Although we planned to follow up this month with an historical 1988 Patpong 2 Map, we found several problems in making the map's display readable (we'll try a more 'isometric' presentation soonest). Coincidentally, we met up with an old friend living on Soi 8, and he noted a few updates on what was happening in the neighborhood. We checked back in our Archives, and found that the last time we surveyed Soi 8 was in December 2020, a unique period - the lull between the first wave of Coronavirus and the second. At that time, we noted that in spite of the full and partial lockdowns during the first phase of the Pandemic, Soi 8 was holding its own. So, three years later, a resurvey of one of the busiest Sois was indeed very much in order. The timing was spot-on for the present issue, so we grabbed our camera and headed out for pics and to make a new map.
Although there are a couple more Nitespots on Soi 8 than in December 2020, what immediately caught our eye was the not-so-subtle shift away from the old "Dine & Drink" atmosphere (or as a friend alluded, "Drink & Dine & Drink...). Currently there is a heavier mix of bar / clubs (as found on Soi Ambassador and elsewhere). The new Velvet and the even newer Brew House are prominent examples. Below we present a brief pictorial of the old and the new.
READER :Stickman wrote in his Sunday column, "While some of us might point to the closure of SuperStar or Madrid, or the passing of Tim Young, or even the departure of Bernard Trink, some Old Asia hands tell me that not long after Reagan left the White House, Patpong would go in to a long, slow decline." That sad day when the great Reagen left would be 1989. This week you wrote the peak of Patpong was 1988 / 1989. I know there is a reason why Bangkok Eyes and Stickman are my preferred sources of nightlife news. You both just seem to get things right. Enjoy your work immensely. Keep it up.
MIDNITE HOUR:
Thanks for writing in. Stickman is a friend and correspondent of several years. His column is one of my regular weekly reads. He is, in person, a real gentleman. He tends to write more "where the action is", and I tend to be more into an "ongoing history". This wasn't by agreement, we've just kept going our own way. He will be returning to Bangkok in the coming year, and hopefully we'll have a chance to catch up once again.
READER :
Having another look at Cleo Odzer's Patpong 1 map, I see she has a 'Pussy Collections' where your (last month's Patpong 1 map) Ladda Apartments are shown. Looking at the Patpong Sister's Patpong 2 map I see she doesn't show it on that side. Anyway, interesting since
we were just corresponding about Pussy Collections...MIDNITE HOUR: Yes, that had been worrying me, too. While I noted some omissions and location errors in the Patpong Sisters map, I believe - after more digging - that the Cleo Odzer map is correct on Pussy Collections, Takara and Ladda Apartments. I have revised last month's Patpong 1 map to show "what was where, when", based on this further digging. I have republished the 'remastered' map in our 1989 Archives (link).
Last month, the King's Castle I was closed when we surveyed. We suspected that the King's Castle I & 2 might be combined into a single large Venue. However, this month, they are up and running like nothing had ever happened. Keep on keeping on...
PATPONG 1
Last month we reported the Tip Top the King's Group's flagship restaurant of old had closed. However, this month we note they are back, pedal to the metal. They continue to operate as a pool hall. There's good rockin' tonight.
Below are a couple or three pics relating to the now-closed Patpong Museum for our archives. A vivid reminder of officialdom's application of the "scorched earth policy" (totally disregarding whatever collateral damage), when they feel they need to be seen to be righteous in the pursuit of their duties... Ahennnh....
Over the New Year's HolidaySoi Cowboy was packed to the gunwales. We were able to grab a video clip early in the evening before the crowds became unbearable.... BTW, we noted no new openings, however it appears that a new Venue is getting ready to open in 'the other half' of the old Rawhide in the immediate future...
Last month we noted that Nana Plaza had two 3rd level bars a-building. We weren't sure they would be open in time for New Years, but they both managed to switch on the lights for soft openings (additional lighting and signs forthcoming). Welcome the Bun Bun 1 and the Bun Bun 2 to the machine. With thanks to an employee for contributing the photo - we have blurred out the dancers for discretionary purposes.
Below is anotther pic of the Nana Night Club for the Archives. Located at the back of the Nana Hotel parking lot. They open later in the evening, and stay open 'even later'.... Rock on...
Even though the EmSphere MegaMall has already opened, they have not removed all of the temporary construction fencing along Soi 22. The single surviving street bar has therefore decided to ride it out to the last - and even to expand onto an extended stretch of the sidewalk.... Now, that's what we call entrepreneurial spirit...
SOI 22
The La Coquine (massage) has had some fits and stops and starts, but with the additional neon, it looks like they are intending to stick around for a while. Rub-a-dub-dub....
SOI 22
The White Night, closed last month for unspecified reasons, has reopened again. May constancy be their prime directive....
The Bang Bang at the back of Soi Ambassador continues to pack in the blues afficionados - especially on the weekends, where we see crowds gathering on the sidewalk outside to listen to the band. Let the good times roll...
VIDEO CLIP
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The ever-more-popular One Two Two (a club), has put up an attractive art deco-styled poster from the '20's, but then ruined it with inferior lighting. Back to the drawing board, gents... Note - they are offering the ladies free drinks... Located at the top of Subsoi Havana Social.
Now that the 7 Center Point has generally settled in (after the absorbtion of the old Soi 7 Bier Garten), we take a quick swing through the southern end with our video camera running. It should give you an idea of the cacophonous goings-on...
VIDEO CLIP
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
What was briefly the We For You Too, located in the "Six-Pack", will soon be home to The Container Live. ...We think.... Any changes, and we shall get back atcha...
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
This, the second of two Happy Party Bar's is located in what used to be Big B's Piss Stop in the Six Pack. Welcome them to the neon jungle.
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
This is the original Happy Party Bar, and it resides where it always has... May they continue to abide...
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Heaven originally started out in 7 Center Point at the rear. It had to relocate to Soi Eden when several of the bars were torn down in 7 Center Point. However business was slow in Soi Eden, so they are now back full-tilt at 7 Center Point. Located between White Lion and La La Bar in the new (Bier Garten) section. Wish them luck as they step back into the line of fire.
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Make Love Bar, open the previous month, has now got it's new neon nailed up for all the world to see. May they continue to party...
7 CENTER POINT
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Phanny's Bar (pronounced 'Pahn Nee') has newly opened at the rear of the new section, and already seems to be doing well. Gotsta get paid...
Although we saw no change in the lineup of Nitespots in the Soi Eden Night Entertainment Area, we did note that it was getting increasingly busier. In the video below, we tale a quick peek in the Green Room.
VIDEO CLIP
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
In previous months, we saw signs of activity at what was once the Plame specialty massage. Now it appears that they (or their successor) are advertising for hostesses. We'll keep an ear to the ground, and report any developments...
The continuous succession of well-known entertainers from the US and elsewhere in the '60's and '70's proved to be, in retrospect, a "Golden Age" of entertainment in Bangkok's nightclubs. That scene has long faded into history - should an entertainer of any celebrity come to perform in Bangkok today, it would be at an arena or stadium, and not in the intimate setting of a nightclub. Meanwhile, the R&R Night Entertainment Scene continued to 'explode' on New Petchburi Road and parts of Sukhumvit Road.
The Rock & Roll band Pretty Kittens passed through Bangkok after performing at U.S. Army bases in Viet Nam in 1967. This was the first mention of A Go-Go at the Cafe de Paris that we are aware of. Located opposite Patpong 1 Road on Surawong.
April 1967
The Mighty Pioneers played at a number of Nitespots during their extended stay in Bangkok. We note : 'A-Go-Go' was getting frequent mention at Bangkok's clubs that year. Located across the road from Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.
April 1967
Cinema buffs will remember Jane Russell as an American 'sex symbol' star of more than 20 Hollywood films in the 1940s and 1950s. Connie Haines was a songstress with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, and sang with Frank Sinatra. Beryl Davis sang with British and American 'big bands' in Europe and the U.S.April 1967
The C'est Se Bon was one of the few Nightclubs which regularly featured local songstresses. Located across Silom Road near Convent Road.
April 1967
The Honey was a popular Nightclub located on Surawong Road near the Manhora Hotel near New Road.
Susie's Little Inn began as a restaurant in Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area, but found that they kept busy later in the evenings as a 'lounge'.
April 1967
The Four Freshmen were originally a 'barbershop quartet' redording and performing group specializing in jazz harmonies. They got their start in 1948 - reaching peak popularity in the '50s. While the group currently continues touring internationally, the last member retired of the original foursome passed away in 1993.
April 1967
The Oriental Hotel hosted nightly entertainment in both the Bamboo Bar and the Riverside Supper Club. Margaret McKenna (note the typo) was an Australian TV and nightclub songstress popular in the early '60's.
April 1967
It's worth noting that the US forces in the '60's and '70's consisted of the R&R soldiers here on holiday, and those permanently stationed around the country. Both groups contributed substantially to the economy (and the beginning of the 'tourism-age'). The 'Utapao' reference here is the Joint Thai-American airbase at Utapao, near Sattahip. Note the use of klometer 'milestones' to indicate location..
Graffiti #1467
Trash Talk
8 ft high x 18 ft - front sect.
Graffiti #1468
Both Sides
6 ft high x 4ft
Graffiti #1469
Aztec Crawl
8 ft high x 21 ft
Graffiti #1470
Travelling Man
6 ft high x 10 ft - (area)
Graffiti #1471
The Greyhound Bus
6 ft high x 24ft
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 creators.
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)