;When the word of Stickman's: retirement circulated within 'the community', we received a number of emails / comments that our main competition would soon be gone. So going forward, we should set the record straight. Stickman, the person / the website was never our 'competition'. Stick was a devoted, full time, deep-diving moderator of the bar scene (and related). On the other hand, the Bangkok Eyes' primary mission is to record the history of Nightlife Entertainment, to include past and present changes, trends and significant events. Stick and I have known each other for some years, he is what we North Americans might conclude, a proper gentleman. There is of course, a significant overlap, so on our occasional lunches we would have long chats on the idiosyncrasies of the business on which we reported.
Although Stickman was on the Nightlife "scene" since 1998, it was in 2001 when he began the Stickman column on the Internet. Although his original columns covered several aspects of expat life in Bangkok (and Thailand in general) it was his coverage of the Night Entertainment scene that became the center of focus. His readers' letters and emails. complaining, proclaiming and informing, became the pulse of the expat nightcrawler experience. Over the years, he interviewed a number of people 'in the business", as well as several other prominent 'nightlifers' of the day. His column also captured (in photographs) many of the memorable and historical nightlife places and people.
Prior to Stickman going digital in 2001, the mainstay of Night Entertainment News was Bernard Trink''sNite Owl column, originally in the Bangkok World newspaper, and later in the Bangkok Post newspaper. For an extended period, both Trink and Stickman were publishing, however, the Bangkok Post, due to concerns over political correctness, phased Trink out, leaving him only with his book reviews, published weekly, or whenever. It was Stickman, already 'established', who provided the continuity going forward for Night Entertainment coverage for we Bangkokians and others far afield.
Stickman had in fact previously ceased publication <link> in September 2017 due to problems internal and external, however it wasn't long before problems were ironed out, and he was back publishing every Sunday. (We would often ask him how he was able to produce that much good copy every week - we knew our Bangkok Eyes monthly would not have been able to do so...)
Stickman's final column was 28 December 2025. Although Stickman repeatedly stated quite firmly his intention to retire, he, in his parting comment added, "Never say never " ... ... ...
READER :
Gents,
There is ongoing discussion, even appearing on the web about the sewage on the street in Soi Cowboy, but I see nothing in your blog about this. It is apparently polluting the Soi and smelling up the place. I'm sure you get to Cowboy regularly for your blog, but you have not mentioned it, so there must be some reason? A cover-up of a health hazard maybe?MIDNITE HOUR:Yes, we do get to Soi Cowboy regularly. And we have seen some discussion of sewage on the street. At times we have noticed water on the Soi, at other times dampness. And at other times there is no trace of water. On the times we have noticed water on the Soi, we have not noticed any particular odor (other than how the Soi smells up and down along its length at any given time). We have not been able to ascertain the source of the water, so we are unable to join the masses proclaiming it is sewage. There are other likely causes for water appearing on the Soi - it could be dish water from the bars, it could be from hosing down the area in the evening once the Soi is closed to traffic & street vendors. On our last survey at the end of December, we noted no water from any source.
Note from our Archives: On the subject of smells, one of Soi Cowboy's pioneer bars, the Red Diamond, had carpeting, always soggy, which smelled like stale beer mixed with crushed cigarette butts (those were smoking years). The smell was so strong that one could smell it before going inside. It was finally sold in May 1993, and eventually replaced by Big Blue 1 in February 1994 - it must have taken that long to get the smell out of the place....
Although we noted no newly closed, or newly opened Nitespots on Patpong 1 Road, see that the Happy Bar has finally nailed up some new signage that people can actually see. Say no more.
PATPONG 1
MAP
The Midnight beer bar on the 'Island" has gone the way of the Plotopterids. Taking their place without missing a beat is The Dragon pool bar. New signage, but same barstools, they continue to march...
PATPONG 2
Last month we noted the once-popular Cozy Club being renovated (closed November 2013). By the time you read this the Off Key Bar will have moved into those digs. Located up on The Ramp.
PATPONG 2
The M Nine, closed last month, has sprung forth, turned the lights back on, thrown open its doors and is serving once again. Located up on The Ramp.
The Superno ?! But it's most apparent that the new signage for the old Kazy Kozy is only half completed. We'll have to get back to you next round to confirm the full name, and hopefully include a couple of pics. We also note that the tiny The Corner Live Music (originally located downstairs at the Penny Black) located within the Kazy Kozy has disappeared - to be remembered only in Nightlife historical archives.... Also note : The similarly named @ Corner just a couple of steps across the Soi is still going strong...
Nana Plaza Night Entertainment Area, was busy beyond busy on New Year's Eve, both inside the compound, and out on the Soi. Center and right in the photo are the Morning Night and Stumble Inn.
NANA PLAZA
We note that the long-popular Mandarin now sports a sign that reads : Red Dragon by Mandarin. The existing Red Dragon is right where it always was. Hmmm, 'The only constant is change...' Up on the 2nd level at the escalator...
The musical chairs at what was the Golden Beer Bar / Rak Siam Massage digs has appeared to come to a screeching halt. The newly-neon-ed (open last month) Red Room Lounge appears to be permanently ensconced. Located across the Soi from Nana Plaza in front of the Nana Hotel. May they continue to abide...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
The surprise of the New Year is the opening of the expansive Ball In Hand by Bunny (on Soi 6 where it joins Soi 4 Nana). With its almost-new place on Soi Ambassador, the Bunnys appear to be proliferating like... well...rabbits... This however, is not the first Ball In Hand in the Nana area. The original Ball In Hand (with the identical blue sign) was located on the 2nd level of the then-Rajah Hotel outbuilding (BIH closed in September 2013). It's been a while....does anyone know if they are the same people?
The One, an open-fronted disco / club, is noisy and popular, both with customers and onlookers. It looks like they are in full prep for their own New Year's countdown...
VIDEO CLIP
KHAO SAN ROAD
The Gift (mini-clip below) is brand-new - they hope to earn enough money this month to put up a sign next month. Where there's hope, there's... well, hope... We'll check back next round to see if they are still around. We wish them constancy...
VIDEO CLIP
KHAO SAN ROAD
The long-in-residence Khok Wua is no more (under renovation last month, but we were told by staff it was still the Khok Wua). Taking its place is the unpronounceable, incomprehensible 11 Sivilai Hours Khaosan. Modus operandi unchanged. Welcome therm to the machine.
KHAO SAN ROAD
The Bliss still manages to draw a crowd, in spite of it being located in the darker-and-darker Trok Mayom. Let the nightbeat continue...
KHAO SAN ROAD
The simply named Kazo has taken up residence in what was (only a few brief months ago) The Culture. They have an ineresting rooftop patio. Inside-outside seating as is de rigueur for Khao San Road. Welcome to the long uphill...
KHAO SAN ROAD
We previously noted that the Wakanda Pub & Restaurant, was often closed when we passed by on our monthly survey. One of the reasons, and maybe the only reason, is they are a late-late Venue. Yes, it has reopened (if it was in fact closed)... Don't you know what the night can do?
KHAO SAN ROAD
The Mammoth has decked itself out in 'kinetic' LED lights and signage - to its great benefit. May they ontinue to rock 'n roll...
KHAO SAN ROAD
The Lucky Beer has reopened full-bore - and full noise. Attracting customers and gawkers alike. A heavy duty 'dancing-in-the-street staff contingent... May they persevere... (File photo)
The recently opened Golden Bliss Thai Massage is located at the back of Subsoi Hana (opposite Four Points Hotel). A previously unused (for Night Entertainment) shophouse, offering foot massage, traditional Thai massage and oil massage. May they continue to slip and slide...
Taking over from the Ho Saew on Subsoi 1 is the Stang Chill Bar (Thai spelling "satang" as in 1/100th of a Thai Baht). This is just a 'name-change'. May they keep on keeping on.
With the Juicy
under renovation for the last few months, some expected it to reopen in new splendor and opulence by the New Year. Yeah, not... It did however reopen - as an extension of the next-door Sugar Club. Let the good times roll. Note : the Bafros is still jumping upstairs;
Just as we thought the bars sandwiched between the older 7 Center Point area and the new area (old Bier Garten) were going to disappear forever, two new bar beers opened there this last month. The sister-bars Balance Bar and Balance Bar 2 are now redecorating that thin stretch of real estate. Welcome them to partytown...
Last month we had duly reported that the Club Gems had closed (leaving only the Kiraku Karaoke / Snack Bar at that location). But, nope, they have popped back out of their crypt and are back in action, pedal to the metal... Welcome back to the sharkpool...
SOI DEAD ARTIST (Sukhumvit Soi 33)
The latest addition to the Japanese end of Subsoi Pan Pan, noted last month as just J 1999 (due to our inability to translate the Japanese language), is actually the J Spot 1999 Many thanks to contributor AJ.
The Green Room was closed on New Year's Eve, however from appearances, it looks like they were just taking off for the Holidays. We'll check back next survey with an update. (File Photo)
This month Midnite Hour continues to review Bangkok'sNightlife Scene offering live entertainment, both foreign and local, as found in the bigger hotels, expat Night Entertainment Areas, and other Venues within the City.
The An An (in the Montien Hotel) had virtually all Philippine entertainment, but "Romy and the Hi-Chords" weren't "just-another-Philippine-band". Led by well-known pianist and arranger Romy Katindig, the group performed internationally for several years in the 1960's and 1970's, to include a four-year period in the U.S.A.
August 1969
Bernard Trink entertainment insert
The long-established Caesar's Key Club (Previously just Cesar's or Caesar's) was located at the edge of the Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.
August 1969
Bernard Trink entertainment insert
The Ciro's Club mentioned above was one of the popular American Air Force hangouts in Udorn (from the US-Thai airbase there) in the 60's - 70's. The Club 99 was a popular Silom Road Venue near Patpong.
August 1969
This was Perez Prado & His Orchestra's second visit to Bangkok (June 1967 @ Sani Chateau). This time around he was performing at Cafel de Paris
August 1969
August 1969
Bernard Trink entertainment insert
This is one of the rare photos of Rick Menard (center), here in front of his Grand Prix bar. They had prepared a couple of pigs for a 'come-one, come-all' luau for Patpong 1 visitors. -Yes, this was how it used to go down on the Patpong of old...
August 1969
The Sani Chateau was the most popular nightclub in Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.
August 1969
Gail Trevor(Australian) also entertained the Australian troops in Viet Nam (Phan Rang, Long Hai) during the war. The Tropicana night club (in the Rama Hotel) was located on Silom Road near New Road.
August 1969
Bernard Trink entertainment insert
Jack's American Star Bar was 'Soul Food & Soul Music' for the most part. One of the most popular Venues on the Golden Mile (New Petchburi Road), it was located at the far end just before Soi Ekamai.
August 1969
We don't often write up the Naga Bar, but in fact the Siam Intercontinental most often had live Night Entertainment..
Istanbul-born graffiti artist and muralist Axel Mengü's latest projects have been in the Mediterranean resort town of Fethiye, Türkiye (Turkey). His works have been most favorably received by both residents and tourists. Over the years, Axel's reputation has grown, in the recent past, he has painted murals professionally, to include for cinematic productions.
This is another example of a graffiti artist going legit, becoming a 'muralist'. It's not just a name change on one's resume, it is where the money is...
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 photographs or artwork resides exclusively with the creators.
Graffiti #1622
Sawat Please
5 ft high x 9 ft width
Graffiti #1623
Stiff Board
8ft high x 11 ft.
Graffiti #1624
Up Country
8 ft high x 6 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 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)
When the word of Stickman's: retirement circulated within 'the community', we received a number of emails / comments that our main competition would soon be gone. So going forward, we should set the record straight. Stickman, the person / the website was never our 'competition'. Stick was a devoted, full time, deep-diving moderator of the bar scene (and related). On the other hand, the Bangkok Eyes' primary mission is to record the history of Nightlife Entertainment, to include past and present changes, trends and significant events. Stick and I have known each other for some years, he is what we North Americans might conclude, a proper gentleman. There is of course, a significant overlap, so on our occasional lunches we would have long chats on the idiosyncrasies of the business on which we reported.
PATPONG 1 
January's Nitelife News 
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