MIDNITE HOUR - April 2009 - bangkokeyes.com

SOI 4 - SOI NANA

Last month we did an update on Nana Plaza, so by way of follow-up this month we will take a walk down Soi Nana and see what changes have transpired since our last report. First of all, we did not realize how long it had been since we last surveyed Soi Nana top-to-bottom (it was September 2003), so we didn't really know how the new Soi Nana would stack up against the old.

One of the items we check off the list when surveying a Nitescene Area is whether or not it has met the criteria to become it's own stand-alone Night Entertainment Area. On our previous survey (2003) we concluded that the Soi itself (exclusive of Nana Plaza) did not meet the criteria - it was just too spread out (not contiguous). We did note that there were smaller contiguous areas (like within Rajah Hotel compound), however these contiguous areas had not reached a self-sustaining "Critical Mass". On our most recent visit (last night), we could not really see anything which would change our earlier assessment. Nevertheless, Soi Nana -inclusive of Nana Plaza- certainly does provide a locale where someone could come and make an evening of the great variety of entertainment in a relatively concentrated area.

*CLICK HERE* and go > > >
to the SOI NANA Night Entertainment
PICTORIAL 2009

The actual growth of Soi Nana over it's 2003 configuration has not been that great (*CLICK HERE* to see our old Map) however the tendency has been to open establishments closer to Sukhumvit Road, thereby concentrating the available entertainment into a smaller physical area. There is a real possibility that, with Nana Plaza the hub, the venues on Soi Nana that are contiguous to Nana Plaza, or very nearly so, could eventually form a single, larger Night Entertainment Area.

SOI 4 - SOI NANA

We have included a few pix on this main page, however if you would like to see additional photos of the remaining Night Entertainment Venues on Soi Nana, click on the below link.

*CLICK HERE* and go > > >
to the SOI NANA Night Entertainment
PICTORIAL 2009

SOI 4 - SOI NANA

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- In the LAND OF SMILES -

This month's Thai Smile shows us that 'coyote' can rock.

? 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

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Historical Minutiae Dept.

ASK US (ALMOST) ANYTHING

Who's On Third?

- BANGKOK'S OWN "FOUR FLOORS OF ...."

An old post card from a regular contributor.

Hello,

I was just looking at your March 2009 maps of Nana Plaza and what I've rarely seen mentioned is the two building that front on Soi 4 are actually 4 stories tall (RC/Ground Floor, plus 3). When you enter the Mandarin on the second floor (first to the cousins), you immediately go up a flight of stairs to the third floor (second to the cousins). There is yet another flight of stairs that will take you to the second level of the Madarin on the fourth floor (third to the cousins). Just FYI.

Tks,
W.

Hello W.,

Yes, you are correct. One of the predecessors to the Big Mango was actually three levels, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th - all accessible to customers. It is also difficult to map out the Erotica as it's main entrance is half way between the inner building's 2nd and 3rd levels (you take stairs up from the inner building's second level to get to it, and leaving it you have to take stairs up to get to the inner 3rd floor). Also, the Erotica actually occupies the front building's 3rd and 4th levels. Our maps have simplified, and probably should be corrected on the next round.

Best,
'Boge' Hartman

? 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

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Let the April 2009 Follies begin...
BANKOK EYES' Expat Night Scene.

PATPONG I
MAP

The Funky Dojo had some very funky coyote-ettes dancing out on the verandah the other evening - as part of a promo for some hot disco. The young ladies kindly allowed us to take some pix.

PATPONG I

Below is a "for-the-archives" pic of the second floor oral services bar, Kangaroo. Modus operandi unchanged after all these years....

PATPONG I

PATPONG II
MAP

The Cozy Club has reopened under new ownership, and under some new neon as well. We understand from the lovely new owner that 'coyote' is on the way. We might add that the Cozy Club is, well, cozy. Let the nightgames begin....

PATPONG II

The Royal Salute, under new patronage, is taking another stab at it. Welcome them as they cast their dice against Fate's pitted wall.

PATPONG II

The Rock has some new neon up, nothing fancy, mind you. Same good service within; keep on keeping on....

PATPONG II

Last month the V.L. Gallery Bar Beer was signless, promising some new neon by this month. Making good on their word, the new neon has been nailed up. Can we expect more? Something a little more shiny? All else remains the same....

PATPONG II

SOI COWBOY
MAP

Door Art Of The Month
Award

Although almost impossible to believe, the Midnite has yet again upgraded their already Vegas-like neon. We had little choice but to award them (again) the Door Art Of The Month award for this April. Good job, gents.

SOI COWBOY

The Toy Bar is upping the ante, neon-wise, and all looks good.

SOI COWBOY

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NANA PLAZA
MAP

What started out as the Titty Twisters (Nov 1999 - August 2003), then became the Pussy Cat's Bar (Oct 2004 - Feb 2005 - we bet you didn't remember this one...), and then the relocated Farang Connection (March 2005 - Oct 2007) is now the Villabar. Although no A Go-Go this time around, hostesses are friendly. Let 'er rip, then, gentlemen - and gentle ladies....

NANA PLAZA

The Erotica Pool House had little success with their live music, so Suzie is bringing back A Go-Go. Below, the finishing touches are being put on the A Go-Go stage (but just to be safe, Suzie said it would be only sort-of like A Go-Go, and sort-of like Coyote....) Call it what you will, as long as it's Rock 'n Roll - two thumbs-up for Suzie....

NANA PLAZA

What was once the Big Mango on the second floor has been renovating for the last several months - the below pic may indicate what this venue will be. Wait and see....

NANA PLAZA

Nana Plaza's newest arrival, Strikers Sports Pub, has it's main entrance on Soi Nana and a rear entrance into the NEP, as does Morning Night. Strikers occupies a location not previously a bar. May the demons of the night hector them less severely....

NANA PLAZA

SOI KATOEY
MAP

The Nursery Bar has supplemented their neon with something that can be seen from down the Soi - something that was surely needed....

SOI KATOEY

The BAS has also supplemented their neon - however it can only be seen from the front of the bar. They never look that busy - perhaps they need to look into a little self-promotion....

SOI KATOEY

SOI DEAD ARTISTS
MAP

Last month the Music Station Bar & Pool opened on schedule (a couple days after we went to press...). Yes, they are a bar, and yes, they have pool, however they also have live music - at a decibel level that patrons can carry on a conversation within the premises. Hats off to Christoff.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Legends, which took over where Harry's left off, have had their soft opening a couple weeks back, and once they get all the minor modifications completed (and some new neon), they will be having their grand opening (around 26 April....). Wish them luck as they toss their hat in the sharkpool.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

Papa is putting on the last coat of paint, and putting out the rap samak duan signs, so it will be only a matter of days before they give it another go. We'll check back, and get back atcha.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

The Cafe Buongiorno restaurant and bar (located deep in Sub-Soi 5) has decided to go back to it's daytime job. But while we drop them from our Night Entertainment rolls, note they are still in operation during the day.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

We note that the Wine Gallery in Peep Inn Park has called it an evening. Ashes to ashes, so be it then.....

SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33

WASHINGTON SQUARE
MAP

The Crazy Girl, which we reported as having opened last month, has got their neon up this month - as promised. Decorations for a special birthday girl all but obscure the sign, but you get the message....

WASHINGTON SQUARE

The Mykonos didn't so much close as it did just fade away. For several months they couldn't be bothered to turn on their sign, and now they seem to have finally winked out altogether. Mostly a "Thai" venue, the Farang population will hardly miss it as it recedes into the black hole of history...

- File photo

WASHINGTON SQUARE

The Studio 22 Pool Bar and the Mambo Cabaret Show have dropped off the edge of the Earth. Wish them a soft landing wherever. Rumor has it that the once-grand Washington Theater will be redeveloped into a large Night Entertainment Venue, so we will be keeping our ear to the ground, and shall advise....

-Mambo file photo

-File photo

WASHINGTON SQUARE

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA
MAP

The Angel Bar opened on schedule last month (see our previous issue). Welcome them to the neon wars.

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA - SOI 22

The venue holding the world record for greatest number of bars in the shortest length of time has reopened as Vincent Pool Bar this time around. Originally the Cupid Bar (Dec 2006), it became the Let's Go Bar (in Feb 2007), and the Meaw Meaw (in May 2007), and the Tequila Bar (in Feb 2008), and the Sweet Bar (in August 2008). The Sweet Bar having gone headlong into the abyss only last month, we wish them better luck next spin of the bottle.

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA - SOI 22

The Country Road have converted the old Sugar Shack neon on their roof to a more fitting "Country Road" bit of signage. Lookin' good.

QUEEN'S PARK PLAZA - SOI 22

SOI EDEN
MAP

The big surprise to us this month was the disappearance of the Absolute 7, which seemed to be a very successful Nitespot - (and has been around since Soi Eden came of age). We imagine the price was right. Appearing in it's place is the Bangkok Beat - the operant descriptor unchanged. Welcome them to the neon machine.

SOI EDEN - SOI 7/1 SUKHUMVIT

SOI TWILIGHT
MAP

The Nitespot abuilding at the Rama IV end of Soi Twilight (mentioned earlier in our pages) has opened. The Pardis is, it turns out, a restaurant - and as such does not really qualify as a 'Night Entertainment Venue'. Nevertheless, by way of follow-up - as we had mentioned them earlier, we welcome them to Sin City.

SOI TWILIGHT

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15 Years Ago This Month....

April

A PAGE FROM BANGKOK's NIGHTSCENE HISTORY

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 upstairs bar Bar Play Boy which closed in December of 1993 (was a single word: 'Playboy'), reopened 15 years ago this last month. In the interim the Takara people were calling it the Takara Bar.

PATPONG I - April 1994

Also fifteen years ago this month, the New Castle Bar took over from the just-closed Lucky Bar. It was located upstairs, a little closer to Suriwong Road than the present day Kangaroo. There is no bar located there at present.

PATPONG I - April 1994

A's Bar opened a decade and a half ago above the King's Castle II, sharing the stairwell with Takara II Bar Ber and Pussys Collections.

PATPONG I - April 1994

Elixer closed it's doors at that downstairs location fifteen years ago. It was located in half of what was, until recently, the Siam Drug, across from Foodland. The Elixer would later reinvent itself upstairs in what is now known as the Cosmos Stairwell.

PATPONG I - April 1994

This month, fifteen years ago - the E.C. Pub also closed down on Patpong II. It was one of two bars located where Vinai's Cosmos Club is now.

PATPONG I - April 1994

Two months ago (2 months & 15 yrs ago), the Torino expanded it's digs from the smaller upstairs bar on Soi Bookstore to include the Chin Juku which was accessed from Cosmos Stairwell, Patpong II. This month (15 yrs ago), the Chin Juku came back with a vengeance, taking over it's old digs and the Torino's digs as well. At that juncture, the Chin Juku had entrances on both PPII and Soi Bookstore.

PATPONG I - April 1994

Two months previously, at the first of 1994, the New Perfect Pub & Restaurant took over from the New Papillon on the 4th floor, Cosmos Stairwell. This month (15 yrs ago) the New Center Pub & Restaurant took over the reins from the New Perfect.

PATPONG I - April 1994

Up on The Ramp, both the Montana Pub and Mr Natural closed down. We would find out later that these closures were only temporary - the Montana for one month, Mr Natural for two months.

PATPONG I - April 1994

On Soi Cowboy, fifteen years ago, the Jukebox, adding A Go-Go dancing to their unique selection of Filipina hostesses, changed their name to Juke Box Agogo Bar. They were located in the current Shark digs.

SOI COWBOY - April 1994

Previous to this (15 years ago) the small Bamboo Bar changed it's name to just "Bamboo's". We heard this was because of a name-infringement issue... Much later, it became the D.L Irish Pub, then eventually became today's Shadow Bar.

SOI COWBOY - April 1994

Source: Zootramp Publications -
Saloon Count Archives and Data Base

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VICARIOUS ART CRIMES # 42

MIDNITE HOUR's

Graffiti ARCHIVES <

link> Graffiti's HISTORY<

link>

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

GRAFFITI IN THE NEWS

BNE In Your Face

- MUCH ADO ABOUT NOWT

      By now, anyone who has been out and about in Bangkok has seen the spraypaint, seen the stickers; "BNE".   As you may have seen in the Media or on-line, this is not a local phenomenon - it is global (origins most likely in the U.S.A).

      Due to a human quirk of character, man will seek to explain anything that cannot or has not been explained.   Thus the swollen interest in "BNE".

      The commercial Media prostitutes (but I repeat myself...) - who will publish anything they believe will keep them from obscurity, have taken up the "speculative journalism" angle on the BNE rash of graffiti, and have tried to give it more substance than it will ever have.

      Let's not get carried away with theories and assigned meanings; it is just graffiti, just another "Killroy Was Here".   We see it as rather 'artless', and therefore not particularly worthy of note - and mention it only in passing....

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

Graffiti #288
Mask Us
7 ft. high x 9 ft..

Graffiti #289
The Khamster
7 ft. high x 11 ft.

Graffiti #290
Tenja T's
8 ft. high x 10 ft.

Graffiti #291
Frishfry
6 ft. high x 4 ft.

Graffiti #292
Feeney
7 ft. high x 10 ft.

Graffiti #293
End X
8 ft. high x 13 ft.

Graffiti #294
Co-Nuclear
8 ft. high x 21 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

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