BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
|
|
Since September 1994, there had been a series of Bua Luang Thai karaokes, pool halls and restaurants in the upper floors of the 'Cosmos stairwell' on Patpong 2 Road (the stairwell opposite Foodland). However those Venues were of no interest (and rarely known) to foreigners seeking out Night Entertainment. However, things, and management, were about to change at Bua Luang...
In November of 1997, now twenty-six years ago, a new presence was emerging on Patpong 2 as a very old structure underwent renovations (originally home to Takara Barber Onsen in 1965 however there had been a number of successor Venues at that location - each eventually falling by the wayside.) Renovations completed, the Bua Luang 'Restaurant' opened its doors there for the first time. The new proprietor himself could not have been aware that this would be the beginning of a Night Entertainment Dynasty.
In January 2000 Bua Luang Restaurant opened their second floor, calling it Bualuang Swing & Pub. It would last until February 2002, when they would close down both floors, renovating to become Bua Luang Bar & Restaurant downstairs, and Bua Luang Swing + Pub upstairs.
These early years would be a period of trial and error for Bua Luang management, trying various Venue formats to see which would succeed and which would not.... After another 2002 renovation in April, they became Bua Luang Target Pool & Restaurant (upstairs and downstairs), later adding 'Karaoke' to their name in June. Then, in July, they closed down the upstairs portion, only to open it up a month later as IT Room. (It didn't work out, and reverted back to Bua Luang Target which was still downstairs).
In March of 2006, Bua Luang Target did an overnight name-change to You Deserve It, which quickly became Bar Bar -You Deserve It (and even later, just Bar Bar).
Then, in May of 2007, Steve's New Bar A Go-Go opened next door to Bar Bar, but by the following month, they had nailed up their 'official' The Strip signage. This juncture in the Bua Luang saga marks the turning point in the direction the group would be taking - they had pretty much decided on 'adult' Night Entertainment Venues with partnered management as opposed to restaurants, karaokes and pool halls.
Then in May 2008, the "Target" name was revived, but this time opening on the 4th floor of the Cosmo's Stairwell, replacing The Lift as the Target 2 (dropping "Bua Luang" from the name). Also, in August of that year, after several months of delay due to battles with contractors, Patpong's most unique bar opened - spanning Patpong 2 Road three floors up, bridging across to the parking lot above Foodland. It was of course, the Park Bridge. The Park Bridge proved to be popular, but the Bua Luang group had grander ideas - they closed down, and after further renovations, reopened as Black Pagoda in September of that year.
VIDEO CLIP
Delaney's pub / club, opening only in November 2022, was just part of the "collateral damage" in the across-the-board joint-po.lice cra.ckdown. Delaney's would not reopen, even though they had no knowledge of the alleged activities in Phuket.
It was somewhere in this time period that the Bua Luang Group formed Aurum Bualuang Co., a business
development & consultancy company, to manage (at a minimum) their entertainment assets and management contracts. It was during this time we were able to sit down with the proprietor for a lengthy update, wherein he further expressed his desire, his vision, to bring Patpong 2 back to its former 'glory days'.
Meanwhile, The Strip would close, becoming Spanky's 3 in April 2010. However, Spanky's 3 didn't work out -management-wise- and would revert to The Strip in January of 2011.
The 4th floor Target 2 would close in February of 2012, but other than that, a period of relative stability (no new growth, no name changes) would occur within the Bua Luang group for an extended period.
Then, in March of 2018, the Candle Light Studio would open above Bar Bar to handle art exhibitions and other functions. Also, later that year (September) Club Black opened directly adjacent to, and behind Black Pagoda - with partnered management.
In October of 2019 the Triple XXX Lounge opened in the long-closed Electric Blue. Although not originally a Bua Luang asset, the Group would later take over management. Also in 2019, the Bua Luang group's 'magnum opus', the Patpong Museum would open in November (2nd floor, Cosmo's stairwell). Still in 2009, The Strip, renaming itself The Strip 2.0 in May, would close yet again in December.
By January 2020, the upstairs Candle Light Studio became an 'annex' to the Patpong Museum, but remained functionally the same.
The Patpong Museum was raided by joint Nat.ional Po.lice / Im.mi.gration Po.lice in March 2023 due to alleged links to the Velvet bar in Phuket which had been hiring underage girls.
Fast forward through the Covid years, the Bua Luang Group was able to restore their locked-down Venues to full operation. At that juncture, their 'stable' of Venues consisted of the following: The Patpong Museum and the Patpong Museum annex. The Black Pagoda, and Club Black. Triple XXX Lounge, and The Strip 2.0, later adding Delaney's (and for a brief period, an outdoor bar beer, 'Bangkok Dangerous', which stretched narrowly along the curb from Bar Bar to Silom Road).
In February and March of this year (2023) a Bua Luang Group 'representative', looking to expand the Group's "footprint" entered discussions with the Velvet bar in Phuket. The Velvet was quickly swooped down upon by Nat.ional Po.lice and the Im.migr.ation Po.lice - ostensibly for having underage dancers. Arrests were immediately made in Phuket, and when a link to the Bua Luang Group was discovered, the entire Bua Luang Group of Venues in Bangkok was also raided (March 2023). Delaney's and the Patpong Museum were initially spared closure, but they were subsequently shut down the following month - as were the Bualuang Group offices in Building No. 1.
To date, some of the bars that were closed down in the March 2023 Bua Luang crackdown have reopened, however, none are now owned by the Bua Luang Group. The last holdout for a possible reopening was the Patpong Museum (which itself was not a Night Entertainment Venue), however, this is now 'history'. Our survey two nights ago revealed (photos taken through the windows) that the insides of the Museum have been stripped clean. The Patpong Museum annex above the former Bar Bar ( now the Octopus) has also been closed permanently, and chattel removed.
It is regrettable in the extreme that the auth.orities were not satisfied with arresting just the individuals directly responsible for the alleged crimes. But this was obviously a "Show-Bust" where cooperating po.lice organizations were involved, and with the possibility of "hum.an traf.ficking", an 'example' was deemed necessary (particularly for the benefit of the Press). The Bua Luang Group's thrust to revive Patpong 2 to it's 'glory days' has been terminated with extreme prejudice; it remains to be seen if Patpong 2 will remain a viable Night Entertainment Area for the long term. The aut.horities, in their zeal to be seen to be 'responsible', were unconcerned about the collateral damage, and many individuals affected by this 'Show-bust' were harmed financially, and many others are now unemployed - even though they were not involved in any way.
MIDNITE HOUR
MAIL BOX
Dave is BACK...
Let the Follies begin-
The Chaichana Spa Massage has opened newly in the long-closed De Talk 2. Rub-a-dub-dub...
PATPONG 1
Our end-of-month survey of the Patpong Museum revealed what we were hoping would not come to pass. Peering in their windows like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store, we noted that virtually all the interior decorations had been removed. Most of the signage had also been removed - bar the one outdoor sign across the Soi on the Foodland (pic below). ...An unique Venue, having captured an historic period in Thailand, has now faded into the rain and the heat of Bangkok...
A view of the Patpong Museum looking in the main entrance - gone is the traditional circular Chinese entranceway, along with virtually everything else...
PATPONG 2
The Bar Of Yahoo lounge, has opened newly next door to Pinocchio's. May they abide.
PATPONG 2
After uncounted months under renovation, it looks like the Venus bar is just about to roll out the red carpet - in all probability, they will have opened by the time you read this. From the looks of things, this will be one of the better looking bars on Soi Cowboy.
SOI COWBOY
Recently, the Crazy House installed some new dynamic lighting (it seems to be trending these days...). The only problem, one has to be across the street to see it. Business as unusual. Let the good times roll...
VIDEO CLIP
SOI COWBOY
Having fallen afoul of the Fates, the Whiskey & Gogo has closed its curtains and doors for the last time. But not to worry, we hear hammers and saws a-flying... By this time next month, we should have a pic or two of the new bar that will be taking its place...
NANA PLAZA
A For-The-Archives pic of Hillary 2 - as with the other 'Hillarys' on Soi Ambassador (Sukhumvit 11), always a crowd. May they keep on keeping on...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
The renovating Unnamed Bar taking shape upstairs in the previous Strikers Sports Pub digs looks like it's getting ready to reveal it's new signage... From the looks of the ongoing construction, there will be a new, more customer-friendly stairway / entrance. Located in the Nana Hotel parking lot. They should be rolling out the red carpet by month's end...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
The Beats has opened in the side soi connecting Soi 4 Nana to Sukhumvit Soi 6. Their main problem seems to be attracting customers...(Ahennnnh) May they be dealt all aces and faces...
SOI NANA - (SOI 4 SUKHUMVIT)
There were no new openings or closings on Soi Katoey (Silom Soi 4) again this last month. We noted that BAS Living Room had put up some new signage (just like the old sign...). Also, we haven't seen Soi Katoey this quiet in many months...
SOI KATOEY (Silom Soi 4)
The new location for the Absolute is on Subsoi Lemongrass (just past the Marriott Hotel). This is their 3rd location in and around those small Sois. But Absolute is not alone in that regard - the several massage parlors and bars in and around those two Subsoi's are in an endless loop of Musical Chairs... Shake it, don't break it, ladies...
SOI 22
The Bebop Bar, reopened after a brief closure last month (noted in this column). The beat goes on...
SOI 22
The smallest bar in Bangkok, Chill Chill Bar has reopened after a couple months' downtime. Welcome back to the sharkpool...
SOI 22
The long-running Angel Bar bar bier was closed last month, but they were just playing 'possum. They are back pedal to the metal this month. Keep on runnin'.
SOI 22
The Halo 22 Sports Bar (deep in Subsoi Hana - just past Marriott Hotel) has fallen victim to the machine. May they find greener pastures....
SOI 22
The Private Bar, originally at Soi 7 Plaza (now called 7 Center Point), has irretrievably slipped into the heat and the darkness. Their staff have returned to 7 Center Point to greet regulars at the new We For You Too.
SOI 22
The Squeeze Inn lounge has called 'Time!' for the last time. If memory serves, they have been around since the Washington Square days... They were a mainstay of Subsoi Titanium. May they be dealt a better hand next time 'round...
SOI 22
The Ola Ola, located at the very end of Subsoi Titanium, has sprung from it's crypt and continues to march as if nothing had happened. Welcome back to the neon nights....
SOI 22
The Sup Naree has closed yet again. We'll check back again next round and report any changes (if any). For the time being, we have removed them from the rolls. Located in Honey Plaza.
SOI 22
A Pic
-For-The-Archives of Mullis, now in their bigger and better digs. Gotsta get paid...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Chaba Massage closed down a couple of months back, and went into a total top to bottom renovation. By the time you read this, renovations should be complete, and they will be reopening as Royal Chabaa Traditional Thai Massage. We'll get some photos of their opening for next month's issue...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The La Paca ("The Fool") has gone headlong into the Abyss, and the Venue has reverted to it's original "Ya Dong Potion". Located at the end of Subsoi Havana Social, and as busy as ever...
SOI AMBASSADOR
(Sukhumvit Soi 11)
7 CENTER POINT
The Flamingo (closed 2 months back) recently has been occupied by the new We For You Too. Staff came from the recently closed Private Bar on Soi 22. The original We For You remains open at the front of 7 Center Point, as before. Welcome to the bright lights, big city.
7 CENTER POINT
The Day & Nice Bar has been around for quite a while, but this last month they finally came up with some signage that we passers-by will notice. Time to rock & roll...
7 CENTER POINT
The DeM is a brand new bar beer located on the south wall (where all the old bars were torn down to make room for a parking lot that never materialized). Wish them luck as they throw their hat in the ring...
7 CENTER POINT
The Club Gems located deep in the Soi has added an upstairs KTV Karaoke and the Kiraku Snack Bar. (Snack Bar as in Japanese "snack"). We don't know what happened to our camera - we will try to get some decent pics next time around...
SOI DEAD ARTIST (Sukhumvit Soi 33)
The Club Kitty does things Japanese-style; hostesses of different classes entertain by the hour, & at different rates... Somewhat reminiscent of Bangkok's 1950's dance bars where one would buy tickets... Located in Subsoi Pan Pan.
SOI DEAD ARTIST (Sukhumvit Soi 33)
Heaven lounge, originally at Soi 7 Plaza, has been holding its own at the top of Soi Eden, surviving Covid, and continuing to march...
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7 / 1)
As the 1966 Holiday Season approached, the big niteclubs laid down some hard cash to bring in some big name entertainers from the U.S.A. and Europe - all to the benefit of the night-clubbers of the day. Meanwhile, the bars & massage parlors scene continued to expand to meet the demands of increased tourism and the U.S. forces stationed in Bangkok and on R&R from Viet Nam.
As the 1966 Christmas season approached, Sani Chateau brought in Lionel Hampton from the U.S. for a two-day stint. Lionel Hampton was most remembered as a jazz vibraphonist, but was also a renown pianist, percussionist, and bandleader. His recording with Benny Goodman in 1942 produced the version of "Flying Home" - featuring a solo by Illinois Jacquet -that is considered a forerunner of American Rhythm & Blues.
Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area - December 1966
Cesar's, the newest full-format Nightclub in Bangkok was quick to bring in quality entertainment to compete with Cafe de Paris, the Tropicana and the Sani Chateau. American Maurice Rocco, the then-resident entertainer / singer / pianist was supplemented by various acts introduced from abroad at regular intervals.
Gaysorn Night Entertainment Area - December 1966
In our earlier clippings, we would come across adverts for both the Nipa Hut and the Mexican Bar, each advertising their location as just across from Soi Asoke (Soi 21). From ancient memories, we could recall only the Nipa Hut (with dwarf doormen), so we were wondering if these two Venues were actually one-and-the-same... In December's clippings we noted for the first time their published their street addresses - which would put them next door to each other. It wouldn't be long, however, that they would combine, becoming just Nipa Hut.
December 1966
|
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 creators.
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 |