
01 AUG -    Udorn in the 60's & 70's
01 SEP -    Potpourri - Odds 'N Ends
01 OCT -    Khao San + Rambutri Rds.
01 NOV -    Night Market Sri Nakarin
01 DEC -    Soi 23 - Running Hot
- 2017 -
01 JAN -   Soi 22 - the Survivor
01 FEB -    Hua Hin Nights
01 MAR -   Hooking-Up
01 APR -    Soi Than Tawan
01 MAY -    Our Saloon-Count Surveys
01 JUN -    Soi Bua Khao
01 JUL -    Soi 8 - Work In Progress
01 AUG -    NO PHOTO (more or less)
01 SEP -    Stickman Calls 'Time'
01 OCT -    Sweet Black Angel
01 NOV -    Thai King At Rest
01 DEC -    The Dark Arts

- 2016 -
01 JAN -   Railway Bazaar
01 FEB -   Sukhumvit Square Justice
01 MAR -    Paint the Neon Night
01 APR -    Udom Suk Reviste
01 MAY -    Soi Thaniya
01 JUN -    Soi Thonglor Re-up
01 JUL -    Massage Parlor Row
01 AUG -    Check Inn 99
01 SEP -    Pattaya A Go-Go
01 OCT -    Bangkok's Nitelife Maps
01 NOV -    Nitespot Demographics
01 DEC -    Pattaya's Soi 6

- 2015 -
01 JAN -    A Go-Go Bar Ratings
01 FEB -    Are Cops Gouging Nitelifers?
01 MAR -   Bad Company
01 APR -    LK Metro - Pattaya
01 MAY -    Soi 33 goes East
01 JUN -    Rachada Fades
01 JUL -    Freelancers
01 AUG -    Nana Plaza Map 2015
01 SEP -    Soi Nana Map 2015
01 OCT -    Walking Street - Pattaya
01 NOV -    Rachada - The Giant
01 DEC -    A Go-Go's Story

- 2014 -
01 JAN -   Bangkok's Got The Blues
01 FEB -   Soi 26 - Stayin' Alive
01 MAR -    Nightscene rues Mob
01 APR -    My Friend owns a Bar...
01 MAY -    Soi's 3, 5 and 7
01 JUN -    Curfew's Costly Cut
01 JUL -    Soi 13 Makes It's Move
01 AUG -    Pattaya Does The Twist
01 SEP -    Soi's 18 & 20 - Quieter is Better
01 OCT -    Soi's 10 & 14 - Lesser known Sois
01 NOV -    A Good Old Boy...
01 DEC -    Lang Suan & Sarasin

- 2013 -
01 JAN -    Not Fade Away - The Survivors
01 FEB -    Rare Old Photos
01 MAR -   Copa Reprise
01 APR -    Arise, Soi 22
01 MAY -    Where to Next ?
01 JUN -    Bangkok Noir
01 JUL -    MAPS - The Major Update
01 AUG -    Lamai Lamai Lamai
01 SEP -    Tim 'Wanchai' Young
01 OCT -    Soi Wall Street
01 NOV -    Little Thonglor - Soi 11
01 DEC -    Mississippi Queen

- 2012 -
01 JAN -    Mama-San
01 FEB -    Our 10th Anniversary Issue !
01 MAR -    How Gay Nana ?
01 APR -    Sukhumvit' Soi 23 - The Big Picture
01 MAY -    Khao San Road - Unique Bazaar
01 JUN -    Ekamai - It Used To Be Too Far
01 JUL -    Nightlife Pioneers
01 AUG -    The New Puritans
01 SEP -    Nana - On It's Own
01 OCT -    FAIL - War on Nitespot Drugs
01 NOV -    Patpong Unbroken
01 DEC -    Drugs & the Nightscene in History
- 2011 -
01 JAN -    Patpong's 'Glory Days'
01 FEB -    Nightlife In A Digital Age
01 MAR -    Co-Co Walk Plaza
01 APR -    Soi 33 Marches On
01 MAY -    Nightlife Permissiveness
01 JUN -    Ghosts of Nitelife Past
01 JUL -    STATE - The Cinema, Soi & Area
01 AUG -    Soi Darling
01 SEP -    Sri Nakarin South
01 OCT -    Soi 8 Reprise
01 NOV -    Floodless in Bangkok
01 DEC -    Soi Udomsuk

- 2010 -
01 JAN -    Street Bars II - The Triple-Dip
01 FEB -    Our Kind Of Art - II    - Chris Coles
01 MAR -    The Dead Artist Bars - Soi 33
01 APR -    "Soi Ginza" - Thaniya Road
01 MAY -    Night Scene Blues (Red Shirts 1)
01 JUN -    Nitespots Recover Slowly (Reds 2)
01 JUL -    World Cup Special
01 AUG -    Those Old Photos
01 SEP -    The German Invasion
01 OCT -    Racism & Prejudice
01 NOV -    Soi 11 Revisited
01 DEC -    Soi 22 Updater


- 2009 -
01 JAN -    The Santika Fire
01 FEB -    Salt & Pepper
01 MAR -    Nana Plaza - Update & Maps
01 APR -    Soi Nana Update
01 MAY -    The Nightscene & The Riots
01 JUN -    "19" Re-Focus
01 JUL -    Rain Dogs - The Underground
01 AUG -    Soi Thonglor - A bridge-too-far
01 SEP -    Ban Chang - Our Little Secret
01 OCT -    The "Ginza Effect'
01 NOV -    Royal City Avenue (RCA)
01 DEC -    Sutthisan & The Inthamara's

- 2008 -
01 JAN -    2007 - Looking Back
01 FEB -    Owning A Bar
01 MAR -    Expat's Bangkok
01 APR -    Nude Dancing
01 MAY -    After Midnite
01 JUN -    Night Scene In Flux
01 JUL -    Our Kind Of Art
01 AUG -    Trendy Plaza Reprise
01 SEP -    The Elephants Are ....Back
01 OCT -    Grand Prix Intro
01 NOV -    Grand Prix - Rick's Story
01 DEC -    "Old Bangkok Hand"

- 2007 -
01 JAN -    Bombs Blast Bangkok
01 FEB -    Bangkok's Nightscene Websites
01 MAR -    Prasitipol Dance Bar To Fall
01 APR -    Soi 5 Neon Review
01 MAY -    A Go-Go Bangkok
01 JUN -    Arise ! Soi 11
01 JUL -    Anatomy Of A Bar Area
01 AUG -    Soi 26 - Too Far ?
01 SEP -    Chuwit Guilty
01 OCT -    Daytime Nana Plaza
01 NOV -    Cowboy - All Of It
01 DEC -    Another Nitespot Area Falls

- 2006 -
01 JAN -    Pattaya Ascending
01 FEB -    A Go-Go Then & Now
01 MAR -    ' Madrid '
01 APR -    White Heat
01 MAY -    Politics & Nightlife
01 JUN -    Fagin's Bratpack
01 JUL -    King Bhumibol's 60th Anniversary
01 AUG -    Soi 10 - The Final Shaft
01 SEP -    Pattaya's Soi Bua Khow
01 OCT -    Rachada's Other Face
01 NOV -    Soi 22s Other Bars
01 DEC -    Soi Eden Goes A Go-Go

- 2005 -
01 JAN -    Asoke Plaza Crushed
01 FEB -    The 'Nana Scene'
01 MAR -    Asoke Plaza Smashed Again
01 APR -    Sukhumvit 1 Plaza 'Arrives'
01 MAY -    Welcome 'Soi Eden'
01 JUN -    Bangkok's Bareback Riders
01 JUL -    Soi 22 - A Macro View
01 AUG -    Nana's Slide
01 SEP -    Cowboy Street Scene
01 OCT -    The Pattaya Run
01 NOV -    Soi 19 In Focus
01 DEC -    Bad Girls

- 2004 -
01 JAN -    Bangkok's Darkest Year
01 FEB -    Where Is trink ?
01 MAR -    Soi 33 Just Won't Stop
01 APR -    Cracks In The Crackdown
01 MAY -    In The Zone
01 JUN -    "Night-Scene Jumbos
01 JUL -    Easy Square 'On The Map'
01 AUG -    Soi 1 Entertainment Plaza
01 SEP -    Khlong Toey Revisited
01 OCT -    Koh Samui's Night Scene
01 NOV -    Soi 1 Opens
01 DEC -   The Bangkok Pub Scene

- 2003 -
01 JAN -    Cowboy Crackdown
01 FEB -    Sukhumvit Square Smashed
01 MAR -    Soi 10 Survivors
01 APR -    War & The Night Scene
01 MAY -    Entertainment Blues
01 JUN -    '13 Night Market' Reborn
01 JUL -    Clinton Plaza Falls
01 AUG -    Soi 24 Nightscene Review
01 SEP -    Does Soi Nana Measure Up?
01 OCT -    Patpong - Legend & Myth
01 NOV -    Easy Square 'Launched'
01 DEC -    Soi Cowboy Urine-Swoop

- 2002 -
(OUR 2002 TEST COLUMNS :)
01 FEB -    January: Big Changes In Bar Scene
09 JUN -    Sukhumvit Square 'Explosion'

(OUR REGULAR COLUMNS BEGIN :)
20 JUN -    Soi 22's Queen's Park Plaza
01 JUL -    Clinton Plaza - Already Dead?
01 AUG -    Bar Beers Now "Major Players"
16 AUG -    July: Bar Beers Gaining Ground
01 SEP -    A Go-Gos A-building
17 SEP -    Virtual Bars
01 OCT -    A History In The Making
01 NOV -    Pool Bars Come Of Age
01 DEC -    November's Night Follies
15 DEC -    Genesis: Sukhumvit's Night Scene


01 JAN -    Seminal Survey -Paradisio Closes
- 2001 -

01 JAN -    Baccara opens in Cowboy
01 FEB -    Club Habanos Closes - PP1
01 MAR -    farang Connection Closes - Nana
01 APR -    Rock Hard BB Open - Clinton Pl.
01 MAY -    Las Vegas Opens - Cowboy
01 JUN -    'Wall Street' Opens - Soi 33
01 JUL -    Vixens Closes - Nana
01 AUG -    6 A Go-Go's Shut - Clinton Pl.
01 SEP -    Pussy Collection Opens - PP1
01 OCT -    Girl Friend Closes - PP1
01 NOV -    Rainbow III Opens - Nana
01 DEC -    White House Reopens - Clinton Pl.


- 2000 -

JAN -    'Cowboy Annex' Starts Up
FEB -    Agogo 2000 new at Nana
MAR -    Flowers - Clinton's 1st A Go-Go
APR -    Angel Witch new at Nana
MAY -    Dubliner now at Washington Sq
JUN -    Coco Loco opens at Clinton Pl.
JUL -    Bottoms Up new at Nana
AUG -    Crack House opens at Clinton Pl.
SEP -    Doll House / White House open at Clinton
OCT -    Rock Hard to open at Clinton Pl.
NOV -    Big Dogs opens at Nana
DEC -    Lolita opens in Cowboy Annex

- 1999 -

JAN -    Masquerade Closes @ Nana
FEB -    "Entertainment Plaza" Start-Up
MAR -    SuperStar is PP SuperBar !
APR -    Washington Square goes Critical
MAY-    New Klymaxx closes (Cowboy)
JUN -    'Wet Lips opens (Cowboy)
JUL -    Sam 2000 opens (Cowboy)
AUG -    Monica's opens (Clinton Plaza)
SEP -    Muzzik Cafe open on PP1
OCT -    No Probl'm now Cat's Meow
NOV -    Titty Twisters opens at Nana
DEC -    Londoner Brew Pub new on Soi 33
- 1998 -
JAN -    Nancy Bar opens on Floor 2, Nana
FEB -    Tabasco Charlies opens - (NEP)
MAR -    Cowboy 2 is a 'Pizzaria' - Soi Cowboy
APR -    New A Go Go Duck opens - Cowboy
MAY -    Raw Hide opens on Cowboy
JUN -    Para Disio opens - Floors 2 & 3 - NEP
JUL -    Patpong Cafe opens - PP2
AUG -    'Funny Girls' becomes 'Girlfriend' - PP1
SEP -    Masquerade opens on 3rd Floor - NEP
OCT -    Virgo opens on Cowboy
NOV -    Obsession, Beverly Hills, Red Lips open
DEC -    Lucifer Disko Tk opens atop Radio City

- 1997 -
JAN -    'Hot Rods' opens @ Nana
FEB -    Crazy Lady closes (Nana)
MAR -    3 Lounges closed - 'The Ramp'
APR -    Blue Sky Bar closes - PP1
MAY -    Crackdown at Nana
JUN -    Crystal Palace opens - PP2
JUL -    Limelight closes - PP1
AUG -    Rainbow II opens @ Nana
SEP -    Cowboy's Butterfly Gone
OCT -    Shadow drops Crazy Jack (Cowboy)
NOV -    Hollywood 2 now on 3rd Floor (NEP)
DEC -    Susies opens @ Buckskin Joe Village
- 1996 -
JAN -    Shooters opens on 3rd Floor (NEP)
FEB -    XTC Closes, then Reopens (NEP)
MAR -    Tapas back on line (Soi Katoey)
APR -    Long Gun expands (2X) [Cowboy]
MAY -    Apache reopens on 'The Boy'
JUN -    Pink Panther "upstairs" closes
JUL -    Iconic Mile's Place gone...
AUG -    Upstairs Touch Bar closes (PP1)
SEP -    Pharaoh opens in NEP carpark
OCT -    Spirit House opens in NEP
NOV -    Crazy Lady opens in NEP
DEC -    Long Gun 2 opens (now Rawhide)

- 1995 -
JAN -    PP1 Butterfly Closed
FEB -    Camelot Castle Opens
MAR -    NEPs Bubble Gum gone...
APR -    Tiny 'Imagine' Closed
MAY -    (Quietest month on record)
JUN -    NEPs Mon Cherie axed
JUL -    Play Skool opens (NEP)
AUG -    Opium Club new on The Ramp
SEP -    D.L Irish Pub (ex: Bamboo's)
OCT -    NEP 3rd Floor Opens
NOV -    Klymaxx 2 opens on Cowboy
DEC -    Chick's opens upstairs (PP1)
- 1994 -
- 1993 -
JAN -       -
FEB -       -
MAR -   Saloons - More Areas Added
APR -    Saloons -Adding "Nana"
MAY -    Red Diamond Closed
JUN -    Saloons - Tomatohead Closes
JUL -    Pretty Lady A Go Go
AUG -    Mars Party House closed
SEP -    Matterhorn & Star Pub
OCT -    Sawasdee Cocktail Lounge - New
NOV -    Thigh Bar name change
DEC -    Smile Club to open...
- 1990 -
JAN -   Buckskin Joe - Initial Survey

- 1989 -
01 JAN -    (Coming Soon)
Copyright 1989 - 2020    BANGKOK EYES - bangkokeyes.com