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We continue to resurvey Soi 8, hoping for the best (hoping it will reach a 'critical mass', where there is a synergism which draws the big crowds of a stand-alone "Night Entertainment Area"). But, while there is a goodly amount of general activity on the Soi, it continues to fall into the category of "close-but-no-cigar".
By headcount alone, there is certainly a sufficient number of Nitespots to be a self-sustaining crowd-drawing Area, however, many of the Venues are of the Massage/ Spa variety (which can be found in overabundance in virtually every Sukhumvit soi). It is also noted that many of the 'bars' are open-fronted restaurant-bars, lending themselves more to the dining-and-drinking crowd than the so-called "Night Entertainment" crowd.
On our various surveys these last few years (the last 2 years ago), we have noted 'change' rather than 'growth' - Soi 8 tends to 'morph' rather than 'develop'. Nevertheless, there is hope things will change - Soi 8 continues to be a work in progress - let's see what develops once the ongoing new construction on the left hand side is completed.
The Kasalong Bar & Pool has a unique location, able to be accessed from both Soi 6 and Soi 8 - see map, above. It is known more for special services than it is for 'Bar & Pool'.
Some suspect that the 'star power' of the nearby Soi Cowboy is such that prospective bar owners shy away from investing in new bars on Soi 8 - well... maybe. MIDNITE HOUR will, of course, continue to check back periodically.
Lolitas opened originally in December of 2000 in the now-long-defunct Cowboy Annex (oh, yes it did, you doubters...). Now a long-time resident of Soi 8. Modus operandi unchanged after all these years....
The long-standing Kiwi has not disappeared. It has moved into the first sub-soi on the right as you are walking in. Prime agendum unchanged.
Det 5 is the oldest Nitespot on Soi 8, going back to the late 1980's in Tobacco Road (Soi Zero) when it went by its full name, Sexy Night Det 5. Located deeper in Soi 8.
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Let the August 2019 Follies
begin-
The Chill Out Boy tried various gimmicks in their brief existence, but it looks like it all went for naught - they were boarded up solidly when we passed by last night - it looks like they have gone the way of the Suliformes.
PATPONG 1
The Bangkok Massage moved into Patpong 2 two months ago from Soi Twilight. Originally it was located upstairs - co-located with the Lucky Boys Bangkok (also an exile from 'The Twilight Zone'). This month the Bangkok Massage moved downstairs into what was (up until 3 months ago) the now defunct New Screw Boy Disco. May they continue to abide...
PATPONG 2
The newly relocated (from Soi Twilight 2 months ago) Hotmale Bar Beer is in the process of renaming themselves the Midnite. Located next to Pinocchios. We'll attempt to get some comprehensive pics next issue....
(No photo available)
PATPONG 2
The Cockatoo is down for renovations, although for the life of us, we can't imagine why. At the end of the day, you are still going to just end up with a room full of 'ladyboys'... But we will keep an open mind - let's wait and see... They should be reopening next month...
SOI COWBOY
The Sahara has made a lock, stock & chrome-barstool move into the Kiss digs. The two are now co-located - the Kiss has not closed. Cozy. May they continue to rock 'n roll....
The Sahara - as just noted above, has moved out of its old digs, and into the Kiss just up the Soi a bit. This leaves the old Sahara an empty shell with a plywood front. No "confirmed" rumors as to what will be moving in... A wait-and-see item...
SOI COWBOY
The The Peep was supposed to have been open last month when we passed by, but wasn't - or didn't have its lights on.... At any rate, this month it is very much "open". This is the upgraded "Dundee" - welcome them back to the fray...
SOI COWBOY
The back end of the Bangkok Bunnies (now the Twisters Bangkok) has been in unending flux - no one seemed to be able to figure out how to make it a viable, profitable part of the business. But that was then, this is now - it has returned to its roots : the Voodoo is back... Or, to be more precise, the 'New' Voodoo (same distinctive neon)... Welcome them back to the bright lights, big city...
SOI NANA
The Geisha, up on the 3rd level, opened December last year with a deja-vu splash - some likening it to the old G-Spot, which occupied that corner location one floor down for many years. But it wasn't to last - it seemed to fade quickly - many reporting rumors that the A Go-Go was running out of money... Did someone forget to read their Business Plans For Dummies? We shall get back atcha later to confirm if this is a permanent closure - or not... We do confess we are curious about the 3 symbols at the bottom of their posted hours sign - does this mean it is forbidden to take pictures of someone shooting a smoker? Jus' askin'...
SOI NANA
The King Night Club has finally put up some signage out in front, facing the Soi - where passing foot traffic is more likely to see it. Hmmm... maybe they are planning to stay awhile... May they keep on keeping on...
SOI NANA
A For-the-Archives pic of the Bus Stop - which has proven to be a good place for a quick meal, a few drinks and a great spot to watch the 'passing parade'...
SOI NANA
The upstairs Hugs has closed. Again. As we have noted before, statistically speaking, once bars fall into the Open-close-open-close mode - they have already failed, they just haven't realized it yet...
SOI KATOEY
The Dolla Massage (spelled 'Dollar' in Thai) has taken over the slippery ropes from the Chitar Nuru Massage, which closed a month ago. Located deep in the Hana Sub-soi. May they continue to slip and slide....
SOI 22
The upstairs Luna Lounge appears to be sliding into its old bad habits of being open some of the time... (We noted it was closed when we passed by a couple of nights ago.) As we occasionally observe, the best way to have regular customers is to open regularly. Jus' sayin'.... Located in the Honey Plaza alcove.
SOI 22
A brand new bar beer, the Big Man Bar & Cafe, has squeezed itself into the front of the Soi. Welcome them to the city of lights & darkness...
SOI 22
The New Yorker Cafe & Cocktail Lounge has more going for it than just a cafe and a cocktail lounge. Their semi-freelancer hostess-waitresses will be pleased to greet you... Located deep in Sub-soi Lemongrass.
SOI 22
The The Bar Upstairs (upstairs in the Cordonnier) has closed. In fact, so has the Cordonnier - a 'Business For Sale' sign sits boldly out front. Being honest - the place was a little too highbrow for the Soi, and the closure was not unexpected. (It was located next door to the Apoteka.)
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The unusually named open-sided Baobab Bar was bathed in blackness and covered in heavy tarps when we passed by last night... To be sure, we will pass by again and see if this is just temporary...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Baan Beer, now the oldest Nitespot in the QPP, is slowly morphing into a pool bar - the old-time restaurant part slowly being eased out. May they make the transition without slipping into the Abyss...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The bar sometimes called the Bar Beer WTF which closed a couple months back has found a new tenant - calling themselves, tentatively, Nutz & Booze. May they be dealt all aces and faces...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Mainichi has taken over from the Hana House Karaoke in the S 33 Compact Hotel compound. They need a new sign, one that people can read.... Welcome them to the hunger-games...
SOI DEAD
ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)
The upstairs Kizuna Bar next to the Pan Pan Italian Restaurant has closed again - twice this year. Too soon to worry? Wait-and-see better...
SOI DEAD ARTISTS
(Sukhumvit 33)
The on-again, off-again 33 Club (in the old Renoir digs) is closed and under a shroud - yet again. I fear it is just not going to make the grade.... But we'll keep an ear to the ground, and get back atcha if conditions improve...
SOI DEAD ARTISTS
(Sukhumvit 33)
MAP Very quiet on Soi Eden this time around. We take a break to note that the street sign for Soi Eden doesn't say "Soi Eden" (duh...), but then it doesn't have any other name assigned either, like most other Bangkok Sois. One for the Archives...
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
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