MIDNITE HOUR - 01 August 2022

As noted last issue, Thailand had opened up fully to tourism, and now barely a month later, we find Bangkok's Night Entertainment Areas once again bustling with tourists (some more than others, to be sure). It appears that the evidence is in - generally speaking, hygiene seems to do better than any other method in reducing the chances of Covid infection - to include the vaccine. (Nevertheless, we should not count out the benefit of partial protection offered by the Covid vaccines - if for no other reason than proof of vaccination allows travel to and from Thailand.) As we, and the rest of the planet move towards an effective "herd immunity", populations are finding they are comfortable in returning to their normal livelihoods - to include "Entertainment". Below are the remainder of our Expat Night Entertainment Area maps - showing the re-opening and new openings of Nitespot Venues. Please feel free to download for your personal use.

A Summary of Current Government Guidelines on Covid-19
Bangkok, 01 August 2022
Reprinted from last month - Guidelines effective since 1 July 2022.

First and foremost, the two biggest obstacles to Thailand returning to "The Old pre-Covid Normal" have been removed :

1. The Thailand Pass requirement has been removed.

2. The US$10,000 health insurance requirement, has been discontinued, thus welcoming all travellers with proof of either a certificate of vaccination, or a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR, or professional ATK test result.

Follows is a summary of changes as posted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand ...

"This information has been updated on 24 June, 2022.

      The following rules will be in effect from 1 August, 2022, with specific requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers from all countries/ territories with scheduled arrivals from this date.

Pre-arrival requirements :

Vaccinated travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand:

      1. A valid passport, or a border pass for arrivals via border checkpoints.
      2. A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination
      3. Everyone 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.
      4. Travellers 5-17 years of age travelling to Thailand unaccompanied must get vaccinated with at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.   Those travelling with parents are exempt from this requirement.
      5. Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers must have the following documents for entering Thailand: A valid passport, or a border pass for arrivals via border checkpoints.

On Arrival Requirements :

Upon arriving in Thailand, all travellers must undergo entry screening including body temperature check, and present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer to carry out the checks.

The vaccinated travellers will then be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the Kingdom.   *For arrivals by land using a border pass, they will be allowed a stay of no longer than 3 days within the specified areas only.

Likewise, unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers who have proof of a negative result from an RT-PCR test or professional ATK within 72 hours of travel will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the Kingdom.

The unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers without a negative test result within 72 hours of travel are required to follow the public health instructions and guidelines as deemed appropriate by the Health Control officer at the point of arrival.   All expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the travellers.

During the Stay :

While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow the health and safety standards.   Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested.   If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment."

Bangkok Eyes notes that the Government can change travel and/or health /safety and/or Night Entertainment policy from time to time, so prospective travellers should update on a regular basis, both with the Tourist Organization of Thailand (TOT), and your local Thai Consulate. Links immediately below.

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) website <link>.
Thai Consulate <link>.

The Japanese-oriented Morimoto has opened up on the 3rd floor above Shenanigans. The elevators to the upper floors can be accessed from both Patpong 1 and 2. May they persevere.

PATPONG 1

Venues open July 2022 through 1 August 2022 :

         *    King's Castle 1 - REMAINS OPEN

         *    King's Castle - REMAINS OPEN

         *    Emperor Club - REMAINS OPEN - 5th level above Shenanigans.

         *    Morimoto - NEW - 3rd level above Shenanigans.

         *    Tip Top - - REMAINS OPEN - as a Pool Bar.

         *    Wong Barber - REMAINS OPEN

         *    Derby King - REMAINS OPEN

         *    Shenanigans - REMAINS OPEN - (On Suriwong Road)

         *   Unnamed massage parlor - REMAINS OPEN - Upstairs above Thigh Bar.

         *    Radio City - REMAINS OPEN

         *   Happiness Bar - REMAINS OPEN

         *   Takara Massage - REMAINS OPEN

         *   Wild Cat - REMAINS OPEN

The previously un-named Nila Bistro (opened last month) has nailed up some new and distinctive signage. (Located next door to the old Titanium Ice Bar.) Although technically a 'bistro' with a respectable menu, they are functioning successfully as a bar-beer. Wish them well in Bangkok's post-Covid neon roulette revival...

SOI 22

The Together Bar 22 has newly opened in the Honey Plaza compound. The Venue appears to be aimed at Japanese clientele, but apparently not exclusively. Welcome to these neon sois...

SOI 22

The unusually named Sup ! Naree has, likewise, opened newly in the Honey Plaza compound. Get down tonight. (Before you ask... the Tina at the back of that compound has yet to show any signs of life...)

SOI 22

Venues in transition July through 1 August 2022 - not inclusive of the above.

* Priva and Private bars combine into double-wide Private - EXPAND

* Rita Bangkok Massage - RECLOSED - In Subsoi Lemongrass

SOI 22

SOI AMBASSADOR

MAP

As Soi 7 Plaza slowly, marginally, reopens.... the We For You @ 7 moved next door into the recently closed Rumours @ 7 digs, and its "business as usual"... Gotta let the train roll on.
Note: The current rumor, apparently with some merit, indicates that the center section of Soi 7 Plaza will be cleared of all bars (it already has been), and a vehicular pathway, ostensibly for fire truck access, will be created - similar to that which was done at Nana Plaza. (And we know how well that worked out...) The remaining bars in Soi 7 Plaza will be modified and reopened (see our new map above). Another rumor circulating by word-of-mouth (also not worth the paper it's written on), is the bars facing Soi 7 are encroaching on the sidewalk, and will have to be modified (cut back) to allow greater pedestrian access... (Bernard Trink nailed it, "From the rumor mill and thus unconfirmed."

Traces of Bangkok's Early Years

This month Midnite Hour goes back 52 years to 1965 to highlight what was new in Bangkok's Expat Entertainment Scene. That year, and the 'late '60's, was the period Patpong began to 'take off'. We note there were a number of reopenings of established Nitespots, as well as new openings of Venues that would soon become mainstays in the expat Entertainment Scene.

      The Aladdin, one of Patpong Road's favorites in the late 60's featured regular Sunday afternoon musical interludes, and was often billed as their "Jazz Club".   Usually featuring Philippine bands, as was the Rogger Herrera Jr Quintet.   The Aladdin would also feature live music 'till late'...

      The C'est Si Bon opened newly to much fanfare and congratulatory messages in the Press in October of 1965.   And, like several other Night Clubs of the era, opened mid-day for a lunch session.   They gave their primary address as 30 Patpong Road...

      Cafe De Paris Night Club was on Surawong Road, but because it was located just across the road from the top of Patpong 1, it was considered part of the growing Patpong Road scene.   Note their 25 Baht lunches...

      The Plaza Hotel (now the Pavilion Hotel) announced the October '65 reopening of the Thai Room (Thai Room exists today - undergoing renovations).   Also note their invitation to visit their lobby bar The Other Office (still surviving separately today as the Old Other Office Bar).

      The Naturist Night Club -one of Bangkok's pioneer Clubs- was located on Sathorn Road - away from main Night Entertainment Areas (but not far from JUSMAG).   From historical evidence currently available, The Naturist was the first Nitespot in Bangkok to feature A Go-Go dancing as a regular feature (commencing some time later in the 1967 timeframe).   (Their break-through A Go-Go advertisement -previously published here- appeared in the July 1967 After Dark guide book.   Note: other Venues had A Go-Go dancing in these early years, appearing as a part of entertainment groups rotating through from overseas, but not as a permanent attraction.

      The Green Palms Restaurant & Bar (say, 'Night Club'), popular for a number of years, was located across from Gaysorn on Phloenchit Road, contributing to the 'critical mass' of the Night Entertainment Area, as did a number of Venues on Rachdamri / Rachprasong Roads.