MIDNITE HOUR - 01 October 2020

BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -

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William R. ''Will'' Morledge
News page correspondent
(Midnite Hour) and contributing
editor - book reviews

MONTHLY NEWS
COLUMN

Bangkok,
01 October 2020
William R. Morledge

October's Nitelife News
Bangkok's Bars - 20 Years Ago
A Smile in the Land of Smiles.
Reader's Corner: Naturist A Go-Go 1967
Bangkok's Graffiti Update - #173

Fillin' our heads full of figgers and angles, and tellin' us stuff we already know...," or so says Billy Joe Shaver... One of the things we 'already know' is border closures under the Emergency Decree was necessary in controlling the Coronavirus. We also 'already know' Thailand's ongoing border closure continues to cripple our Night Entertainment Industry.

Although Venues on Patpong 1 Road are slowly reopening, it remains quiet, virtually deserted and without customers...

Coronavirus Overview
GLOBAL 2nd WAVE FADES FURTHER
01 October 2020

      This month we again review the global figures alongside several 'typical' individual countries.   For purposes of comparison, this month we are publishing data for the same countries we analyzed in previous months.   Note: 'typical' countries are so selected because of their accurate record-keeping and, not coincidentally, their implementation of internationally recognized precautionary and medical treatment procedures used in containing the Coronavirus.   As was the case last month, it is immediately observable from these graphs that the 2nd Wave generally rose, then began falling - both globally and for each of the individual nations, during the same timeframe.   The only geographic area glaringly slow in beating the 2nd Wave is Europe (including the U. K.) - it appears they are just now starting to experience falling case rates.   This is likely due to their less-than-organized implementation of precautionary containment measures.

      It also becomes apparent from the analyses of the graphs of these countries over the last 4 months, and from analyses of countries who have not been successful in implementing adequate isolation protocols, we can now reconfirm, yet again, which measures work, and what does not work - at least as far as 'isolation' and 'control' are concerned.   However, isolation is not the full answer - see the detailed discussion following the graphs below.

      As the above upsurges and declines are recent, we have used both 'new case' and 'death' data to best illustrate the actual trending by the most accurate and visually observable means.      Bangkok Eyes has reproduced the above information as a public service - this information is readily available to the public on the Internet and through other sources.   This information is not to be construed as a prediction, or an estimate, or a projection relating to changes in the prevalence of the Coronavirus, either as to length of time, location or severity.

All charts sourced at www.worldometers.info from W.H.O. data.

-But the borders cannot remain closed forever. Thailand, wisely, subscribed early on to 'border-closure' as a primary element in controlling the transmission of the Coronavirus - an essential first step. But this measure created a 'bubble', making Thailand 'an island of its own creation'. As it worked out, this isolation 'bubble' and like 'bubbles' throughout the globe were generally successful - doing their part in stopping cross-border transmissions. But the ensuing politicization and emotional debates over isolation in general, and each and every bit of minutiae relating to Coronavirus has caused (global) 'Coronaphobia' to reign supreme, while the Coronavirus itself has taken the back seat. What has been lost in the highly charged muddle of politicians playing scientist (and vice versa) is that isolation -at any scale- was intended to SLOW the spread of the virus - to buy time while medical resources could be mobilized. That original goal of 'locking down' until medical resources had been mobilized has long ago been reached - yet 'isolation' remains 'the order of the day' in Thailand, and in much of the world, in the belief that it is somehow going to be the way out from under the dread shadow of the Coronavirus. Again, isolation was not intended to be, and is not, 'the cure'.

Even under the most ideal border lockdown scenario we cannot expect to "win" the battle with CoV-19. The very best we can do is to continue on in endless Stalemate, specifically because herd immunity will not spread throughout an 'isolated' population (self-evident, by definition). In short, there is only one way out of the CoV-19 global nightmare, and that is through immunity. And there are only 2 possible ways to get immunity - herd immunity and immunity by vaccination. An unwillingness to grasp this is 'denial'.

It should not go unnoticed that, as infection rates remain relatively high, globally, and the death rates are continuing to drop noticeably (without a vaccine), it is either because of (1) increased care or (2) herd immunity. In that people almost always get over CoV-19, developing antibodies in the process (and rarely if ever become re-infected), and in that many have developed antibodies without symptoms, and in that we are into the pandemic for 9 months, there is a single incontrovertible conclusion : the emperical evidence unequivocally substantiates medium-term to long-term immunity from direct infection. The second path to immunity (mentioned above) is through a vaccine.

Firstly, we shouldn't be pinning our hopes on a vaccine - vaccines have not, historically, always been possible - as with AIDS, for example. But there is the likelihood that a vaccine of at least partial efficaciousness will be developed. (The Annual Flu vaccine is just such a partially successful vaccine.) Should a vaccine be developed.... even if it is only partially effective, it could provide the psychological nudge world governments and medical communities need to break away from the current global Coronaphobic "isolation mentality" that has brought the progress in the fight against Coronavirus to a snail's pace.

But even without the development of a vaccine, it will be necessary for the world to proceed much as Thailand is now proceeding, with talk of a Quarantine Island (Phuket) and the recent passing of the "Special" long-stay visas for those willing to do the 2-week quarantine. But this can only be the start : programs such as these will need to continue to be created and implemented just as fast as they can be approved. Consider the alternative - an isolation without end.

In summary, the statistics speak for themselves, the Thailand Government has, to date, handled the Coronavirus Pandemic as well or better than any other nation. The various restrictions implemented under the Emergency Decree and the incremental rollback of those restrictions have demonstrated 'what works', and 'that which does not - relative to 'isolation' and 'control'. However, it is now time to move away from the Coronaphobic "isolation mode" and to go forward with the step-by-step process of integrating back into the world. Final Note: Phase 5 conditions, and the subsequent addenda, for controlling Coronavirus are still in effect in Thailand (as outlined in our previous issues). In practice, however, 'social distancing' is almost nonexistent, to include in Bangkok's Night Entertainment Venues, and the wearing of masks is reserved for public transportation, commercial and government buildings and facilities - and of course, medical buildings. Save for the border lockdown, the "New Normal" in Thailand has proven not to be substantially different or intrusive.

*We note the local Thai Night Entertainment Areas are open and doing reasonably well, as, of course, their main source of custom is not foreign tourism. (Examples of local Thai Nitespot Areas: Sri Nakarin South, Soi Thonglor, Soi Udomsuk, Soi Ekamai, RCA.)

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October's Thai Smile wins the evening...

BOOKS ...worth a read !

( Click on book covers to order. )

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? Old
BANGKOK NIGHT SCENE
PHOTOS ?

Any old PHOTOS of
Bangkok's Nightlife ?

Please CLICK HERE to email us for publication.

Many Thanks,
William R Morledge

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MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX

Join the 'Comments' page...

*CLICK * here to email us at bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

NATURIST A-GO-GO - BANGKOK's FIRST

JANUARY 1967 & JULY 1967 RESPECTIVELY

   READER :
      Going back to your August column, I saw where you had published that there was A Go-Go in Bangkok before it was introduced to the Grand Prix in 1969.   It seems there are a lot of other sites who are saying that the Grand Prix on Patpong was in fact the first to introduce A Go-Go.   Your article says there were A Go-Go 'shows' in other bars and clubs?   Do you have any examples of these?

   MIDNITE HOUR:
      Bangkok Eyes has previously noted that there were A Go-Go 'shows' of brief duration in a few other Venues prior to Rick's inclusion of A Go-Go as a permanent fixture at the Grand Prix on Patpong 1 Road.   In that the Grand Prix was noted in print as the first to have A Go-Go as a full-time feature, we gave the Grand Prix the nod as having been Bangkok's seminal A Go-Go Nitespot.   We are currently putting together an article on the 'A Go-Go era', and have already collected a number of examples of Nitespots having A Go-Go, at least in some form, in the early days.   However, while collecting those old adverts and (with some luck) receiving input from contributors, we noticed that a Venue named Naturist A-Go-Go appeared a number of times, and over an extended period.   Naturist A-Go-Go has appeared continuously from at least 1967 through 1969 (to include the timeframe that Rick opened the Grand Prix).   As it was a dedicated A Go-Go, Naturist A-Go-Go was arguably the first to introduce A Go-Go to Bangkok on a regular basis. (!)
      The Grand Prix, however, is credited as the Nitespot that introduced A Go-Go as a regular feature on Patpong Road (and sparked the A Go-Go revolution there, just not in greater Bangkok.

      An extract from the booklet that JUSMAGTHAI Support handed out to arriving G.I.s coming from Viet Nam for R&R.   This booklet was for the year 1969.   Naturist A-Go-Go was one of many listed Nitespots.

The Grand Prix - December 1969

       Proto-A Go-Go as Rick Menard rolls out A Go-Go dancing at the Grand Prix.   Although the Grand Prix opened 6 February 1969, it was some time before Rick introduced his first A Go-Go dancers.   Note the subdued 'costumes' (street gear) behind a beaded "modesty curtain".   Wow...   The above pic is not from the Nite Owl's column, however judging from the telltale phraseology, we can say with some certainty Bernard Trink is the 'culprit'....

Comments ?-*Click HERE * & Email Us at    bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

BANGKOK's NIGHTLIFE DOLDRUMS

   READER :  Hi,
      I have been an avid back seat reader of your monthly reports since I arrived in Thailand 20 years ago.   And now I feel really sorry for you guys having to strain the rhetoric to find something new to say or report.
      I must say that I agree with critics who say you spend too much space on Covid statistics, because you do.   And I know why you do - to fill space.   But we can get that (if we want it) from other sources.

      I look to you for in-depth surveys of Night Scene.   But of recent months it's been a light scan rather than in-depth.   I sympathize, of course.   The night scene has changed from vibrant and exciting to limp and boring.
      But please can you do some more reports on Venues that are open.   And tell us bar times.   What time do they open?   Close?
      Nothing in latest report about Beer Garden Soi 7.   A staple of Bangkok bars from before my time.   Is it open?   Do they all sit 2 metres apart?   Wear masks?   Interesting things like that we (I) would like to know.
      Is Pickled Liver up and running in its new guise?   Report on Soi 7/1 was minimal this month.   What is actually open there?
      And some info about hotels actually open would be good.   I went to Bangkok for one night in June with a confirmed reservation only to find the hotel abandoned.   That was 2 hours before curfew.
      So please, instead of sticking to the old formula, reinvent yourselves as the entire entertainment industry itself has to do too.
      I will not desert you.   I await your monthly offering eagerly.

   MIDNITE HOUR:
      As an historical site (rather than a typical Nightlife site), we are more-or-less compelled to report Covid-19 first, as it has had far-and-away the largest impact on the Bangkok Nightscene in its entire history.   To paraphrase ourselves, "As the Pandemic goes, so goes Bangkok's Nightlife".   In this manner, we hope, through an accumulation of monthly surveys, to create an historical record (of that which has actually transpired) for future Internet browsings - (should our site "make it to the future" at all.... Ha!)
      Note: we do mention each month, by Night Entertainment Area, those bars that have reopened or re-closed, and continue to list new bars that have opened, and those which have closed permanently.   We believe we are the only website keeping detailed tabs on the expat Nightscene in Bangkok.
      "Historical" aside, your comments are helpful indeed, and we really do need to provide an updated, comprehensive review of the entire expat scene.   This would include updating our maps of each of the expat Night Entertainment Areas (which would clearly show those Venues which are still open).   The first stumbling block along this path is that the scene is changing too rapidly, we can't get a map completed without it having already changed substantially a month later.   Nevertheless, it still needs to be done, and we shall get it done, as soon as the waters calm a bit.
      It has been two months since the bars have reopened (restaurant-bars opened earlier), and there have been a number of bars that have reopened, then re-closed.   A number haven't reopened yet, but we are giving them "the benefit of the doubt", not writing them off entirely until we see what 'eventuates'.   This is a difficult choice - when does the "decent interval" expire, where we can say a venue is truly 'closed"?   A hard call - one we will surely not get 100% right - at the expense of being abused by disgruntled bar owners (as happened this last month with Chrome Bar).
      We have a number of awaiting 'stories' we would like to lead with in future issues, but as we are a 'volunteer team', time runs short as we get on with the rest of our lives.
* In reply to your immediate questions :
      - Pickled Liver has not reopened, and progress on the extensive renovations has ceased entirely since the Pandemic.
      - Soi 7 Bier Garten.   Please see our July issue, where we note its reopening, and have a couple of pics  ( bangkokeyes.com/2020jul01.html <link> ).   It remained open - as of the 31 August survey.   We will be re-surveying at the end of this month and will of course report any change in status.
      - Masks :  Technically speaking masks are required while out of doors and in public buildings and on public transportation, but once seated in a bar or a restaurant, masks are not worn.    - Social distancing :  Likewise, social distancing is technically on the books, but generally ignored once in a bar or a restaurant.   Tables may be spaced apart by 1 or 2 meters, but groups at tables, or persons sitting at a bar do not practice social distancing.   And of course, the hostesses do not practice social distancing with customers, once seated.
      - Closing times have reverted to the old times, now that the curfew has been lifted.   Many bars and bar areas (such as the new Soi 7 Plaza) are doing the same old "lights out-stay open" - along with a 'wink-and-a-nod' from the local Men-In-Too-Tight-Uniforms (varies depending on Police District).
      - Hotels.   - The hotels are now slowly reopening - how, we do not know, as there is no increased source of foreign custom.   Example : The Nana Hotel opened on 2 September, and some of the 'permanent resident' guests moved back in, as well as general use as a short time hotel (ladies seen coming and going), but hard to see the hotels turning a profit...
      Please continue to send in any criticism and questions.   (We can't depend on friends to criticize, they are too kind....)

Comments ?-*Click HERE * & Email Us at    bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

'THAI SMILES' - GETTING PERMISSION

Madrid in its heyday

   READER :
      I have a photo of a massage girl from Soi 22 that I took 10 years ago.   Do you accept pics like that for publication in your column?   Do you need the permission of the girl?   I have no idea where she is now.

   MIDNITE HOUR:
      Ah, a 'FAQ' - Frequently Asked Question:   Re: 'usability' of photos for our Thai Smile, we have either taken the pics ourselves, and have personal knowledge of, and/ or have done the 'permissions', and/ or the 'due diligence' regarding "Fair Use" etc, on (almost all) the individual pics appearing on Bangkok Eyes.   -However, this has not always been the case, as in the Thai Smile for last month. -   The young lady was a bartendee-cashier at The Trolley (Sukhumvit Rd., opp. Soi 26), and later moved to the Gold Label, when it was the only bar on Soi Cowboy [Bernard Trink called it 'the small soi behind the Shell Station', as the Soi didn't have a name then (1975).]   Therefore, we suspect we are at least technically at risk of having to remove this young lady's photo, even though she, of her own volition, gave the photo to us without conditions.

Generally, the Bangkok Eyes' policy on 3rd party submissions to us of any type is: they are assumed to be in the public domain (and therefore publishable by us) unless the person submitting the material states that he/she is unsure of the status re: copyright, or unsure if it is in the "public domain".   -Or, the person submitting the material states it is copyrighted, or may not be published for other reasons.   Our website policy further states that if a third party wishes Bangkok Eyes to remove any material which the third party claims is copyrighted or otherwise belongs to him, we will do so, should he be able to show reasonable proof of ownership.

In the case of your 10-year old photo, while all submissions are welcome, in that it is a photo of a presumed living person, regretfully, it would require permission of the young lady.

Over the last 18 years, we have been required to remove a single photo from the website, precisely because we did not receive prior permission.   Another time, also several years ago, the husband of a young lady (married after the photo was taken) wrote in and was elated to see the old photo of her (even though I did not obtain permission at the time).   He did not want her photo removed.   Nevertheless, we learned our lesson on getting permissions first.

Comments ?-*Click HERE * & Email Us at    bangkokeyes@gmail.com ...

Thanks for reading and for writing in.

Don't hesitate to send your questions and comments - always welcome.

Note: Text may be edited for brevity and/ or clarity.

'Reader's Corner' moderator -

'Boge' Hartman
Historical Research
*   Zootramp Publications

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BANGKOK EYES

Let the October 2020 Follies begin-

Bangkok's Night Entertainment Venues, closed down in late March, have officially been allowed to reopen since 1 July. This month, as was the case last month, we have seen a number of Nitespots reopen, and several that have gone out of business permanently. Additionally, we have noted in our last two monthly surveys that a number of Venues will close on some days, and will be open on others (without putting signs out front to inform customers of temporary closures). In such cases, we will report those venues as "closed", however, during this time of 'Coronavirus Crunch', we will not remove them from our monthly surveys, and duly record any eventual reopenings.

PATPONG 1

MAP

This last month the only Nitespot to reopen on Patpong 1 was the Kiss. Nevertheless, it joined the ranks of the small handful of other bars on that Soi, rarely having even a single customer.

PATPONG 1

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

*  Kiss
*  Tip Top (restaurant).
*  Thai Lady Bar - (2nd floor, rip off) - Re-reopened.
*  Derby King - Re-reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

* - (Nil)

PATPONG 1

PATPONG 2

MAP

Glamour was open when we passed by at the first of the month (having been closed on our last month survey). We note most of the young ladies are out on the front stoop, all on their hand-phones. Prospective customers shouldn't have a hard time finding someone to talk to... provided they could get them off their phones... Glamour is one of the bars that opens and closes without prior notice, thereby causing regular customers to go elsewhere.

PATPONG 2

The Club Kings reopened for the first time since the Emergency Decree clamp-down. Located on the corner of Patpong 2 and 'Soi Bookstore' (connecting Patpong 1 and 2). May they continue to find a customer here and there...

PATPONG 2

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

* Glamour- Re-Reopening
* Bada Bing - Re-Reopening

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

* - (Nil)

PATPONG 2

SOI COWBOY

MAP

Last month, Fanny's was playing at being open, sometimes only out in front. This month they are nailed down tightly. Their destiny unknown... we'll keep an ear to the ground...

SOI COWBOY

Oasis has reopened for the first time since the Pandemic. They are an upstairs-downstairs Pool Bar-Pub (English-American menu). The food, should you not be playing pool, compares favorably to the now-closed The Old Dutch. Check out their 'specials' on drink and food...

SOI COWBOY

NANA PLAZA

MAP

Nana Plaza had a total of nine (9) bars closed on our end-of-the-month survey. This includes the 4 bars that have been permanently closed since the beginning of the Pandemic. The 5 bars recently noted as closed at the end of 30 September were Rainbow 2 (another permanent closure), Enter (temporary?), Diamonds (temporary?), Temptations (temporary?), Straps (temporary?). [Photos below.] We give the benefit-of-the-doubt to the last 4, as many Bangkok bars are now closing at a whim for a day here-a day there, without posting a sign or note on the front as to the closure or the time of scheduled reopening. (This of course causes them to lose any "regular customers" they may have had, who come to their front door, not knowing what is going on - so they go somewhere else...) Just sayin'....

NANA PLAZA

If there was something supposed to be going on in the old Casanova digs, they were hiding it from us... Next time, we'll try sneaking up on it...

SOI NANA

MAP

The Why Not Bangkok opened newly this last month (noted as under renovation last issue). It has an open-front bar beer area, and an enclosed Pool Bar within. Much improved over the old BK, which closed a couple months ago. Welcome them to the machine...

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

A photo for the Archives. The No Name Bar bar beer located just inside subsoi Big Mango reopened almost 3 months ago, and they have recently done some minor sprucing-up. A belated welcoming back to the streets...

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

Unheard of...! The Heidelberg closed!? The Heidelberg is the grandfather Nitespot on Soi Nana - open when the Rajah was an R&R hotel, and the Nana Coffee Shop was the hottest free-lancer spot in the Kingdom - (well, not counting the Thermae...). Hopefully this is just a temporary closure - we'll be keeping an eyeball peeled and get back atcha....

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

The Jersey Pub, at the junction of Soi 6 and Soi 4 Nana has up and disappeared. This - just after reopening and putting up some new signage. The new signage now gone, we hope they found a spot a little further on down the road a piece...

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

The Pine 26 (a 'Club'), open just two months, has closed down like Alcatraz. Located across from the Omni Hotel. We'll swing by next 'round and see what's up... Will definitely update then if there are any changes...

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

*  Why Not Bangkok - Newly opened.
*  Apsara Day Spa (Closed and reopened again)
*  Swan Massage & Salon - Reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

*  Heidelberg
*  Jersey Pub - Permanently closed.
*  Pine - Open 2 months, then closed.

SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)

SOI KATOEY

MAP

The Banana Room Club, closed down last month has re-reopened. Gotta let the train roll on...

SOI KATOEY

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

*   Banana Room Club - Re-reopened.
*   4 Sport's - Re-reopened.
*   BAS Living Room - Re-reopened.
*   Sugar Bowl - Re-reopened.

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

* - Nil

SOI KATOEY

SOI 22

MAP

Oh, Bar Black Pinky we hardly knew ye.... You opened at the start of the Pandemic, and made your way through the worst, and now you are gone.... gone... gone....

SOI 22

A pic for the Archives. Last month we noted Secret Story Massage's opening, but had no pic - this month just playing catch-up. Let 'em slip and slide...

SOI 22

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

* - Nil

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

* Hip Bangkok Massage - Opened during the Pandemic, now closed permanently.
* Bar Black Pinky - Closed Permanently.

SOI 22

SOI AMBASSADOR

MAP

The Apoteka Blues Club opened 2 September, as scheduled. The live blues/ rock bands are still at it. Healthy crowds on weekends, week nights, except Mondays, are better for some... Let the good times roll...

SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

With the reopening of the Crave, all three Nitespot Venues in the Aloft Hotel are open for business (the other two, the WXYZ Bar and Levels had opened previously). Let's see what the future brings...

SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

The Sugar Club open last month when we dropped by, was closed at month's end. Perhaps they, too, are taking the occasional day (late night) off? We're going to be checking back on this one...

SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

Baffling," is the word we are searching for.... The Bafros isn't physically closed (not locked up), its just that there are no lights on, or people inside (upstairs)... Another 'Wait-and-See" item...

SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

*  Insanity Disco -
*  Crave - In Aloft hotel.
*  Apoteka
*  Cali-Mex Bar & Grill Soi 11 Re-reopen
*  Tewly Cocktail bar beer cluster - Four became 3 as one absorbed another...

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

*  Soul Salt / Liquid Elephant
*  Wax Late Night Club
*  Bafros
*  Suntaree Massage 5- Soi 11/1
*  Bai Po Massage - Soi 11/1

SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit Soi 11)

SOI 7 PLAZA

(AKA "Nana Plaza @ 7")

MAP

There were no changes in the bar survey for Soi 7 Plaza again this month, so we will be posting a pic of the Rumours Bar (originally from Queen's Park Plaza) - one for the Archives... We note that 5 bars from the original launch of the Night Entertainment Area have yet to reopen, but it appears that they are maintaining their lease... (?) - Wait and see... To answer readers' questions, yes, the Soi 7 Bier Garten is still open... (We will include news on the Bier Garten in this section as the facilities are contiguous ).

SOI 7 PLAZA

SOI DEAD ARTISTS

MAP

33 Society Chill Lounge & Bistro has opened newly on Soi Dead Artists. That is, when it isn't closed...ahennnh.... We make note of a couple of items : firstly, they are employing the 'bouncer format', and we have not seen this format succeed -ever- on Soi 33. Secondly, with the exception of the original Christies (owned by the property owner) - which closed a few years ago - none of the series of successor Nitespots has succeeded for more than a number of months. We hope this latest entertainment group has done all the necessary feng shui and have memorized their copy of Business Plans For Dummies. Welcome them to the fray - may they keep on keeping on...

SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)

What was the casual Bar Kizuna has become the brand-new Kiss Japanese Snack Bar. Welcome them to the now predominantly Japanese Night Entertainment Area historically named Soi Dead Artists.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)

The Mainichi Club & Karaoke existed for a considerable time on the ground level of the S 33 Compact Hotel, however it closed down a couple months back. This month it was replaced by the Club Sapporo, modus operandi unchanged. Welcome them to the nightcircus.

SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)

Newly Opened / Reopened in September (On or before 1 October) 2020

*  33 Society - Opened newly.
*  Sapporo Snack Bar - Opened newly,    In S 33 Compact Hotel
*  Kiss Snack Bar - Opened newly, Upstairs, next door to Pan Pan Restaurant

Closed Permanently, or Reopened but Reclosed before 1 October 2020

* Love & Service Massage - Mitu Bangkok - Reclosed - in Subsoi 4

SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)

SOI EDEN

MAP

The New Victoria Pool & Bar opened newly in what was, up until 2 months ago, the Caribbean (2). (Upstairs was the Victoria Restaurant & Bar). We wish them constancy...

SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)

We are pleased to report the sister specialty bars, just across the Soi from one another, Chrome Bar and Wood Bar have re-reopened, prime agendum unchanged...

SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)

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A PAGE FROM Bangkok's NIGHTSCENE HISTORY....

20 YEARS AGO

October

With thanks to Cool Text -cooltext.com

Bangkok Eyes goes back in time to see
Who was New - And Who was Through
in the Expat Night Entertainment World
How many of these old 'Oases'
Do you remember ?

Patpong I

October 2000

   *  - No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 34 )

Patpong 2

October 2000

   *  - No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 58 )

Soi Cowboy

October 2000

   *  Susie Wong reopened after a one-month hiatus.   They are still there today.

   *  Bluebird Club closed permanently.   Today, those premises are home to Baccara.

(Total Nitespots that month: 34 )

Cowboy Annex
(Asoke Corner + Asoke Plaza)
[ ~June 1998 to 04 February 2005 ]

October 2000

   *   The U-Turn - NEW - Replaced the just-CLOSED   Tup Tim Siam - along the back fence.

   *   The 'Night Fever' - NEW - Replaced the just-CLOSED   Lucky - Located on the Island.

(Total Nitespots that month: 21 )

Nana Plaza

October 2000

   *  Obsession closed temporarily for renovations.   They are still at that location today.

(Total Nitespots that month: 40 )

Soi Katoey
( Silom Soi 4 )

October 2000

  *  The upstairs Icy Hot (upstairs) took over the old Deeper digs.   Today those premises are occupied by Hugs Bar-Karaoke.

(Total Nitespots that month: 14 )

Soi Dead Artists
( Sukhumvit Soi 33 )

October 2000

  *  No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 26 )

Buckskin Joe Village
(~ December 1988 to 9 June 2006)

(Also called 'Tobacco Road', 'Soi Rot Fai', 'The Tracks', 'Soi Zero' & 'Machim' [Thai] )

October 2000

   *   The Nui Lucky Bar opened newly in the just closed Lucky Luke.   (Not related to Lucky Luke's at Nana Plaza.)

(Total Nitespots that month: 20 )

Washington Square
(~ April 1999 to April 2014)

October 2000

   *   No changes that month / year.

(Total Nitespots that month: 17 )

Clinton Plaza

(Originally ''Entertainment Plaza'')
[ ~February 1999 to June 2003 ]

October 2000

      *   Saloon Bar - CLOSED - Outside against the main building.

      *   White House - NEW - Outside against main building.

      *   Doll House - NEW - Located outside against outer wall.

      *   The Candy Store - NEW - Ex: Flowers A-Go-Go - Clinton Plaza's first A Go-Go.   Located outside against outer wall.

(Total Nitespots that month: 21 )

''13 Night Market'' Entertainment Area

(Originally 'Old Thermae Compound')
[ April 2000 - March 2005 ]

October 2000

      *  All Nitespots - CLOSED during renovations.

(Total Nitespots that month: 0 )

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VICARIOUS ART CRIMES #173

MIDNITE HOUR's

But is it ....ART ?

New to the 'World of Graffiti'?
*CLICK* here for our "INTRO"
"The ART and the CONTROVERSY"

Check out Bangkok's dedicated page at "BKK Graf.com" <link>

GRAFFITI IN THE NEWS

Banksy, the artist who made graffiti famous, oh, and lucrative, has taken some of his 'profits' and purchased the German-registered M.V. Louise Michel - a vessel looking very much like a WW-II PT boat.

After decorating the vessel profusely with a pink spray can (more like 300 spray cans), and adding to the superstructure an original 'Banksy' of a young girl holding a heart-shaped life preserver (somewhat reminiscent of his other works), he hired a crew and set about rescuing migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea.

      Since a number of European countries have stopped coming to the aid of adrift migrant boats and have started arresting other boats which attempt to help them, Banksy knew he would have to have a boat that would be able to 'move-out', that is, be able to outrun the local gendarmerie vessels.   His pink Louise Michel does over 28 knots (exact top speed not revealed) - and he hasn't been caught.... yet...

      To date, the Louise Michel "Lifeboat" has rescued 89 adrift migrants, and has recently set off on another mission from Spain to continue the good works.   And, of course, the Louise Michele is appealing for donations to keep themselves afloat....    Our only concern is - nowhere do they say where the Louise Michel is rescuing the migrants to....

      With thanks to Graffiti Street <link>, a great graff source...

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 excerpts of any original artwork and excerpts of photographs resides exclusively with the creators.

With thanks to Cool Text.com

Graffiti #1200
Kids T'day...
8 ft high x 8 ft

Graffiti #1201
Romeo # Five
7 ft high x 19 ft

Graffiti #1202
Briar Patch
7 ft high x 22 ft

Graffiti #1203
Pea Chowder
8 ft high x 14 ft

Graffiti #1204
The Magic Planger
7 ft high x 18 ft

Graffiti #1205
Silvergreen
7 ft high x 17 ft

Graffiti #1206
In The Name
7 ft high x 15 ft

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.

Bangkok's original site !

SINCE 2005

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)

--- Datzit Fernow

William R. Morledge

Click
for
LEGAL

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"The Archives" - All Our Back Issues Here

- 2020 - 01 JAN - Soi 7 "On The Map" 01 FEB - Soi 33's Dead Artists - RIP 01 MAR - Queen's Park Plaza gone 01 APR - Coronavirus Crunch 01 MAY - Coronavirus Ebbs 01 JUN - Coronavirus is killing bars 01 JUL - Coronavirus now rare 01 AUG - Thais curb Coronavirus 01 SEP - Covid blockade foils 2nd Wave	- 2019 - 01 JAN - Soi 71 + "W District" 01 FEB - Back to Soi 26 01 MAR - Soi 1 & Soi 3 01 APR - Mizu's of Patpong 01 MAY - Mississippi Twins 01 JUN - Gay Patpong ? -Twilight Gone 01 JUL - Bars - 50 Years On 01 AUG - Soi 8 Reviste 01 SEP - Copyright & the 'Net 01 OCT - Historic Honolulu - Chinatown 01 NOV - The Patpong Museum 01 DEC - Queen's Park Fades - Soi 7 Opens
- 2018 - 01 JAN - The Pub Crawl 01 FEB - Bobby Passes On 01 MAR - Nana - The Plaza - The Soi 01 APR - Soi Dead Artists - Downsizing? 01 MAY - Soi's 5, 7, 7/1 Eden 01 JUN - Soi 24 - Going Nowhere 01 JUL - Street Bars - They're Back 01 AUG - Udorn in the 60's & 70's 01 SEP - Potpourri - Odds 'N Ends 01 OCT - Khao San + Rambutri Rds. 01 NOV - Night Market Sri Nakarin 01 DEC - Soi 23 - Running Hot	- 2017 - 01 JAN - Soi 22 - the Survivor 01 FEB - Hua Hin Nights 01 MAR - Hooking-Up 01 APR - Soi Than Tawan 01 MAY - Our Saloon-Count Surveys 01 JUN - Soi Bua Khao 01 JUL - Soi 8 - Work In Progress 01 AUG - NO PHOTO (more or less) 01 SEP - Stickman Calls 'Time' 01 OCT - Sweet Black Angel 01 NOV - Thai King At Rest 01 DEC - The Dark Arts
- 2016 - 01 JAN - Railway Bazaar 01 FEB - Sukhumvit Square Justice 01 MAR - Paint the Neon Night 01 APR - Udom Suk Reviste 01 MAY - Soi Thaniya 01 JUN - Soi Thonglor Re-up 01 JUL - Massage Parlor Row 01 AUG - Check Inn 99 01 SEP - Pattaya A Go-Go 01 OCT - Bangkok's Nitelife Maps 01 NOV - Nitespot Demographics 01 DEC - Pattaya's Soi 6	- 2015 - 01 JAN - A Go-Go Bar Ratings 01 FEB - Are Cops Gouging Nitelifers? 01 MAR - Bad Company 01 APR - LK Metro - Pattaya 01 MAY - Soi 33 goes East 01 JUN - Rachada Fades 01 JUL - Freelancers 01 AUG - Nana Plaza Map 2015 01 SEP - Soi Nana Map 2015 01 OCT - Walking Street - Pattaya 01 NOV - Rachada - The Giant 01 DEC - A Go-Go's Story
- 2014 - 01 JAN - Bangkok's Got The Blues 01 FEB - Soi 26 - Stayin' Alive 01 MAR - Nightscene rues Mob 01 APR - My Friend owns a Bar... 01 MAY - Soi's 3, 5 and 7 01 JUN - Curfew's Costly Cut 01 JUL - Soi 13 Makes It's Move 01 AUG - Pattaya Does The Twist 01 SEP - Soi's 18 & 20 - Quieter is Better 01 OCT - Soi's 10 & 14 - Lesser known Sois 01 NOV - A Good Old Boy... 01 DEC - Lang Suan & Sarasin	- 2013 - 01 JAN - Not Fade Away - The Survivors 01 FEB - Rare Old Photos 01 MAR - Copa Reprise 01 APR - Arise, Soi 22 01 MAY - Where to Next ? 01 JUN - Bangkok Noir 01 JUL - MAPS - The Major Update 01 AUG - Lamai Lamai Lamai 01 SEP - Tim 'Wanchai' Young 01 OCT - Soi Wall Street 01 NOV - Little Thonglor - Soi 11 01 DEC - Mississippi Queen
- 2012 - 01 JAN - Mama-San 01 FEB - Our 10th Anniversary Issue ! 01 MAR - How Gay Nana ? 01 APR - Sukhumvit' Soi 23 - The Big Picture 01 MAY - Khao San Road - Unique Bazaar 01 JUN - Ekamai - It Used To Be Too Far 01 JUL - Nightlife Pioneers 01 AUG - The New Puritans 01 SEP - Nana - On It's Own 01 OCT - FAIL - War on Nitespot Drugs 01 NOV - Patpong Unbroken 01 DEC - Drugs & the Nightscene in History	- 2011 - 01 JAN - Patpong's 'Glory Days' 01 FEB - Nightlife In A Digital Age 01 MAR - Co-Co Walk Plaza 01 APR - Soi 33 Marches On 01 MAY - Nightlife Permissiveness 01 JUN - Ghosts of Nitelife Past 01 JUL - STATE - The Cinema, Soi & Area 01 AUG - Soi Darling 01 SEP - Sri Nakarin South 01 OCT - Soi 8 Reprise 01 NOV - Floodless in Bangkok 01 DEC - Soi Udomsuk
- 2010 - 01 JAN - Street Bars II - The Triple-Dip 01 FEB - Our Kind Of Art - II - Chris Coles 01 MAR - The Dead Artist Bars - Soi 33 01 APR - "Soi Ginza" - Thaniya Road 01 MAY - Night Scene Blues (Red Shirts 1) 01 JUN - Nitespots Recover Slowly (Reds 2) 01 JUL - World Cup Special 01 AUG - Those Old Photos 01 SEP - The German Invasion 01 OCT - Racism & Prejudice 01 NOV - Soi 11 Revisited 01 DEC - Soi 22 Updater	- 2009 - 01 JAN - The Santika Fire 01 FEB - Salt & Pepper 01 MAR - Nana Plaza - Update & Maps 01 APR - Soi Nana Update 01 MAY - The Nightscene & The Riots 01 JUN - "19" Re-Focus 01 JUL - Rain Dogs - The Underground 01 AUG - Soi Thonglor - A bridge-too-far 01 SEP - Ban Chang - Our Little Secret 01 OCT - The "Ginza Effect' 01 NOV - Royal City Avenue (RCA) 01 DEC - Sutthisan & The Inthamara's
- 2008 - 01 JAN - 2007 - Looking Back 01 FEB - Owning A Bar 01 MAR - Expat's Bangkok 01 APR - Nude Dancing 01 MAY - After Midnite 01 JUN - Night Scene In Flux 01 JUL - Our Kind Of Art 01 AUG - Trendy Plaza Reprise 01 SEP - The Elephants Are ....Back 01 OCT - Grand Prix Intro 01 NOV - Grand Prix - Rick's Story 01 DEC - "Old Bangkok Hand"	- 2007 - 01 JAN - Bombs Blast Bangkok 01 FEB - Bangkok's Nightscene Websites 01 MAR - Prasitipol Dance Bar To Fall 01 APR - Soi 5 Neon Review 01 MAY - A Go-Go Bangkok 01 JUN - Arise ! Soi 11 01 JUL - Anatomy Of A Bar Area 01 AUG - Soi 26 - Too Far ? 01 SEP - Chuwit Guilty 01 OCT - Daytime Nana Plaza 01 NOV - Cowboy - All Of It 01 DEC - Another Nitespot Area Falls
- 2006 - 01 JAN - Pattaya Ascending 01 FEB - A Go-Go Then & Now 01 MAR - ' Madrid ' 01 APR - White Heat 01 MAY - Politics & Nightlife 01 JUN - Fagin's Bratpack 01 JUL - King Bhumibol's 60th Anniversary 01 AUG - Soi 10 - The Final Shaft 01 SEP - Pattaya's Soi Bua Khow 01 OCT - Rachada's Other Face 01 NOV - Soi 22s Other Bars 01 DEC - Soi Eden Goes A Go-Go	- 2005 - 01 JAN - Asoke Plaza Crushed 01 FEB - The 'Nana Scene' 01 MAR - Asoke Plaza Smashed Again 01 APR - Sukhumvit 1 Plaza 'Arrives' 01 MAY - Welcome 'Soi Eden' 01 JUN - Bangkok's Bareback Riders 01 JUL - Soi 22 - A Macro View 01 AUG - Nana's Slide 01 SEP - Cowboy Street Scene 01 OCT - The Pattaya Run 01 NOV - Soi 19 In Focus 01 DEC - Bad Girls
- 2004 - 01 JAN - Bangkok's Darkest Year 01 FEB - Where Is trink ? 01 MAR - Soi 33 Just Won't Stop 01 APR - Cracks In The Crackdown 01 MAY - In The Zone 01 JUN - "Night-Scene Jumbos 01 JUL - Easy Square 'On The Map' 01 AUG - Soi 1 Entertainment Plaza 01 SEP - Khlong Toey Revisited 01 OCT - Koh Samui's Night Scene 01 NOV - Soi 1 Opens 01 DEC - The Bangkok Pub Scene	- 2003 - 01 JAN - Cowboy Crackdown 01 FEB - Sukhumvit Square Smashed 01 MAR - Soi 10 Survivors 01 APR - War & The Night Scene 01 MAY - Entertainment Blues 01 JUN - '13 Night Market' Reborn 01 JUL - Clinton Plaza Falls 01 AUG - Soi 24 Nightscene Review 01 SEP - Does Soi Nana Measure Up? 01 OCT - Patpong - Legend & Myth 01 NOV - Easy Square 'Launched' 01 DEC - Soi Cowboy Urine-Swoop
- 2002 - (OUR 2002 TEST COLUMNS :) 01 FEB - January: Big Changes In Bar Scene 09 JUN - Sukhumvit Square 'Explosion' (OUR REGULAR COLUMNS BEGIN :) 20 JUN - Soi 22's Queen's Park Plaza 01 JUL - Clinton Plaza - Already Dead? 01 AUG - Bar Beers Now "Major Players" 16 AUG - July: Bar Beers Gaining Ground 01 SEP - A Go-Gos A-building 17 SEP - Virtual Bars 01 OCT - A History In The Making 01 NOV - Pool Bars Come Of Age 01 DEC - November's Night Follies 15 DEC - Genesis: Sukhumvit's Night Scene 01 JAN - Seminal Survey -Paradisio Closes	- 2001 - 01 JAN - Baccara opens in Cowboy 01 FEB - Club Habanos Closes - PP1 01 MAR - farang Connection Closes - Nana 01 APR - Rock Hard BB Open - Clinton Pl. 01 MAY - Las Vegas Opens - Cowboy 01 JUN - 'Wall Street' Opens - Soi 33 01 JUL - Vixens Closes - Nana 01 AUG - 6 A Go-Go's Shut - Clinton Pl. 01 SEP - Pussy Collection Opens - PP1 01 OCT - Girl Friend Closes - PP1 01 NOV - Rainbow III Opens - Nana 01 DEC - White House Reopens - Clinton Pl.
- 2000 - JAN - 'Cowboy Annex' Starts Up FEB - Agogo 2000 new at Nana MAR - Flowers - Clinton's 1st A Go-Go APR - Angel Witch new at Nana MAY - Dubliner now at Washington Sq JUN - Coco Loco opens at Clinton Pl. JUL - Bottoms Up new at Nana AUG - Crack House opens at Clinton Pl. SEP - Doll House / White House open at Clinton OCT - Rock Hard to open at Clinton Pl. NOV - Big Dogs opens at Nana DEC - Lolita opens in Cowboy Annex	- 1999 - JAN - Masquerade Closes @ Nana FEB - "Entertainment Plaza" Start-Up MAR - SuperStar is PP SuperBar ! APR - Washington Square goes Critical MAY- New Klymaxx closes (Cowboy) JUN - 'Wet Lips opens (Cowboy) JUL - Sam 2000 opens (Cowboy) AUG - Monica's opens (Clinton Plaza) SEP - Muzzik Cafe open on PP1 OCT - No Probl'm now Cat's Meow NOV - Titty Twisters opens at Nana DEC - Londoner Brew Pub new on Soi 33
- 1998 - JAN - Nancy Bar opens on Floor 2, Nana FEB - Tabasco Charlies opens - (NEP) MAR - Cowboy 2 is a 'Pizzaria' - Soi Cowboy APR - New A Go Go Duck opens - Cowboy MAY - Raw Hide opens on Cowboy JUN - Para Disio opens - Floors 2 & 3 - NEP JUL - Patpong Cafe opens - PP2 AUG - 'Funny Girls' becomes 'Girlfriend' - PP1 SEP - Masquerade opens on 3rd Floor - NEP OCT - Virgo opens on Cowboy NOV - Obsession, Beverly Hills, Red Lips open DEC - Lucifer Disko Tk opens atop Radio City	- 1997 - JAN - 'Hot Rods' opens @ Nana FEB - Crazy Lady closes (Nana) MAR - 3 Lounges closed - 'The Ramp' APR - Blue Sky Bar closes - PP1 MAY - Crackdown at Nana JUN - Crystal Palace opens - PP2 JUL - Limelight closes - PP1 AUG - Rainbow II opens @ Nana SEP - Cowboy's Butterfly Gone OCT - Shadow drops Crazy Jack (Cowboy) NOV - Hollywood 2 now on 3rd Floor (NEP) DEC - Susies opens @ Buckskin Joe Village
- 1996 - JAN - Shooters opens on 3rd Floor (NEP) FEB - XTC Closes, then Reopens (NEP) MAR - Tapas back on line (Soi Katoey) APR - Long Gun expands (2X) [Cowboy] MAY - Apache reopens on 'The Boy' JUN - Pink Panther "upstairs" closes JUL - Iconic Mile's Place gone... AUG - Upstairs Touch Bar closes (PP1) SEP - Pharaoh opens in NEP carpark OCT - Spirit House opens in NEP NOV - Crazy Lady opens in NEP DEC - Long Gun 2 opens (now Rawhide)	- 1995 - JAN - PP1 Butterfly Closed FEB - Camelot Castle Opens MAR - NEPs Bubble Gum gone... APR - Tiny 'Imagine' Closed MAY - (Quietest month on record) JUN - NEPs Mon Cherie axed JUL - Play Skool opens (NEP) AUG - Opium Club new on The Ramp SEP - D.L Irish Pub (ex: Bamboo's) OCT - NEP 3rd Floor Opens NOV - Klymaxx 2 opens on Cowboy DEC - Chick's opens upstairs (PP1)
- 1994 - JAN - Takara Bar opens upstairs FEB - Big Blue 1 now on Cowboy MAR - Playboy opens ex: Takara Bar APR - Pretty Girl opens in Nana MAY - Smile Club opens at last JUN - Sawasdee Club opens in PP2 JUL - Bumble Bee new in Cowboy AUG - Queen's Castle II axes Suzie Wong SEP - Voodoo opens in Nana OCT - SuperStar closes then reopens NOV - Radio City takes over Smile Club DEC - Marina becomes Montana on Ramp	- 1993 - JAN - - FEB - - MAR - Saloons - More Areas Added APR - Saloons -Adding "Nana" MAY - Red Diamond Closed JUN - Saloons - Tomatohead Closes JUL - Pretty Lady A Go Go AUG - Mars Party House closed SEP - Matterhorn & Star Pub OCT - Sawasdee Cocktail Lounge - New NOV - Thigh Bar name change DEC - Smile Club to open...
- 1990 - JAN - Buckskin Joe - Initial Survey	- 1989 - 01 JAN - (Coming Soon)