MIDNITE HOUR - 01 October 2025

t the bottom of one of our decaying cardboard boxes we came across a 1969 Bernard Trink article / interview of a Bangkok bar owner . At first reading, it didn't appear overwhelmingly illuminating, however when viewed from an historical perspective, we found it to be a "point-in-time" account of a unique character, typical of the many unique characters that owned and managed Night Entertainment Venues in Bangkok in the '60's and '70s. Additionally, the article as a whole gives the reader the overall 'flavor' of the Bangkok scene in the late '60s, which at that time still also maintained a large U.S. military presence.
For reference, the below noted Allan's Sportsman's Lounge, was located at the far end of Surawong Road, in the 'sphere' of New Road Nightlife activities, as opposed to the newer Silom / Patpong scene.

Traces of Bangkok's Early Years

This month Midnite Hour continues to review Bangkok's Nightlife 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 Buccaneer, was one of a few "Nitespots' the Manohra Hotel tried to popularize during that era. The Manohra is still there today - located half way between New Road and Patpong, which, as far as entertainment is concerned, made sense in the '60's and 70's. However the New Road Night Entertainment scene and the Patpong scene are no longer major Night Entertainment draws - and as they faded, so did the Nitespots along Surawong Road.

May 1969

Extract Bernard Trink's Nite Owl column

The Thai Yonok opened several months prior, advertising itself as a respectable 'restaurant', free of the stigma of freelancers that had been an integral part of the scene at its predecessor, the Dew Drop. Here, Bernard Trink advises in his Nite Owl column that the freelancers had returned.

May 1969

Extract Bernard Trink's Nite Owl column

Here we take note of the seldom mentioned, but popular Silver Star Bar on Silom Road. Trink's mention of "30 partners" is the now-antiquated term for "30 hostesses" (with whom one could sit and buy drinks for). Also mentioned is the California Bar on New Petchburi Road (the 'Golden Mile'). Bars and massage parlors on the Golden Mile were often named after states or cities in the U.S.A.

May 1969

The Sani Chateau ran this same advert the previous month - upon reopening after an extended renovation. Frank Nagai was a popular singer known for his baritone voice, and actor (Japanese films). Sani Chateau was located in the Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.

May 1969

The Tropicana / Ramayana were in the Rama Hotel on Silom near New Road.

May 1969

The Nite Owl column mentions that Kahu and The Trippers were making "the 'Upcountry circuit'. Translation: they were performing at the joint US-Thai military bases.

May 1969

The Fire Cracker Club in the First Hotel wasn't near any of the mainstream Night Entertainment Areas, but remained popular during the R&R years.

May 1969

The newly opened The Electric Shadow was the place to go that month, with their original, immersive psychedelic decor and shows. Located at the Chavalit Mansion on Sukhumvit near Soi 11. Its only (psychedelic) competition was the Red & Blue at Siam Square.

May 1969

(From the Bernard Trink Nite Owl columns.)

May 1969