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            Thailand's 40% drop in new Coronavirus cases since mid-August has been cause for guarded optimism - hope that Thailand and the World have seen the worst of the Pandemic.   While it is too soon to draw any conclusions for Thailand - and inscribe them in stone, the slowing of the CoV-19 spread has brought about some easing of the Partial Lockdown by the Thai Government (a detailed breakout found below).   Should Thailand's Covid numbers continue to drop, it is reasonable to expect these limited freedoms will be expanded upon, however, those in the Entertainment Industry are well aware that they will be the last to see any relief from the lockdown.

            We at MIDNITE HOUR continue to track the Coronavirus globally and locally in order to provide readers with realistic expectations as to when there might be a semblance of a "New Normal" - where tourism in Thailand will be reinstated and the Night Entertainment Industry will reopen.   Should current trends continue without new flare-ups, it is possible that by November 2021 the numbers of cases of Covid will be low enough to both reinstate tourism and reopen Night Entertainment.   Having said that, we can expect that Thai Immigration will be slow in lifting the paperwork burden required to travel to Thailand, and that once tourists return, the in-country requirements for proof of vaccination and recent Covid tests will be widespread.   (So don't throw away your masks.)   It is also reasonable to expect that the gamut of standard preventives will linger for many months after Thailand 'reopens'.   To say the same thing another way, it is an unrealistic expectation that Thailand will somehow immediately snap-back to pre-Covid conditions, and Thailand -inclusive of Bangkok- will carry on as if the Coronavirus were suddenly eradicated from the face of the earth.

            On 28 August, the Prime Minister's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced a relaxation in the current partial lockdown.   The new guidelines become effective 1 September 2021.   The published documents are reproduced below, and will remain in effect until further notice...

               In summation, all forms of Night Entertainment - barring 'Foot Massage' - are officially closed, other than that which might be found in the Phuket Sandbox and the Koh Samui 'Plus Plan'.   (Both plans have only realized about 1/3 the original bookings - claims that tourists there will be able to travel to other parts of Thailand afterward are no longer guaranteed...).   As mentioned above, even if the Coronavirus continues to abate in a linear fashion, the best that can be hoped for is that tourism and the Night Entertainment Scene will not likely see an upturn until 01 November of this year (estimated).   We will continue to update in future issues as conditions change.

1.    Negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Covid-19 Virus within 72 hours of boarding their flight to BKK or HKT [Phuket] airports.

2.    Covid-19 vaccination certificate, dated within 14 days to 1 year prior to their arrival.

3.    If the traveler is hoping to be in the 14-day Phuket 'sandbox program', then they can only fly directly into Phuket, no transfers in Bangkok allowed.   Tourists will need to spend 14 nights in Phuket before being allowed to travel elsewhere in the Kingdom (This is now no longer guaranteed.)

4.    COE ( = Certificate of Entry) from a local Thai embassy.. https://coethailand.mfa.go.th .   Fill in the online application for COE at least 15 working days before the intend date of travel.   Please note, the following documents are required to be uploaded to the COE website prior to issuing the COE:
         - Passport

         - Valid Visa and/ or re-entry permit.

         - Certificate of Residence. [if you have one]

         - Covid-19 medical insurance coverage of US$100,000.. The insurance should have the following information :

                   * Medical costs that cover COVID-19 treatment in Thailand;

                   * Period of the insurance policy ( start … / end … ) and cover the period of stay in Thailand;

                   * Minimum coverage of 100,000 USD of medical costs.

                   * ASQ – Confirmation of a 14-day booking of an ASQ hotel [ = Alternative State Quarantine hotel].

Note: the traveler must stay at an officially approved hotel, certified by the Amazing Thailand Safely & Health Administration.   [called an ALQ?]

         - A copy of flight confirmation/ reservation, showing going from US to Thailand.   (The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly)

         - Please note: use the “arrow” button to be sure the document is uploaded properly.

5.    All arrivals will need to download the contact-tracing app, Thailand Plus.   
https://apps.apple.com/th/app/thailandplus/id1534557694

6.   ( For the 14 days in Phuket, the traveler must download this app and turn on while in Phuket.   https://www.gophuget.com. )

With regard to the insurance requirement mentioned above, travellers to Thailand from the USA have found the below Insurance Company was able to provide them with the proper insurance.

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Let the Follies begin-

 PATPONG  1  

MAP

            The Madrid and the Safari both show signs of reopening - if, and when.   Other than the King's Group bars, it is doubtful any of the other Nitespots will survive what will likely be essentially a 2-year Pandemic.

 PATPONG  1

            The below Patpong 1 clip captures the absolute sense of gloom that has gripped the street.      (Filmed 31 August 2021 / 17:10 hours.)

VIDEO CLIP

 PATPONG  1

            Venues in transition or active on or before 31 August 2021 :

         *   Unnamed massage parlor - (Last known name: "Thai Lady".)   Upstairs above Thigh Bar - REMAINS OPEN

 PATPONG  1

 PATPONG  2  

MAP

             In September of 1996, exactly 25 years ago, immediately after the Bua Luang Karaoke 2 closed for the second time, Serge wasted no time grabbing the lease, and opening the Le Bouchon Restaurant & Bar.   We just received notice that the Le Bouchon will be closing (and perhaps by the time you read this, it will have already closed).   Serge's note below, however, holds out the possibility that it will reopen.   We'll keep an ear to the ground, and get back atcha...

Photo and text property of Le Buchon Bar & Restaurant

 PATPONG  2 

             Likewise, on Patpong 2 Road, it appears that the Pink Panther and the Tavern Two are poised for survival - if - and when - the Pandemic winds down.      However, this will be entirely dependent upon both the Coronavirus and the Government's Coronaphobia.   A wait-and-see item...

 PATPONG  2

            Venues remaining open or in transition on or before 31 August 2021 :

         *    Triple 888 Massage - CLOSED

 PATPONG  2

 SOI COWBOY  

MAP

            An updated clip of Soi Cowboy - yet another grim reminder of the devastation of the Night Entertainment Industry in Thailand due to the Coronavirus...       (Filmed 31 August 2021 / 20:15 hours.)

VIDEO CLIP

 SOI  COWBOY 

 NANA PLAZA  

MAP

              Pre-Covid-19 the Stumble Inn was one of the more popular bars facing out of Nana Plaza.   Regulars are hoping it will survive the Pandemic.   Nana Plaza itself remains completely closed, save a skeleton crew of security types...

 NANA  PLAZA

 SOI  NANA  

MAP

            Two of the string of four bars where Soi 6 joins Soi Nana have already closed permanently.   It remains to be seen if the other two (Bangcockney Bar and Hang Out Pub) will be able to outlast the Coronavirus lockdown.

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            The Chaos 9 Food & Drink and the next door V Good Massage were closed on 31 August.   It may be the V Good Massage will have opened on 1 September - we'll get back atcha with any changes next issue...

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

            Venues in transition on or before 31 July 2021 :

         *   Charmming Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   Nit Massage - OPEN

         *   (A Bar Beer - no sign) - At Soi 6 Junction - CLOSED PERMANENTLY

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

 SOI  KATOEY  

MAP

            This photo of Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4) was taken literally on the run, and in the rain at 8:30 p.m, so even if any restaurants were open, they would have already closed and gone home to beat the 9:00 p.m. curfew of the current Night Entertainment lockdown.   If necessary we will correct our status next issue.   Needless to say, Soi Katoey was completely blacked out, the Sunshine Tacos on Silom Road providing the only source of light.   Passing overhead (mid-photo) is the last SkyTrain for the evening.

 SOI  KATOEY 

 SOI  22  

MAP

            Kinnaree Spa & Massage has opened brand-new this last month, replacing the Covid-closed Nang Mery Massage & Coffee.   May they continue to slip 'n slide...

 SOI  22  

            Venues remaining open, or in transition on or before 31 August 2021 :

         *   Holiday Relax Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   AW Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   J Smile Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   Flower Cafe - STILL OPEN - Soi Starlight

         *   Asia Massage - REOPEN

         *   Nice Massage - REOPEN

         *   Wild Orchid Massage - REOPEN

         *   Bear Hug Momiya Massage - REOPEN

         *   Chaowang Massage & Spa - STILL OPEN

         *   Paradise S 22 - RECLOSED - Subsoi Lemongrass

         *   Dive Massage - STILL OPEN - Subsoi Lemongrass

         *   New Yorker Cafe & Cocktail Lounge - REOPEN - Subsoi Lemongrass

         *   Hip Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   Hana Massage - STILL OPEN - Subsoi Hana

         *   Regal Massage - CLOSED

         *   Miss Neko Massage - STILL OPEN

         *   Marigold Massage - REOPEN

         *   Buddy's Bar & Grill - STILL OPEN

         *   Honey Bar - STILL OPEN

         *   Mekkhala Massage - REOPEN

         *   Lek @ 22 Massage - REOPEN

         *   Am's Bar - REOPEN

         *   (Singh Bar) - UNDER CONSTRUCTION
-                         (Ex: Secret Story Massage - CLOSED PERMANENTLY)

         *   No Idea - REOPEN

         *   Triple Chill Bar - NEW - (Ex: Shag Bar II - NEVER REOPENED)

 SOI  22  

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  

MAP

             The two newest 'traditional....' massage parlors on Soi Ambassador, The Best Massage and Chacha Massage, have reopened.   Rub-a-dub-dub...

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

             A quick glimpse of Bangkok's 'rainy season' as it washes down a quiet Soi Ambassador (Sukhumvit Soi 11)..

VIDEO CLIP

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            Venues remaining open or in transition on or before 31 August 2021 :

         *   Tewly Cocktail group bar beers - STILL OPEN

         *   Baan Pheuan Massage - REOPEN

         *   Cozy Spa - REOPEN ? - Sub-soi 11/1 (To recheck.)

         *   Suntaree Massage 5 - REOPEN ? Sub-soi 11/1 (To recheck.)

         *   Hemingway - REOPEN

         *   ChaCha Massage - REOPEN

         *   The Best Massage - REOPEN

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

  SOI  7  PLAZA  

MAP

            Our Place, one of Soi 7 Plaza's pioneer bars has given up the ghost.   They have already removed their chrome barstools and colored lights (and other chattel), and headed for higher ground.   Better luck on the rebound, gents (and ladies)...

 SOI  7  PLAZA

            The Drop In Bar is making no pretenses - they just went ahead and reopened.   Welcome them back to hard times...   Let's hope they remain well below the radar.

 SOI  7  PLAZA

            The on-again, off-again Soi 7 Bier Garten has re-reopened.   Not busy, just reopened.   Darkened frontage - Modus Operandi: "Speakeasy".

 SOI  7  PLAZA

            Venues remaining open or in transition on or before 01 September 2021 :

         *   Our Place - CLOSED PERMANENTLY

         *   Leo's Wall (1) - REOPEN - (Speakeasy)

         *   Ida 789 - REOPEN - (Speakeasy)

         *   Drop In Bar - REOPEN

         *   New Bar (No Name yet) - OPEN

         *   Soi 7 Bier Garten - REOPEN - (Speakeasy)

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  

MAP

            The below photo shows the Akane Fashion Massage (closed, on left), Demonia (closed, center), and Dream Heaven (open, right).

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  (Soi 33 Sukhumvit)

            Venues remaining open or in transition on or before 31 August 2021 :

         *   Dream Heaven Nuru Nuru Gel - REOPEN - ( Speakeasy )

         *   Star Japanese Snack Bar - CLOSED - Soi Pan Pan

         *   7 Heaven - CLOSED - Soi Pan Pan

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  (Soi 33 Sukhumvit)

 SOI  EDEN 

MAP

            The Gemma (we previously referred to it as Bangkok Beer Cafe) was the only bright spot on Soi Eden.   They are apparently able to operate openly as a 'hotel'.   May they keep on keeping on...

 SOI  EDEN  (Sukhumvit 7 / 1) 

            Venues that remained open or in transition through 1 September 2021 :

         *   Dalah Massage - CLOSED

         *   Down Under - CLOSED

         *   Gemma Sukhumvit (Previously called Bangkok Beer Cafe) - STILL OPEN

         *   Kawinya Massage - STILL OPEN - 'speakeasy style'

         *   Good Time Massage - CLOSED

         *   (Unnamed Bar Beer) - STILL OPEN - 'speakeasy style'

Traces of Bangkok's Early Years

       es, contrary to a commonly held belief, Bangkok had a Nitescene prior to the R&R years - to include a large selection of 'feeelm' from abroad.   A look back at 1964 will interest the historian as well as the cinema-buff.   While there were other theaters in Bangkok in '64, the 7 theaters featured herein were the main source of English-speaking (or subtitled) films for Bangkok's expats and tourists.   

         Each of these grand old theaters has long ago closed it's doors, many (if not all) no longer exist - having made way for condominiums and such.   For those who were not here in the 1960's, or who may have forgotten, the "Cinema Experience" was quite different than that enjoyed today.   Let's start with buying a ticket.   There were no telephonic or Internet reservations, one would have to go to the theater and get in whichever queue at the window selling tickets in your price range - 20 baht, 30 baht or 40 baht.   If you waited through the line and the time slot you wanted was sold out, you just bought a ticket for the next showing, and went somewhere nearby for dinner.
         There was always another line for "advanced bookings" - should you, say, stop by the theater in the morning, you could buy tickets for the 5:00 p.m.. show for that day (and that day only).   Take it from us - this system worked much better than today's "automated" ticketing systems, and those queuing up trying to decide which "promotion" they want to use (or to sign up for a newer promotion), or spending five minutes hemming and hawing, trying to decide which of their credit cards they want to use... you get the picture...

         Getting to and from the theater was also a different experience - taxis, if you could find one, were undersized Japanese or French in origin, a real pain to get in, and out of.   They had no air conditioning or meters - you haggled for the fare (good experience here).   (Sorry Buttercups, no Grab either...)   Or you could go by Sam Lor (Tuk-Tuk), which was always more enjoyable.   Or, like Bernard Trink, you could memorize the bus routes, and for 1 Baht 50 satang, get fairly near your destination theater.
         Once in the theater (1960's), you would show the usher your ticket (-we are betting you all had forgotten about 'theater ushers'...) - and he, with his small flashlight, would show you to your seat.   And for a small tip, he would run out and buy you a beer, or whatever.   So-far, so-good...   But the theaters were "Smoking" - sometimes the cigarette smoke was so thick it would be difficult to see the screen clearly.   Bringing in food from outside was not only allowed, it was nearly universal - to include grilled squid (which you could smell from the back row).   But back then, these things were taken for granted - only now can we look back to those 'Good Old Days', parts of which weren't all that "Good".

         There were always a couple of theaters which had a "Midnight Show".   These were very popular with the late-night crowd - the cine-buffs or those on a late date - as the theaters often had advance showings of films - often a week or two before they ran in the theaters in the normal time slots.   But more importantly, often before the local censors got their filthy little hands on them...

         A big part of "A Night Out At The Movies" was after the show let out - it was time to eat again (This Is Thailand....).   Among the best places to go in the wee hours were the kerbside khao tom stalls - Pratu Nam and the Rajdamnern Road areas had some of the most popular spots, staying open until the sun came up, or until there were no more customers....whichever came first.

      

With thanks to Cool Text.com

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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.

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(Boge's photo, above, is not a graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated....
- Ed)