MIDNITE HOUR - September 2008

We confess we look for excuses to do elephant stories - perhaps because one day Bangkok's Finest will actually enforce the law which prohibits elephants from entering the city (prohibits the mahouts from bringing them in). Bangkok may be the only city in the world which has such a street circus and when it finally disappears, we hope there will be an adequate historical recording of this unique feature of the Night Entertainment Scene.

Yes, the elephants are back (or were they ever really gone?) The mahouts and elephants are of course only a part of the "team" that comes to town - usually from Surin and surrounds (or from the Ayuthaya area by way of Surin). There are usually at least three others travelling in the pack selling bags of cut sugar cane for whatever inflated price they can get. We do not suffer under some misguided animal-rights perspective where we project our values and assume we 'understand the plight' of the 'abused' elephants - to the contrary, we have gone on record as supporting this unique Bangkok 'sideshow'. However, while we have not changed our view, there is a caution or two which should be heeded.

With one swipe of it's trunk, this young adult elephant, apparently under the influence of amphetamines, knocked a local across Soi Cowboy onto his back. Fortunately, the man was not seriously injured.

The other night, while on Soi Cowboy, we saw a young adult elephant, estimated to be about one ton in weight performing a rather fancy 'dance' for the benefit of spectators and prospective sugar cane buyers. However we noted that this particular pachyderm was also walking with regular twitches - something was not quite right. A few minutes later, we saw a local Thai gentleman near the elephant - his purpose not quite clear - and an instant later, he was flying across the Soi, having been swatted by the elephant's trunk. He got up apparently not seriously injured, only to be looking into the eyes of the selfsame elephant. The elephant was stomping the earth with one front foot, as if in warning, just feet from the dazed man. The Thai gentleman wisely made a hasty retreat, and the elephant was finally persuaded by his handlers to follow jerkily down toward Soi Asoke.

The word or two of caution need not be elaborately spelled out. We should remember that elephants are often fed amphetamines to keep them active while working. Elephants, semi-domesticated, are large and powerful and occasionally unpredictable, especially while on 'speed'. Approach them with appropriate caution - it is occasionally still a jungle out there.

TOP

- In the LAND OF SMILES -

We shot this month's "Thai Smile" without a flash (pity us). This charming smile brightens Soi Cowboy's already bright visage.

? Old
BANGKOK NIGHT SCENE
PHOTOS ?

Any old PHOTOS of
Bangkok's Nightlife ?

Please CLICK HERE and send to us for publication.

Many Thanks,
William R Morledge

TOP

Historical Minutiae Dept.

ASK US (ALMOST) ANYTHING

Down Under

SHORT IS AS SHORT DOES

- File photo

Hello,

down under bar is it soi 7 0r 11 nana. sukumvit rd

RH
Australia

Greetings RH,

Neither. It is on Soi 7/1 Sukhumvit Rd (Soi Eden).

Best,
'Boge' Hartman

P.S - There is also the Downunder (single word) on Soi 23 Sukhumvit - which you may want to try.

- File photo

? ASK US (ALMOST) ANYTHING !

Email bangkokeyes@gmail.com and "ASK" - - Click Here

	We can answer virtually any (reasonable) question on the Expat Night Entertainment Scene in Bangkok - be it Historical or very recent. Send us an e-mail and we will do our best to answer you soonest.
'Boge' Hartman Historical Research

* Zootramp Publications

TOP

Let the September 2008 Follies begin...
BANKOK EYES' Expat Night Scene.

PATPONG I
MAP

A couple months back, we noted that the Funky Dojo (Soi SuperStar) was expanding into the adjacent restaurant and were getting themselves some brand-new neon. They have done both - and all is now well. We no longer believe they will go unnoticed by the passing foot trade.

PATPONG I

PATPONG II
MAP

We mentioned it several months ago as a work-in-progress (February), and after several delays the Park Bridge has opened above Patpong II - literally above the Soi. Don't let the expensive decor scare you away - all drinks are reasonably priced - and the view is unique. It is accessible by the Cosmos Stairwell (& lift), and is located on the 3rd floor. The bar itself is on the bridge running from the Foodland Car Park to the main building. Our recommendation is to take the elevator up, and to walk down - and view the graffiti-like art graphics in the stairwell - a separate show altogether. Welcome them to the neon machine - carpe noctem, gentlemen....

The Park Bridge main bar (part of mezzanine visible above) is suspended 3 floors above Patpong II.

The Park Bridge has a mezzanine floor situated above (and within) the main bar - accessible by this clear, luminescent Lucite stairway.

The Park Bridge mezzanine floor is private and with a view of Patpong II below. Note the artwork on the ceiling.

A corner of the Park Bridge main bar - the furniture is actually comfortable. We might suggest they arrange the benches along the windows so patrons can both talk and view the goings-on below, however.

The Park Bridge signage - incorporating the logo - is visible (just barely) from the street level. They may need to get some additional neon - people need to see where they are.

Take a last look gentlemen - this is the fine marble interior of the lady's restroom adjacent to the Park Bridge main bar. It may interest you to know that the men's restroom and the ladies' are separated only by a large one-way mirror - and guess who watches whom? Suffice it to say, you would want to act your most gentlemanly whilst using the facilities.

- File photo.

- All photos with permission.

PATPONG II

Once again we find Bobby's Arms Pub shut down (up one level in the Foodland Carpark). We would really like to know what is going on here - between relocations and temporary closures - a lot of custom is going to be lost. It would be a shame to see it close for good - as the menu is top-notch. We'll put a marker down on this and get back atcha next month.

PATPONG II

Door Art Of The Month
Award

This graffiti-style door art actually appears on the front of what will be the Fabrique when it opens in two months' time, however, as it sits directly between that bar-to-be and the above-mentioned Park Bridge, it will be the first thing you will see entering either bar. (Same owners.)

PATPONG II

SOI COWBOY
MAP

The Black & White, as we knew it, has ceased to exist. The below photo will likely be the last you will see of their sign as they transmogrify into the Kiss. (Greener pastures, gentlemen....) It is the latest bar to be taken over by the Midnite Group. (And for the last time, no, the owner is not an Arab.....) This Kiss is no relation to the long-established Kiss on Patpong 1 or the newly opened Kiss on Soi Dead Artists. Welcome them to the neon circus.

SOI COWBOY

Several of the Soi Cowboy bars infest their facades and doorways each evening with a bracket of balloons. Around about midnite, the balloons come down and the PR girls, the bar girls and flower sellers go on a balloon-popping frenzy. It has become a ritual unique to the Soi.

SOI COWBOY

Last month we noted that the Moonshine Joint had no neon - but was, in fact, still open for business. This month the new neon is up and all aglow. But this is not the end of it (notice that the Moonshine and the next door Jungle Jim's are now as one - at least architecturally). Look for some new signage of a grander nature to appear above on their joint marquee, which now spans both bars. We cannot confirm the rumor that there will be a joining of the two bars (same owner), or that there will be a name change. Let's wait and see - meanwhile, keep on keeping on....

SOI COWBOY

NANA PLAZA
MAP

Suzie, has asked that we advise all her old friends and customers that she is still to be found, but now at the Erotica Pool House - instead of her old bar at Sukhumvit 1 Plaza. We noted that they now have live entertainment in the form of a rather talented musician. Let the good times roll.

- File photo

NANA PLAZA

A fast food shop, the Hungry Food & Drink has taken up in the old Farang Connection digs (which was, as you will remember, Titty Twisters before that). Not that we wish them ill fortune, but it seems to us a perfectly good waste of an A Go-Go license....

NANA PLAZA

SOI KATOEY
MAP

Just barely noticeable (at the top of the photo) is the Helene's Place Vietnamese Food sign. Helene's has been around for donkey's years - before any of the bars currently in existence. Helene's is no longer in the Night Entertainment game, giving over their front porch each evening to tables and chairs from the next-door The Balcony.

SOI KATOEY

The Cafe 4 Bangkok have stuffed the last chit in the last cup this month - thereby ending their trail of tears (despite what the signage over the door reads). The art gallery from just down the way have occupied their old digs - at least for the short term.

SOI KATOEY

SOI DEAD ARTISTS
MAP

The Tomorrow Massage & Drinks is just that - a bar beer downstairs, while the foot massage is up one floor, and the traditional massage and the gamut of special massages are on floors 3 and 4 respectively. Prices reasonable, with a number of comely staff. May the nightwinds blow kindly....

- Photos with permission.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

The old Hang Out neon remains - but only as long as it takes to complete the new Kiss neon, and get it nailed up. As noted earlier, this Kiss is not related to either of the other Kiss bars (Patpong I and Soi Cowboy). The bar is, in fact, under new ownership/ management - the lovely mamasan-owner Mei at the left in the photo below. Again, reasonable prices and friendly staff - who seem to be interested in attracting Farang and Nippon alike. They rolled the red carpet out on 22 August - let's hope Fate deals them all aces and faces.

- Photos with permission.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

What used to be the 33 Massage is now The Best Massage. By any other name, The Best would be called a "Special Escort Service" - here's the deal, straight from the mare's mouth: You call in for take-away - there is no massage on premises. It remains to be seen how this will work in the long-term, but we can say that the current line-up is such that there will be no shortage of custom - once the word gets out. And as of now, it is out. Welcome them to Partytown.

- Photos with permission.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

The Nyan Nyan Massage has decided to take the ambiguity out of just what was behind the Green Door by putting up some additional signage (this is the second-floor entrance we noted a couple months back....) We wish them constancy.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

The Alice Massage continues to deal with it's identity crisis - a new bit of neon just appeared in place of the old - which now reads Sweet Mango Akasuri/Oil Massage. The Sweet Mango doesn't mess around - no foot massage, no traditional massage - when you enter these doors, you already know what you are looking for.... Let 'er rip then, ladies....

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

WASHINGTON SQUARE
MAP

As not much was happening in Washington Square, we thought it a good time to update the map - with the likelihood that the Square will be redeveloped in the not-too-distant future, we think it will be of historical interest to show this Night Entertainment Area at a time when it had it's peak number of Nitespots.

WASHINGTON SQUARE

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA
MAP

The Tequila Bar has foundered on jagged rocks this last month - but there to bail them out was the Sweet Bar - flashing a bit of a sign which was almost readable.... May we suggest some proper neon - to let people know you are alive in there? Wish them luck as they cast their dice against the pitted wall of Fate.

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA - SOI 22

The Butterfly Bar has nailed up some modest new neon. (Actually, we liked the blazing red Las Vegas-style neon they were previously using, but then....oh, well....) Still the same good service - and the rock still rocks, and the roll still rolls....

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA - SOI 22

SOI EDEN
MAP

Soi Eden was having a quiet one the other night - a lot of the girls sitting out on the stoop waiting for the occasional passer-by. The rainy season will end in early November -all things being equal- and business should improve.

SOI EDEN - SOI 7/1 SUKHUMVIT

SOI TWILIGHT
MAP

It was also an entirely uneventful evening on Soi Twilight the other night - a good time for an historical pic or two for the archives....

SOI TWILIGHT

OTHER NIGHTSPOTS OF INTEREST

The Coyote is pitching hard for some of the later pub traffic (as might be found at either The Londoner Brew Pub or the Dubliner across the way) - check out the Coyote sign promoting the "Late Nite Happy Hour". From casual observation, they seem to be keeping busy. They must have good beer.

SUKHUMVIT NEAR SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

TOP

15 Years Ago Today

A PAGE FROM BANGKOK's NIGHTSCENE HISTORY
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1993

By popular request, Bangkok Eyes jumps back in time 15 years to have a look at who was new - and who was through. We'll be willing to bet that many of you "Old Bangkok Hands" will be reminded of some bars you'd almost forgotten about. (We also will be willing to bet you WON'T EVEN REMEMBER an even greater number....)

The Patpong I bar that was 'Thigh Bar' two months previously, and 'Sawasdee Bar' one month previously, became the Sawasdee Thigh Bar fifteen years ago this month. This is, of course, currently the Thigh Bar.

PATPONG I - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

The upstairs Look Bar on Patpong I closed it's doors for the last time, only to be replaced by the Bar Playboy. This bar is no longer open, but was located next door to today's Takara Massage and the Wild Cat.

PATPONG I - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

The Classic Music Lounge, which replaced the My Heart Cocktail Lounge up on The Ramp, Patpong II, one month earlier, closed after only one month in operation. This is currently the The Rock.)

PATPONG II - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

The Honey Pot Bar up on The Ramp, Patpong II closed it's doors permanently fifteen years ago, this last month. It was replaced just as quickly by the Pink 2 Bar. This bar is no longer open, and was located where today's Rig 1 Gold holds court.

PATPONG II - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

Annie's Cowboy on Soi Cowboy closed, or rather, changed it's name to the now defunct Cowboy 1 bar. The Cowboy 1 was located next door to the Suzie Wong until a year ago, when it was absorbed by today's Spice Girls Pink Cadillac.

SOI COWBOY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

The Disc Kara OK on Soi Cowboy closed down operations - it was an upstairs venue located next door to today's Black & White, and above the now-extinct Salambo. The Disc Kara OK was replaced by the D (Hong Aharn Dee) - the D (Hong Aharn Dee) has also long ago ceased to exist.

SOI COWBOY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1993

Source: Zootramp Publications -
Saloon Count Archives and Data Base

TOP

VICARIOUS ART CRIMES # 35

MIDNITE HOUR's

Graffiti ARCHIVES <

link> Graffiti's HISTORY<

link>

[ Check out Bangkok's own source of evil spraycans, etc, at Montana Land <link>. ]

- And now to Bangkok's own brand of Graffiti....

Graffiti #239
Mangosteeny
8 ft. high x 16 ft.

Graffiti #240
F
7 ft. high x 8 ft.

Graffiti #241
Gold Slug
6 ft high x 8 ft

Graffiti #242
Ram It
8 ft. high x 8 ft.

Graffiti #243
Dizzy 2
4 ft. high x 10 ft.

Graffiti #244
Solo Mio
7 ft. high x 9 ft.

Graffiti #245
Tone Deaf
8 ft high x 16 ft

GRAFFITI ARCHIVES :

Graffiti, Graffiti , and more Graffiti - Bangkok's original and ONLY graffiti Site !

Graffiti ARCHIVES <

link>

Graffiti's HISTORY<

link>

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)

Email me- Click Here

--- Datzit Fernow

William R. Morledge

Click
for
LEGAL





CLICK- Bangkok Nightlife

Special thanks to Eric Bosrup for special code (His own overLIB js)