MIDNITE HOUR - 01 December 2025

ow likely would it be for an American teenager enrolled in a Bangkok International School to pick up enough of the local language to record a rock 'n roll version of an Isarn folk favorite? --Which would quickly become the No. 1 record in Thailand, garnering Royal and international recognition along the way? Not likely. But in the mid-1960's schoolgirl Louise Kennedy recorded just that song (Puyai Lee -or, 'Headman Lee'). In Louise's own words, the song was a 'humorous protest song'.

While attending high school here in Bangkok, Louise Kennedy took a part-time job at a local radio station, filling in as a disc jockey. In between records she would sing along with the advertising jingles (not on air, of course). But her boss heard her singing, and convinced her to join a local jazz festival. She put together a band from the International School to back her, and found she was quite favorably received by the Thai audience. But that was just the beginning; a recording session soon followed.

Her recording took off, getting radio air time of its own, rapidly becoming the #1 song on the local 'hit parade'. And then everyone wanted to get into the act, from the King of Thailand conducting the Royal orchestra playing Louise's upbbeat instrumental version, to MR (Mom Rachawong) Seni Pramoj publishing an English version of the song in the local publications. A creative letter-writer even submitted a more 'singable' English version to the Bangkok World, so that when Louise went back to the U.S., she would be able to sing his version. (As it worked out, Louise sang only the Thai version, not singing either, or any English version).

Suksri Sriakaorn put the words of the Isan folk song to paper, whereby Seni Pramoj, an M.R. of distinction, and politician of redoubt, penned his English version for publication. In the succeeding decades, there has been a number of well-known Thai singers performing a number of (Thai) versions of the song. (Note: When reading both the English and the Thai, the text is not in two columns, it is to be read from left to the far right before proceeding to the next line...)

The musical chairs persist at the former Golden Beer Bar / Rak Siam Massage digs in front of the Nana Hotel. When they both closed down at the same time, we suspected something was afoot. It was. Months of rumors were afoot. Was the Las Vegas (formerly an upstairs A Go-Go in Nana) going to open the first full-on ground-floor A Go-Go on Soi Nana? Or not? They eventually opened a-la Crazy House, with a heavily curtained door, and of course door checks. Almost immediately after opening, the Las Vegas shut down operations. It quickly reopened - becoming the Rumors Nana. (Las Vegas kept a small upstairs area for themselves). But that was then, this is now. Rumors Nana has faded just as quickly into the heat and the last of the rains, the Venue becoming, at least for now, a well-appointed Nitespot. ...Which doesn't have a name.... And what will it become next month? (Hint: Jimmy the Greek isn't answering my calls...)

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.

Juanita (Jabie) Abercrombie starred in one film (Fugitive Girls), made one hit record (for Ocean Records) and had one international gig, which was this one. Her advertised 'stardom' was slightly exaggerated in the above. The Tropicana & Ramayana Venues were in the now-long-closed Rama Hotel on Silom Road.

July 1969

The then-recently opened Bar Again wasted no time bringing in international talent. The House Rockers playing here were the 'originals' - there have been follow-on groups of the same name.

July 1969

The long-established Aladdin Club on Patpong 1 had live music for years - before going "A Go-Go". Some on the street were pronouncing it the "Al Adeen".

July 1969

Bernard Trink entertainment insert

Bernard Trink accurately calls out the Thai Heaven as the most popular 'nitery' on the stretch of New Petchburi Road referred to as "The Golden Mile". The two Golden Mile Venues most remembered today are the Thai Heaven and Jack's American Star Bar.

July 1969

The Carrousel de Paris was indeed an entertainment group from Paris. What goes unmentioned here is they were 'female impersonators'. Also mentioned is the Australian group : Digger Revell Revue. By 1969, they had already made a few trips to Bangkok.

July 1969

The Sani Chateau was one of the most popuar Night Clubs in Bangkok Located in the Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area.

July 1969

Bernard Trink entertainment insert

The popular Honey Night Club was located next to the Manohra Hotel, deep in Surawong Road, almost to New Road.

July 1969

Bernard Trink entertainment insert

The (almost) new Rose Discotheque in Bangkok quickly became a popular expat hangout.

July 1969

Bernard Trink entertainment insert

The part of the War In Southeast Asia most often forgotten was the entertainers, mostly from the Philippines and Korea, who travelled around South Viet Nam. The Electravibe Show arrived here in Bangkok after a tour in Viet Nam hoping to find additional gigs.

July 1969