ysamui

Wow, someone has a lot of free time...and is wound pretty tightly. Relax dude, take a pill. Put your feet up. Get a massage....

ysamui says:

Ark Bar does not like tourists bringing drinks into Ark Bar regardless of where they are purchased.

And then says:

Any customer who is walking along the beach or enters Ark Bar with an opened beer, soft drink or water is made as welcome as someone without a drink in hand.

Spot the syllogism?

1. I have never had anyone stop or question me when I walk from the beach road through their resort to the beach. As a matter of fact, I would think this would be encouraged as potential walk-in customers.

2. It is understandable to not want outside beverages brought in, but how many other bars anywhere in Samui have put up large (or even small) signs to broadcast this?

Very good haha... Major premise: All men are mortal. Minor premise: All Greeks are men. Conclusion: All Greeks are mortal.

Major premise: All mortals die. Minor premise: Some men are mortals. Conclusion: Some men die. I should of course said "unopened drinks" -

"Ark Bar does not like tourists bringing unopened drinks into Ark Bar regardless of where they are purchased." The signs are necessary due to the large number of tourists who are attempting to "smuggle" drinks in. Nothing that we have not all done at some stage of our lives. It does seem to be getting worse now!

Where do you recommend for this massage and what is the pill called?

Thanks for the open mind.

Firstly, I must say, that you are asking or expecting me to reply about decisions and practises based on economic and business principles. Great, no problem.

However, the vast majority of comments prior to yours have been based on impressions or personal preferences, certainly not factual or using business acumen. I welcome your reply.

Yes, it is a business. A business is required to hire and pay staff. Most business makes decisions based on financial, ethical and moral grounds, with varying proportions according to the subject involved.

The fact that Ark Bar employs over 200 staff is not reason for a pat on the back. These staff are employed so the business can make money. I made the comment about staff to highlight this as one of the many benefits that Ark Bar provides for the local community.

Hoping that readers and authors would compare the Ark Bar benefits/positives to what benefits/positives or negatives the reviewer and these negative/selfish comments have for the local Thai people.

I have no intention of looking or asking for compassion for Ark Bar. It is a business. I am an employee. I am merely stating the facts regarding the incorrect or misinformed comments that are being made about Ark Bar. My salary will not increase or decrease if locals like or dislike Ark Bar. My workload will be less if the locals do not come.

For better or for worse, I am only trying to get the truth across.

Ark bar is just one of the options on Chaweng beach. A welcome one in my opinion. Sometimes its pleasant to sit on a beach and listen to loud music and enjoy a barbecue and a few drinks.

Other times I prefer a more quiet environment so choose a different stretch of beach.

I really don't understand what some people are moaning about.

Nor would most of the tourists I would guess.

Thank you Smokie36 for posting a sensible comment.

Ark Bar is not for everyone, nor does it aim it's marketing at the local residents. It is a legitimate business targeted at the tourist trade.

If I ever get a night away from work, I would choose a quieter location to spend my night.

But it is horses for courses... wouldn't the world be a boring place if we all liked and did the same things.

Have to say I agree pretty much with both these quotes. Ark Bar is not the place I would go to. I don't like it at all. But I know many people that do. It is undoubtedly a popular place for the - shall we say - younger visitors to the island who seem to be happy there.

If they are acting illegally, then it is right that they should be criticised and if possible, held to account.

The one issue I would have is this rather lame attempt at compassion, simply because they employ a large number of thai people. As far as I can tell they are a business, not a charity.

Thanks for the open mind. I have no intention of looking or asking for compassion for Ark Bar. I am merely stating the facts regarding the comments that are being made. My salary will not increase or decrease if locals like or dislike Ark Bar. My workload will be less if the locals do not come. For better or for worse, I am only trying to get the truth across.

The Ark Bar policy or expectation on drink purchasing is as follows:

Any customer who is walking along the beach or enters Ark Bar with an opened beer, soft drink or water is made as welcome as someone without a drink in hand. However there is an expectation that the next and all further drink purchases will be made at Ark Bar.

We certainly discourage a bag full of beer purchased at the local 7eleven.

Does anyone know of a bar in Koh Samui that allows customers to buy their drinks elsewhere and expect to use the bars services and amenities without a purchase?

If you can tell me the name of the bar that does allow this, I will be able to tell you the name of a bar that will be broke soon!

Ark bar is just one of the options on Chaweng beach. A welcome one in my opinion. Sometimes its pleasant to sit on a beach and listen to loud music and enjoy a barbecue and a few drinks.

Other times I prefer a more quiet environment so choose a different stretch of beach.

I really don't understand what some people are moaning about.

Nor would most of the tourists I would guess.

Thank you Smokie36 for posting a sensible comment.

Ark Bar is not for everyone, nor does it aim it's marketing at the local residents. It is a legitimate business targeted at the tourist trade.

If I ever get a night away from work, I would choose a quieter location to spend my night.

But it is horses for courses... wouldn't the world be a boring place if we all liked and did the same things.

does this only apply to humans so if i go dressed as a dog i can get passed

The temporary banners never stopped anyone from walking along the beach.

The banners did reduce the width of the walkway - Guilty.

The banners never stopped it completely- Innocent

The banners are clearly there to prevent that their owercrowded parties spill over to the adjacent bar named "Sober".

That one sells drinks at almost half Ark Bar´s prices, and without need to wait 15 minutes to be served, so the risk is obvious.

Personally I would say Ark Bars densely placed sunbeds all the way to the water block the beach much more than those banners.

All beaches in Thailand should be public, but the big question especially in this high tide is:

Where does ones property end, and where does the beach start?

Your comment is factual and accurate. Except that Ark Bar does not worry about Sober Bar selling drinks, and the Sober Bar customers drinking their drinks in Sober Bar. There are probably 100 bars within a 300 metre radius of Ark Bar.

Ark Bar does not like tourists bringing drinks into Ark Bar regardless of where they are purchased. It is the same as any business, with bills and staff to pay. I do not know of any bars where drinks purchased elsewhere are welcome. The Ark Bar policy on this is to allow a guest to bring an opened beer, soft drink or water in, no hassles, but there is an expectation that the next drink will be purchased at Ark Bar.

Not unreasonable!

Now I understand where all the noise is coming from . Makes a mokery our of their previous claims that they play their music responsibly.I suppose money talks.

What does a portable and temporary banner on the beach have to do with the volume of music? I was under the impression that all comments had to be about the topic created?

Ark bar owns that section of the beach. Well, they seem to think that they own it.

Without the beach they would be nothing.

What a horrible place. Makes lots of money, though.

Well they certainly pay the rent, and on time, of all the properties that are bordering the beach. The King owns the beach. Ark Bar merely applies for written permission from the correct authorities to use the beach, to sell alcohol and to play music. These licenses are displayed publicly for all to see.

Maybe the owners of Ark Bar BEACH Resort had the foresight to choose this location and would agree with your comment about the beach.

Maybe Bangkok airways also thought it would be a good idea to build a runway for it's planes?

Maybe the local "girlie" bars thought business would be better if they actually had some girls working in it?

On numerous occasions I have told anyone interested that my name is Terry and I am the manager of Ark Bar.

Maybe that information was in my earlier deleted posts? If so, I understand your humour, and I laugh along with you.

I do like the colours you have used above, however it does beg the following question:

Why is it ok for you to add some colour to your text and not me? (is italic permitted?) My coloured text has been changed to black.

I am only writing the following as an example of what has been said about Ark Bar.

I certainly do not suggest any of it is true in any way:

Maybe you are allowed colour because:

You are paying tea money to the Thai visa moderator?

Or, perhaps money talks?

Or, that your permitted actions are the bane of Samui?

Or, that you pay the police.

Or that you are disrespectful to the belief "freedom of speech"

Or, that you disrespect the law

All of the above has been said about Ark Bar because of a temporary pole in the sand holding a sign. And the comments have been allowed to stay on for all to read.

I did post a list of all the good things Ark Bar and it's owners do for the local community earlier. However it was deemed an advertisement and deleted.

Strange how bad and inaccurate comments are allowed and positive factual comments are edited and classed as advertisements!

I am curious as to why so many local people enjoy "bagging" a successful business?

Does Ark Bar do any harm to you? Does Ark Bar slag off at you? How is Ark Bar detrimental to Samui?

Is it boredom? Maybe the "tall poppy syndrome".

Or is it a combination of too many hours in a day and too much alcohol?

I wonder how long this comment will stay on Thai Visa before it is deleted and I am banned?

Signed: Terry Bouris, manager at Ark Bar Beach Resort

Your property stops at you boundary lines. No permanent structure 10 metres back from boundary line bordering the beach.

Beach is the beach, you have no rights of encroachment , high or low tide marks have nothing to do with it.

Laudable or legal as this might be, many resorts have markers on the beach (sometimes heavy anchor rope on the ground) designating "their private" sand area. I can think of one in Chaweng like this. The beach-bed encroachment is not only against the restriction of the 10 meters of beach being "crown lands," but an eyesore as well.

A resort in Lamai has an illegal floating dock, up in Maenam a big waterfront lot is fenced off, Banyon Tree in Lamai will not allow you to even enter the property unless you are "someone," let alone the beach, The Sarann resort below the lookout point in Chaweng Noi with it's illegally reclaimed frontage (remember the protest banners?) and sand is roped off to corral business in Chaweng, to name but a few.

The question is: "Officially," who cares? By that I mean who cares enough to actually do anything about it?

Every time I see a photo of the smiling mayor of Samui, I think, "Do you really have no idea what's going on around the island regarding illegal structures, illegal development, even illegal speed bumps on public roads?" He's clearly "our man at the top" for Samui locals who need to get things done...either that or he doesn't get out much.

But take the Ark Bar situation; who do you go to, to get action when you can't walk across the king's frontage on their property because of sun beds and constructions? Answer? No one.

You'd think people like the owners of Ark Bar would have a little more respect for the king than to wantonly disregard the one small concession that is asked by the royal family of beachfront owners regarding public access to the beach.

and have you seen the mayors resort??? .....

Ark Bar does allow public access to the beach by allowing the general public to walk through the Ark Bar property and onto the beach. I am unaware of any other hotel in the area that allows this. Do you know of any?

The temporary and portable banners are only erected at night time, twice a week, for a few hours. A simple pole into the sand (the same as a beach umbrella) and then removed at closing time.

How does this action imply that the owners disrespect the Royal Family of Thailand? Does this also imply that all beach and sun lovers who put a towel onto the beach or an umbrella into the sand are also guilty of disrespect?

Saw this at the entrance today, the beach is emptied out, waves are crashing in.

I do not agree with a lot of things that some bars get up to, but this sign seems fair enough to me.

Pretty daam rude to buy a drink in one place and then take it somewhere else because the other place 'might be more fun'.

Plenty more bars in Soi Green mango have a similar policy and won't allow entrance with drinks purchased outside.

Don´t you think its a little different not allowing other drinks to enter your bar, to not allowing them on a public beach??

Ark Bar has never stopped anyone from taking drinks to the beach.

Ark Bar in fact, has been one of very few hotels in Chaweng to allow public walk through access to the beach.

Interesting how it is possible for some to post in different colours (an option provided in the tool bar above) while It is not ok for others.

I am not like the rest of you. I do not hide behind an alias.

So is ysamui your first name or family name? How do you actually pronounce that?

The point is that the regulations about beachfront land have nothing to do with what is there or for what purpose. Fire show, charity drive, dancing monkeys, signs about entry....no matter. You shouldn't be erecting anything on the beach, period, unless it's a one-off sort of thing, which I believe does not break the spirit of the law.

By the way, I came to Thailand because of the famous Ark Bar. If not for the Ark Bar, I'd probably have settled in Bora Bora.

...What's wrong with a little color in your writing? Doesn't bother me... : )

On numerous occasions I have told all that my name is Terry and I am the manager of Ark Bar

How about using the same colour when you post ysamui as the rest of us?

Cheers.

Because, thank Buddha, I am not like the rest of you. I do not hide behind an alias. And I tell the truth. I do not have the time to make up gossip or stories. I am now starting to realise how lucky I am.

I have changed TEXT colour. Simple Forum Netiquette to use standard required format.

Thank you.

Rooo.

As for blocking Chaweng Beach: What about 2 beach towels laid side by side, do they not also block the beach?

Do the beach towels help provide entertainment to hundreds of people every week or help pay the wages of local Thai workers?

A little bit different then sun chairs, or very large banners don't you say?As for providing wages for Thai workers lol, sorry forgot about the huge profit margins.

I am so glad we have you, Samui's economy would be in shambles without your contributions.

I am very sorry, I miss your point. Why exactly is the 2 moveable platforms in the water, not blocking anyone, worse than the 2 beach towels on the sand blocking the walkway? Or maybe it is just a little bit of jealousy that is actually blocking the way?

Your property stops at you boundary lines. No permanent structure 10 metres back from boundary line bordering the beach.

Beach is the beach, you have no rights of encroachment , high or low tide marks have nothing to do with it.

Laudable or legal as this might be, many resorts have markers on the beach (sometimes heavy anchor rope on the ground) designating "their private" sand area. I can think of one in Chaweng like this. The beach-bed encroachment is not only against the restriction of the 10 meters of beach being "crown lands," but an eyesore as well.

A resort in Lamai has an illegal floating dock, up in Maenam a big waterfront lot is fenced off, Banyon Tree in Lamai will not allow you to even enter the property unless you are "someone," let alone the beach, The Sarann resort below the lookout point in Chaweng Noi with it's illegally reclaimed frontage (remember the protest banners?) and sand is roped off to corral business in Chaweng, to name but a few.

The question is: "Officially," who cares? By that I mean who cares enough to actually do anything about it?

Every time I see a photo of the smiling mayor of Samui, I think, "Do you really have no idea what's going on around the island regarding illegal structures, illegal development, even illegal speed bumps on public roads?" He's clearly "our man at the top" for Samui locals who need to get things done...either that or he doesn't get out much.

But take the Ark Bar situation; who do you go to, to get action when you can't walk across the king's frontage on their property because of sun beds and constructions? Answer? No one.

You'd think people like the owners of Ark Bar would have a little more respect for the king than to wantonly disregard the one small concession that is asked by the royal family of beachfront owners regarding public access to the beach.

and have you seen the mayors resort??? .....

I think it is "crossing the line" to say that the owners do not respect the Royal Family.

Do you know what written, paid and officially signed permits Ark Bar or any other beach front hotel has to be permitted to put moveable furniture on the beach?

Has anyone heard the old saying; "any publicity is good publicity"?

Maybe this entire post is a scam?

A scam to get free advertising?

Did anyone think of that?

The 2 temporary tables/platforms are 2 metres in length. A total of 4 metres in the water for 4-5 hours twice a week.

They are platforms for Thai fire-show performers. That's correct, Thai (we are in Thailand) staff, who get paid by Ark Bar to entertain hundreds of tourists 2 nights per week.

Many of these tourists make the decision to come to Koh Samui based on the popularity of Ark Bar.

While these tourists are in Samui, they spend money in hundreds of different shops and locations. Maybe some money is spent where your wife, girlfriend or next door neighbour works. This expenditure may even help to pay her salary.

As for blocking Chaweng Beach: What about 2 beach towels laid side by side, do they not also block the beach?

Do the beach towels help provide entertainment to hundreds of people every week or help pay the wages of local Thai workers?

I've heard about the Booze Bus.

You must be the new "Best Friend" of all the smaller Bar owners in the areas outside of Chaweng,

Where does the Booze Bus go to?

I saw it in Bangrak and Fisherman's Village recently.

It seems like a great way to get tourists out of Chaweng and spend some money elsewhere.

I would not want to miss out on seeing real Thai village life

Can be arranged. as i said we need some feedback on what people want. As beeing scandinavian im doing a poll on scandis as well and party, sun and bath is higher then anything else. Dont want to many options in the niche traveling. so only th one that will popular. but then also if anyone want an custom trip. we do it for them.

But the whole idea is that te vacation is hassel-free. everything is already paid for and never ever be scammed again for example paying "Falang"-prices..

Tnx everyone!

put in a video with the boozebus

Booze Bus

Notime,

I think you have a wealthy career in local government and politics ahead of you!

When you get to the top... make sure you remember the one who got you started !!

I have a better idea: let's change the direction of traffic every day. That would make sure the businesses can get straightforward supplies every second day and everybody else is totally confused as they should be. Maybe there would be some money to be made out of this? Like extra 100 THB taxi surcharge to avoid dead bodies in the road. Or police fees for road users changing the direction too early or too late.

You are right. The pedestrians do appear to walk in circles, zig zag, backwards and in a daze all at once........

But, no, he was talking about the cars and bikes.

Really?! Thought that the one-way system is always a two-ways system, and in both sides.....no?

Are you talking about pedetrians?

Warning - The following is a "rumour only".

I heard from a source, unfortunately not a very reliable one, that the one-way system along Beach Road in Chaweng will be changing direction.

It currently starts at the Northern end and is one-way in a Southern direction.

The change will obviously mean from the South to the North.

He also told me that the start and begining of the one-way section will most likely remain at the existing locations.

The change is due to be an annual event. And is due to many compaints by businesses that say their decline in customers coincides with the change from the old two-way road to the one-way system.

I stress, i heard this rumour only once, and from a source that at times "would have trouble finding his rear using both his hands".

Can anyone confirm, deny or further explore this rumour?

Australia Day is looming, only 6 days to go.

I need to confess that I am an Australian, albeit an older one... lol.

During the Christmas and New Year period i was shocked by the behaviour of many young Aussies in Samui.

I had always believed that the rough and ready Aussie tourist belief was totally exaggerated. WOW!!!.. was i wrong!!

Both of the sexes behaved in the most vulgar, rude and drunken ways i have ever seen.

They treated Thailand, it's people and anyone in sight in ways that made me ashamed of my birthplace.

I hope that what i witnessed was a once only and that this Wednesday order in my mind and the world will be restored.