BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -

Maps & Histories    About Us    Movies    Community     Archives

            Bangkok Eyes continues to monitor the Coronavirus situation locally and abroad in order to provide our readers with current cautionary data, and to provide realistic expectations as to timeframe(s) for a safe reopening of Thailand's Night Entertainment Scene.   As we went to press' last month, the temporary shut-down of Thailand's Night Entertainment had four more days to run - at which time (4 January) things would return to normal (as we experienced early December).   Little did we know this would be just the beginning of the Night Entertainment blackout...

The Ghost-Town that was Patpong 1 Road

               No one could have foreseen the extent to which the Coronavirus had spread through the factories in the industrial estates in the adjoining Samut Sakhorn Province.   Nor did anyone predict the extent to which the virus would 'leak' to most other provinces in the country.   In mid-January, we were given a glimmer of hope that Thailand would be administering vaccine by mid February.   As is typical, that was not to be - now the authorities are saying it will be sometime in March- perhaps   By the time 4 January rolled around, authorities had extended the Night Enertainment lockdown to, and, now, through the end of January into February.

               While we can already see first-hand much of the direct damage to the Entertainment Scene, as evidenced by the number of permanently closed Venues, there is no telling how much of what we knew as 'Bangkok Entertainment' will remain after the virus is under control.

               Below is the initial formulation by the authorities on easing of the Covid restrictions by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority.   These same conditions were mimicked by the National Government (based on critical assessments) on 28 January (effective 1 February).   The one exception for Bangkok's Entertainment Sector is restaurants will now be able to stay open later, and sell take-out alcoholic beverages.   Huh (!?)

1.   Game consoles. Must wear masks.
2.   Game Rooms / Internet 'cafes'
3.   Elderly Care facilities - with reduced activities.
4.   Sports / competition fields - no boxing, horseracing or spectators.
5.   Function Rooms / Catered functions.   Not over 300 persons
         without obtaining prior permission from BMA Health & Safety.
6.   Amulet sales markets / areas
7.   Beauty parlors, inclusive of ear /body piercing.
8.   Fitness centers - no personal trainers, no steam/sauna
9.   Traditional Thai massage / foot massage / spas - no steam baths
10.    Boxing Gyms - practice sessions only, no competitions, spectators
11.   Bowling alleys, skating rinks, no spectators
12.   Dancing schools
13.   Martial arts studios - no competitions, no spectators


1.   Entertainment Venues
2.   Children's playgrounds
3.   Playground apparatus - (swings, etc)
4.   Boxing Stadiums
5.   Snooker halls
6.   Horseracing courses
7.   Rooster fighting venues
8.   Fighting fish venues
9.   Buffalo fighting venues
10.   Children day-care centers
11.   Steam Bath facilities
12.   Infant care nurseries
13.   Amusement parks
14.   Tutoring / teaching establishments

            As stated last month, currently, no reasonable projections can be made as to when the Coronavirus (and the even-more destructive effects of government-induced 'Coronaphobia') will subside to a semblance of normalcy.   It is becoming more obvious by the day that the "isolation model" of beating the Coronavirus is not only not working, it is destructive in nature.   Should Thailand's return to normalcy, in particular, 'tourism' be delayed much longer, many more Nitespots and hotels will not be able to survive.

  TOP  

Coronavirus Overview GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS ON DECLINE 01 February 2021       This February Bangkok Eyes continues our ongoing review & analysis of the global figures, to include Thailand - touching on several 'typical' individual countries.   For purposes of comparison, this month, as in months past, we are updating data for the same countries previously reported.       In followup from last month, the below "The Case for the Sweden Model" amplifies our comments on Sweden last month.   After a year of consistent data, we have selected Sweden as the "Benchmark" due to their no-lockdown posture, their other proven methods to control contagion and their adequate medical care (both quantitative and qualitative), and of course, consistent reporting. It is noted that Sweden's First and Second wave were typical, globally, for timeframe, but strikingly, although the now-diminished 2nd Wave had a greater number of infections, the number of deaths were less than the 1st Wave (area under the curve).   Combine this with the early rise and plateauing of medical treatment, there is the strongest argument that the Swedish model is reflecting 'herd immunity'.   All this is significant statistically, while also proving our ongoing premise that the Coronaphobia (and it's 'isolation mania)' is worse than the Coronavirus.   This becomes most apparent when comparing with Nations more seriously affected by Coronavirus, but insist on continuing with "lockdown" policies.       This February Bangkok Eyes continues our ongoing review & analysis of the global figures - as well as several 'typical' individual countries.   For purposes of comparison, this month we continue to update data for the same countries previously reported.   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.   It is immediately apparent from the graphs below that the Coronavirus is far from gone, even as worldwide figures indicate a minor downturn.   Going forward, it will be necessary to continue to observe the already-proven protocols for viral containment - social distancing, wearing of masks, personal and area cleanliness.   A very real 'expectation' is that if the number of new infections per day in Thailand continues to stay at current levels, we will not see any meaningful easing of lock-downs, local travel restrictions and other restrictive regulations.       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. Charts sourced from www.worldometers.info and W.H.O. data.

  TOP  

BOOKS ...worth a read !

 TOP  

 TOP  

MIDNITE HOUR MAIL BOX         

  TOP  

BANGKOK EYES

Let the February 2021 Follies  begin-

               At the end of December 2020, due to a sudden surge in the Coronavirus 'new cases' in Thailand, the authorities put a freeze on the Nightlife - no bars, pubs, karaokes or specialty massages (or "similar facilities") - along with the lockdown of Samut Sakhorn Province.   The 'freeze' was to continue until 4 January.   That 'freeze' of Nitespots was not terminated then - instead, it was extended through January, and is currently in effect.   To add insult to injury, prospects of a timely reopening of the Entertainment Industry have further deteriorated due to an indeterminate delay in commencing Covid vaccinations.       We note an increasing number of Nitespots going out of business (not just temporary closing-down for Covid).   The case (already made elsewhere around the globe) against 'across-the-board isolation' is being re-proven here in Thailand.   Reopening - with proper precautions - if not implemented soon, will see a runaway economic disaster in the Entertainment (and related) sphere.
      Due to the number of Night Entertainment Venue closures for the month of January, our surveys for the 1 February issue will concentrate on those Nitespots that have reopened - and remain open.    All other Venues not specifically mentioned were, and are closed (either permanently or awaiting legal reopening).

 PATPONG  1  

MAP

            Is the below video clip too dark?   We had to lighten it up considerably to make it even moderately visible - it is that dark.   The only places open were the 7-Eleven, Hanuman Traditional Massage and the Derby King Restaurant - even the Madrid was closed.   

VIDEO CLIP

 PATPONG  1 

 PATPONG  2  

MAP

            The Black Pagoda, once it reopens, will be offering something for the 'regulars' and for the first-time visitors.   Gives new meaning to 'A Get-Acquainted-Offer'.   Third level, just above the Patpong Museum.

 PATPONG  2

             The French Kiss was one of two venues open on Patpong 2 Road.   The other was the Le Buchon.    Other than that - blackout...   Both qualifying as 'restaurants', and both French owned.   If it couldn't be ordered in a coffee cup, it couldn't be served....   Ahennh..

 PATPONG  2

 SOI COWBOY  

MAP

VIDEO CLIP

 SOI  COWBOY 

             Just outside the entrance to Soi Cowboy, someone brought an umbrella and a table, and borrowed an electric light fixture.   It made for a perfect mini-snackbar.   Later, someone brough a couple of bottles of beer over, obviously purchased from outside somewhere...   Rock it up tonite...

 SOI  COWBOY 

 NANA  PLAZA  

MAP

             Nana Plaza was shut down in January, lock, stock and bouncer (some of whom milled around out front, wishing they could confront someone).   Authorities take note: - without enlightened policies, the entire Tourism industry could end up like this.

VIDEO CLIP

 NANA  PLAZA

 SOI  NANA  

MAP

            The Swan 1 (file photo below) was one of a very few Nitespots to open in January - as a 'restaurant', of course....   The others were 'No Name Bar' bar beer and the Charmming Massage in Subsoi Big Mango, the T-Thai Traditional Massage, and Swan Massage deep in the Soi.   The rest of the Soi was shut down tighter than Alcatraz.

 SOI  NANA  -  (SOI  4  SUKHUMVIT)

 SOI  KATOEY  

MAP

            Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4) was the only Night Entertainment Area that had enough Venues open to attract customers.   Remaining open were : Banana, the Connection, the Telephone Pub, the Nakarat Massage, and G's Bangkok, and the Pride, also The Balcony, and the Fork & Cork.   All others remained closed, either permanently, or attempting to wait out the draught caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.   Proof, if more were needed, that having a 'restaurant licence' (sometimes referred to as a 'day license') would be a wise consideration for any future business plan......

 SOI  KATOEY 

 SOI  22  

MAP

            Good news to see Buddy's Bar & Grill reopening.   Except for Wine Depot (just below), all the rest of the Nitespot Venues that reopened in January were massage parlors (and a reported speakeasy or two, if one knew where to look).   Welcome back to the vicissitudes...

 SOI  22  

            The Wine Depot was also able to open (as a restaurant) this last January.   Welcome back to the endless sleep...

 SOI  22  

            Below are the Massage parlors that were able to reopen in January.   (All other Night Entertainment on the Soi was shut down through January by local decree...)

*   Healthy Relax *   AW Massage *   (Unnamed Massage) *   Smile Massage *   Asia Massage *   Nice Massage 1 & 2 *   Wild Orchid Massage *   Bear Hug Momiya . *   Chaowang Massg . *   Fah Massage & Nail. *   Anatasia Massg *   Dive Massage *   Bangkok Passion *   Kiss Bangkok 2 *   Exotic Massage *   Hana Massage . *   Miss Nieko Massage *   Marigold. *   Mekkhala Massage *   Healing In Thai Massage *   Lek @ 22 Massage *   Dio Massage & Spa

 SOI  22  

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  

MAP

            The recently newly opened Sukkho Massage (shown below) and the Bai Po, the Suntaree and the Niraon massage parlors, all located in Soi 11/1, reopened in January.

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

            Other Massage Parlors that were able to reopen on the main Soi Ambassador in January.   The remainder of Soi Ambassador was closed down tightly.

*   Smile Jasmine *   Ban Thongdee *   Phoenix Massage *   Mon Spa

 SOI  AMBASSADOR  (Sukhumvit Soi 11) 

  SOI  7  PLAZA  

MAP

            Amidst the darkness, one bright light shone forth....   The Soi 7 Bier Garten (with exterior lights doused) was functioning as usual - nay, way better than it has for over two years - customers, freelancers and beer...   Don't ask, we haven't the foggiest...

VIDEO CLIP

 SOI  7  PLAZA

             The most esoterically named After Sammy Bar has not only closed, but they have gone out of business (their stall has been removed - and a Vietnamese Restaurant has replaced it.)   Greener grass ladies...

 SOI  7  PLAZA

            We further note here that an additional six "closed" bars were serving ala 'speakeasy'.   (Perhaps we will be able to be more specific in a future issue.)

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS  

MAP

            The 666 Class specialty massage, mentioned last month as 'newly opened' have completed their signage installations.... looking good.   Yes, they are still open...   A pic for the Archives.

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            If and when it opens - the Honey will be taking over the steam-and-cream duties from the previous Love & Service Massage (Mitu BKK).   On Sub-soi 4.

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            The 33 Society, after spending several million baht on top-to-bottom renovations, opened last September..... for a few days.   They would open on occasion after that, apparently for functions.   They have been closed all of January, and are now up for sale.   Yet another Covid casualty...

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            The upstairs Dozo Massage reopened in January - with some new, brighter signery.   Rub-a-dub-dub.

 SOI  DEAD   ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

            Other Nitespots reopening in January on Soi Dead Artists (Soi 33 Sukhumvit Rd).   (Venues not shown herein remain in 'closedown' status indefinitely.)

*  Kyoto Massage
*  Charming Massage
*  My Raku Massage
*  Top Thai Massage 2
*  Daisy Dream Massage
*  Dream Heaven Nuru Gel
*  Akane Fashion Massage
*  Dream Heaven Massage
*  Po Massage
*  Tenderloins / Bistro 33
*  Rakuten
*  Kocho Ran Massage
*  Thanks Massage
*  Japanese Snack Bar
*  7-Heaven Massage
*  33 Bangkan

 SOI  DEAD  ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33) 

 SOI  EDEN 

MAP

            The Kawinya Massage and the Good Time Massage & Salon (and the unnamed massage next to it) reopened in January.   May they continue to slip and slide.   All other Venues - not shown here or below, have either closed permanently, or are closed, waiting out the 'lockdown' of Bangkok's Nightlife.

 SOI  EDEN  (Sukhumvit 7 / 1) 

            The Dalah Massage reopened in January, but "lights out".   Perhaps because they are not 'traditional massage'....   Let 'em work it out... gotsta get paid.

 SOI  EDEN  (Sukhumvit 7 / 1) 

 

  TOP  

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.

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)