15 replies to this topic

[Spyder Rocket]

I heard that a Singaporean and Hong Kong development company intends to build a luxury shopping and dining plaza on the inland side of Bangala Road with construction starting in next year.

The project will essentially expand Jungceylon to about the midpoint of Bangala Road. The lower end (beach side) of Bangala would be reserved for bars and dance clubs.

Supposedly they already have a deal in place to acquire the land and have the support of local government.

Frankly it makes a lot more business sense to redevelop that. Even in High Season many of those places are empty while there are hordes of bewildered Chinese families strolling down Bangala looking at jiggling pole dancers and touts for the ping pong show.

I have heard so many Thai bar owners say that they can't make money off the Chinese with the current style bar. They can't because the Chinese don't want to go to a pole dancer bar and listen to AC/DC blaring from the sound system.

They want restaurants, shopping, and when they party they want to sing at a KTV place.

Maybe it is a good thing in the long run.

There is still a market for the typical farang style bar in Patong and I'm sure the successful bars can relocate.

[DirtyDan]

Very interesting and I've only been coming to patong since 2006 I can say in that short time alone I've seen massive changes. I remember coming a few years after the tsunami and a lot of the beach front properties were still empty.

Most of the changes since has been the commercialisation of the area in general plus the running commentary in the news and on expat threads.

I've been coming a few times per year since 06 but didn't make it it last year.

I'm back next month and really interesting to see how much it's changed since a year ago, new airport, new roads and new bars/sois.

I really love Thailand and its people but truth be told it's a very, very different place than 10 years ago.

I think I'm lucky in a small way to visit when the anything goes, wooden bars and Polaroid cameras were all the rage.

The world gets smaller each year and I still romanticise over a place I fell in love with a while ago.

I'm hoping to take my nephew to Phuket in the next year or so, I'd like him to see it before it totally loses its old charm.

Dan

[DirtyDan]

Spyder (or anybody else local) do you know if the ladyboys cabaret that used to parade out the front of the old Soi crocodile still do that? Or is all ladybiy action now confined to C&D's?

Is there still any bars in that Soi still catering for the LB lovers crowd?

Cheers

Dan

[Spyder Rocket]

I was in Patong tonight and found out that all the bars on the Soi that C&D is on are closing at the end of this month, so the redevelopment project is happening sooner rather than later.

Sadly that includes C&D and the big Tiger Complex adjacent to it.

Jimbo wasn't around tonight, so I didn't here it from him but another bar owner.

[rxpharm]

That is sad news - C&D's is one of the lb institutions in Phuket. The Moulin Rose Cabaret was the one that was located at the back of Soi Bangla, and their showgirls use to tout for the show at the front. I have not heard any news that they relocated when Soi Bangla was renovated.

 

Here's hoping that the C&D crew can land on their feet at another suitable location.

[Spyder Rocket]

Yes, it is sad but there is still a market for a bar like C&Ds in Patong. However, finding the right location will be a challenge as developers in Patong appear to be targeting the Chinese tourism market now.

I wonder if Jimbo is planning a farewell party?

[jimbo34]

I was in Patong tonight and found out that all the bars on the Soi that C&D is on are closing at the end of this month, so the redevelopment project is happening sooner rather than later.

Sadly that includes C&D and the big Tiger Complex adjacent to it.

Jimbo wasn't around tonight, so I didn't here it from him but another bar owner.

 

Misinformation Spyder ! I'm disappointed to see your post without talking to me first.

 

The Master Lease is currently held by Simon Cabaret. This ends 31st May, and is not being renewed due to the excessive price demanded by the landowner.

 

C & Ds is not closing.

 

We will wait to see what the landowner's plans are for the area before making a decision on re-location. These will become clearer some time in the middle of next year.

 

As far as I'm aware, only Country Bar has taken the decision to close (presumably where you got your gossip).

[Spyder Rocket]

Misinformation Spyder ! I'm disappointed to see your post without talking to me first.
 
The Master Lease is currently held by Simon Cabaret. This ends 31st May, and is not being renewed due to the excessive price demanded by the landowner.
 
C & Ds is not closing.
 
We will wait to see what the landowner's plans are for the area before making a decision on re-location. These will become clearer some time in the middle of next year.
 
As far as I'm aware, only Country Bar has taken the decision to close (presumably where you got your gossip).

I'm happy to be wrong!

I got all most of that from a Brit I know on Nanai Road.

According to him Simon Cabaret is owned by a developer in Hong Kong and they are the ones intent on making that area luxury shopping.

[jimbo34]

I'm happy to be wrong!

I got all most of that from a Brit I know on Nanai Road.

According to him Simon Cabaret is owned by a developer in Hong Kong and they are the ones intent on making that area luxury shopping.

 

 If you listen to those sad expats on Nanai Road you are almost certain to get it wrong ! And he obviously knows fuck all about Simon Cabaret.

[MrChris1]

Fantastic news Jimbo the big Swede arrives on 16/7

[jimbo34]

Fantastic news Jimbo the big Swede arrives on 16/7

 

 You're going to see some changes!

 

 I took a stroll along soi Bangla tonight, just in case a Plan B is needed if our new landlord fails to meet his promise to leave us alone for at least 10 months.

 

 Our area is already reaping the whirlwind:

 

This was the fish restaurant No 4, behind our bar

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This was Country Bar, just 2 doors away from us

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This is the disclaimer notice at the front of the soi explaining (in terrible English, lol) that Simon Cabaret are no longer the Master Lessee

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This is/was the bar complex at the very front of our soi that included Star no 1 bar, home of many ladyboys

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 And this bar, right next to us, 19th Hole, is due to close in the next few days

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 I'm still not getting a definitive answer from the so-called "Manager" of what their plans are, but he has assured me that he's just weeding out the bad payers, and that we'll be left to carry on until the middle of next year. I'm losing sleep worrying that he won't keep his word !

[MrDragon]

Fuc*ing dreadful! Personally it has been my hunting ground & second "home" for nearly 15 years when in Patong. Food & girls in one block. Keep your good spirit up Jim.