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         'Covid Blockade' as used in our headline refers specifically to Thailand's closure of it's borders to all but essential individuals and returnee citizens.   Most countries also use the Covid Blockade as the primary method of isolating the population to prevent the contraction of the CoV-19 disease (to state the obvious).   Thailand, uniquely, has used the Covid Blockade as an integral part of its efforts to control the spread of the Virus - by nearly 100%.   As a result, Thailand has not seen a "2nd Wave" as have so many other nations.   Nevertheless, it appears that the 2nd Wave, which hit much of the globe on or about the beginning of August (our last month's report) is apparently starting to subside in most areas/ countries.   Please see the graphs below.

            We are often asked why the MIDNITE HOUR is concentrating so much of its editorial efforts on reporting the Coronavirus pandemic.   Simply put, border closure has created the greatest upheaval of the expat/ tourist Night Entertainment Industry in its entire history.   No other Night Entertainment issue comes close to the significance or magnitude of the deleterious effect the closing of the borders has had on that segment of the entertainment industry geared toward foreign custom.   As we quipped last month, "As the Coronavirus goes, so goes Thailand's Nightlife".

         Since the Government relaxation on Night Entertainment, a number of Nitespots have reopened.   While there are a few Nitespots doing reasonably well, the rest are hanging on from month-to-month.   Nevertheless, a number of the Nitespots that have reopened over the last 2 months have already had to close again.   Not to mention, there are a number bars that have yet to reopen since the original March closures.   The Government's allowing the reopening of the bars was not the Night Entertainment Industry's "answer" to their problems - the Industry, as a whole, struggles to stay afloat.

Phuket may soon be deemed a 'Quarantine Island', allowing
foreign tourism - 'The canary in the coal mine', so to speak.

         Since the implementation of the Emergency Decree in March, there have been a number of phased 'rollbacks' (Phases 1 through 5), each time providing the citizenry with more freedom of movement and access.   The oft mooted Phase 6 rollback has not materialized, despite the frequent announcements in the Press.   Instead the Government has continued to tweak existing restrictions and allowances.   The one discussion which is gaining currency is that of making Phuket a 'Quarantine Island', where vetted tourism will be allowed (the 'Canary in the Coal Mine', so to speak).   This will presumably require a negative Coronavirus test and/or a positive Coronavirus antibody test, possibly at each end of the journey.   Note: this has not yet been approved, let alone put into effect.   Wait and see....

         In summation, all credit due to the Thailand Government for their handling of the Coronavirus Pandemic to date.   The various restrictions implemented under the Emergency Decree and the incremental rollback of those restrictions has 'shown the way' as to what works, and that which does not - particularly in regards to 'isolation' and 'control'.   Final Note: Phase 5 conditions, and the subsequent elaborations thereon, for controlling the spread of the Coronavirus are still in effect in Thailand (as outlined in our previous issues).

September's Thai Smile is from the Underground...

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MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX         

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BANGKOK EYES

Let the September 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

            As they were advertising last month, the King's Group reopened King's Castle (far left in the photo below), King's Castle 1 and King's Castle 2 (conjoined in the center of the photo).   At the right of the pic is the SuperStar (featured last month).   Patpong 1 Road is reopening (post-decree lockdown) much slower than either Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy - it is still essentially in darkness.   Note - Open last month, but closed this month is the upstairs Takara Massage.

 PATPONG  1 

*  King's Castle
*  King's Castle 1
*  King's Castle 2

*  Derby King 2
*  Takara Massage
*  Thai Lady Bar - (2nd floor rip off) - (No sign)

 PATPONG  1

 PATPONG  2  

MAP

            Up a quick flight of stairs (or you can take the lift) one now accesses the Patpong Museum through their picturesque entranceway.

 PATPONG  2

            Up on The Ramp the Spanish Eyes found themselves in the wind...   Sad to see them go into the night...   They were replaced by the unusually named M Nine.   May the M Nine never know the dark side of bright city lights...

 PATPONG  2

            Up on The Bridge, the ever popular Black Pagoda is now offering a unique and interesting membership, or 'loyalty program', to appeal to the expat nightcrawlers among us.   Since we are going to be there in any case, why not?

 PATPONG  2

            The Glamour has had its share of ups and downs in its very few years of existence.   Presently, it is in yet another 'downer'.   Expect it to reopen ..... one of these months...

 PATPONG  2

            Up on the 3rd level above Shenanigans the Kamikaze DJ Bar remains closed (as does the Emperor Club up on the 5th level).

 PATPONG  2

*  Bangkok Massage
*  Top Less Pool Bar - but moved into Thai Room Pool Bar'
*  Triple 888 Massage - On The Ramp 3rd floor.
*  The Strip Bangkok 2
*  M Nine Bar Lounge Karaoke - New - In Spanish Eyes digs

*  Bada Bing
*  Glamour - Photo above.
*  Thai Room Pool Bar - Became Top Less Pool Bar - (No sign)
*  Spanish Eyes - Became M Nine, On The Ramp - (No sign)

 PATPONG  2

 SOI COWBOY  

MAP

            There were no new openings or closings on Soi Cowboy this past month, however we note (for the second time) that the so-called 'Iranian Bars' are still closed.   They were noted opening and closing sporadically even before the Emergency Decree, and to date have yet to reopen.   As of this writing, we are removing those bars from 'the inventory' : Club Rio (Our Place), Spice Girls, Midnite, Deja Vu and the Kiss-Sahara.   Should any of these Nitespots come back on line, we shall be pleased to make note in a coming issue...

 SOI  COWBOY 

 NANA  PLAZA  

MAP

             The inventory of Nitespots within Nana Plaza was static this month, so we will take the opportunity to post a "For-The-Archives" photo of the entranceway.

 NANA  PLAZA

             Last month we noted the newly opened Random which had opened in the old Rainbow 3 digs on the 2nd level, but we had only a very poor photo to show for it.   This month we took a few pics (for the Archives), one of which is below.. ...   May they continue to rock...

 NANA  PLAZA

 NANA  PLAZA

 SOI  NANA  

MAP

            Just past the Omni hotel, deep in the Soi, the Naree Massage handed over the reins to the brand-new V Good Massage - modus operandi unchanged.   May they continue to slip and slide...

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

         The Goody Massage 2 reopened in the Rajah Hotel grounds after a brief closure.   Not easy to find - one would either have to be directed there by a masseuse from kerbside or wind one's way back into the left hand upstairs stairway..   Let it flow...

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            The long-standing BK pool bar is no more.   They sold out, lock, stock, and chrome bar stool to the Why Not Bangkok, who are working late into the nights to complete renovations.   We can expect them to open by October, at which time we'll get back atcha.

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            The previously named The Cabin on the Soi 4 / Soi 6 junction (noted last issue) has been renovated and once they decide on a name, they will put some neon up (it will be 'Swan... something) according to the manageress.).   At that time we hope to have some photos up.   Let the good times roll...

*  V Good Massage - Newly Opened.   Took over Naree Massg.
*  OK. D. Massage (Closed and reopened again)
*  (An unnamed Pool Bar) - New.   Moved into The Cabin digs...
          which closed earlier, Soi 6 Junction
*  The Mexican - In the Rajah Hotel compound.
*  Goody Massage 2 - In the Rajah Hotel compound.

*  Apsara Massage
*  Naree Massage - Became the V Good Massage
*  BK - Closed permanently, will become the Why Not Bangkok.
*  Swan Massage & Salon .
*  Elegance Massage & Salon

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

 SOI  KATOEY  

MAP

            The Tapas Cafe, reopened only last month, has disappeared into the night.   In its place is the brand-new Pride Bar & Restaurant.   Welcome them to the bright lights, big city... what's left of it...

 SOI  KATOEY 

*   Pride Bar & Restaurant - Newly Opened - Replaced Tapas Cafe

*  Banana Room Club - Formerly of Soi Twilight
*  4 Sports
*  Bas Living Room
*  Sugar Bowl
*  Tapas Cafe - Closed permanently, Became the Pride
*  Hugs Bar-Karaoke - (Closes and opens irregularly)

 SOI  KATOEY 

 SOI  22  

MAP

            Should one wander all the way to the end of Soi Titanium (the Titanium is gone now), one will find a Venue named SNCTM Men's Society.   Don't ask us, we haven't the foggiest....

 SOI  22  

*  (A new unnamed massage) - Next to Love Me Bar & Massage
          - Soi Starlight - A new opening - no sign.
*  Secret Story - Newly Opened in Iyashi Barber & Massage
*  Rita Bangkok Massage - In Subsoi Lemongrass
*  Yu Ka ' - Was 'Yuuka
*  Healing In Thai Massage - Subsoi Titanium
*  SNCTM Men's Society - A New opening.

*  Keep In Touch Bar -(Was the old Taffy's Faulty Towers), Soi Starlight
*  Butterfly Massage
*  Iyashi Barber Massage - Became the new Secret Story
*  Baan Sabai Thai Massage
*  Lan Massage - Subsoi Titanium.

 SOI  22  

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  

MAP

            It looks like The Australian is not only closed, but gone missing.   It also looks like the Bafros Bar & Lounge (which was already open upstairs) is taking over the entire premises.   Bafros is currently still open, but its "Wait And See" on whether or not they take over the downstairs portion....   Gotta let the train roll on....

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            The Lush Rooftop has taken over from the Market Rooftop, which closed almost 2 months ago.   Lets hope they are dealt all aces and faces....

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            Defying common sense, the Tewly Cocktail bar beer opened 2 months ago on the now vacant land across from the Ambassador Hotel.   Last month, defying gravity itself, they had doubled in size.   This month, there are four, count 'em, four bar beers in a row.   The bar beer on the left consists only of chairs and tables on the sidewalk side, and an orange Volkswagen bar van parked in the back, providing the beverages....   Welcome them all to the neon jungle...

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            The Suntaree Massage 5 has opened up newly next door to the Niraon Massage & Spa on Soi 11/1.   Welcome them to the vicissitudes...

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

*  Tewly Cocktail - Tewly already open,
         but 3 more adjacent unnamed bar beers open newly.
*  Lush Rooftop - New - took over Market Rooftop above Hemingway.
*  Wax Late Night
*  Smile Jasmine Massage
*  (Apoteka) - Reopens 2 September with Blues & Rock live.
*  Suntaree Massage 5 - Opens newly.

*  The Australian - (Never reopened - permanently closed.)
*  Insanity
*  (Mullis Sports Bar) - (Never reopened, but Closed Permanently)

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

  SOI  7  PLAZA  

MAP

            There were no changes in the bar survey for Soi 7 Plaza, but we are including some unique 'signage' of the Ida 789 bar beer (which opened newly last month, but at that time we didn't have a photo...)   Khun Ida has painted the bar name on a number of barrels....   We wish them constancy...

 SOI  7  PLAZA

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  

MAP

            If the signage of the Hideaway looks familiar to any of you, its because it is the same Hideaway that was hidden away at the back of Queen's Park Plaza for several years.   This time around, they opened the gates at the back end of Soi Pan Pan (thereby extending the Soi by another 40 feet) and they are now hiding back there.   Welcome them back to the neon circus...

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            Last month we noted the opening of RIP in Soi Pan Pan, but were unable to photograph the premises due to rain.    This month we provide a For-The-Archives pic.   They seem to be opening and closing.... .   We'll get back atcha once we know which its going to be...

A PAGE FROM Bangkok's NIGHTSCENE HISTORY.... 20 YEARS AGO September 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 September 2000    *  - No changes that month / year. (Total Nitespots that month: 34 ) Patpong 2 September 2000    *  The upstairs Cleopatra A Go-Go became King's Cleopatra Bar.   Currently, no Venue occupies that space.    *  The STV Bar beer bar added an additional sign : "Memphis Queen Beer Bar".   Today those digs are occupied by De Talk.    *  The Opium Den Restaurant & Pub closed its doors.   Today, those digs are occupied by Dream Boy Bangkok.    *  The Top Less Beer Bar (which closed a month previous) became Top Less Sport Bar and Kaeng Topless Beer Bar.   Neither were actually 'topless' - this was a carry-over name from a previous A Go-Go called Topless Topless Topless at that location.   Today, those digs have returned to just Topless Pool Bar (name changes only).    *   Bobby's Deli did a name-switch to the Aroy Dee.   Today those digs are occupied by the Paddy Fields pub.    *  Up on The Ramp, the Mahalapa Club and Karaoke dropped "Karaoke" from their neon.   No Nitespot currently occupies that space. (Total Nitespots that month: 58 ) Soi Cowboy September 2000    *  Susie Wong closed temporarily.   They would reopen, and are still there today.    *  Shirtz reopened after a brief closure.   Today, those premises are occupied by Fanny's. (Total Nitespots that month: 34 ) Cowboy Annex (Asoke Corner + Asoke Plaza) [ ~June 1998  to  04 February 2005 ] September 2000    *   The Sabai Sabai - NEW replaced the just-closed Moon Light - along the back fence.    *   The 'Coffee Bar' - NEW opened in front. (Total Nitespots that month: 21 ) Nana Plaza September 2000    *  No changes that month / year. (Total Nitespots that month: 41 ) Soi Katoey ( Silom Soi 4 ) September 2000   *  The upstairs Speed and the adjacent (also upstairs) Deeper closed.   Today those premises are occupied by Hugs Bar-Karaoke. (Total Nitespots that month: 13 ) Soi Dead Artists ( Sukhumvit Soi 33 ) September 2000   *  In the Peep Inn Park (today's S 33 Compact Hotel) the Club Fuschicho added "Entertainment Club' to their neon.   Today that real estate is occupied by Mainichi Club - Karaoke. (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] ) September 2000    *   The Lucky Luke opened newly.   (Not related to Lucky Luke's at Nana Plaza.)    *   The Last Stand Bar reopened after a 1-month closure.   It was located at the back of the strip... (Total Nitespots that month: 20 ) Washington Square (~ April 1999  to  April 2014) September 2000    *   No changes that month / year. (Total Nitespots that month: 17 ) Clinton Plaza (Originally ''Entertainment Plaza'') [ ~February 1999  to  June 2003 ] September 2000       *   Crack House - opened NEW, (was to be Rock Hard 1) - outside against the outer wall.          *   Wind Mill - ADDED its old name Kangaroo to its signage - located at the back of the main building.       *   Chan's Corner - CLOSED - located on the Island.   (The Chan's Corner in the Warehouse was still there.)       *   Checkpoint Charlies - ADDED "Exhibition" to their signage - located against the back of the main building. (Total Nitespots that month: 20 ) ''13 Night Market'' Entertainment Area" (Originally 'Old Thermae Compound') [ April 2000 - March 2005 ]  September 2000       *  All Nitespots - CLOSED during renovations. (Total Nitespots that month: 0 )

With thanks to Cool Text.com

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)